Get a Mental Health Medical Certificate Online in Australia
A GP-reviewed medical certificate for short-term mental health leave — for stress, burnout, or a mental health day when you need one. Reviewed within 24 hours and delivered to your inbox.
- Same GP every time — Dr Rupinder Singh Walia, FRACGP
- Your diagnosis stays private
- GP-reviewed evidence for Australian workplaces
- 100% online — no clinic visit
Simple online form. No clinic visit required.
The short answer
DoctorsNote specialises in medical certificates. When you need one for a mental health day — that’s what we do, and we do it well.
Apply online. Dr Walia reviews your application — the same AHPRA-registered GP every time. If approved, your certificate is delivered to your inbox within 24 hours and can be provided to your employer as medical evidence.
For ongoing mental health treatment, your regular GP is the right place. If you need return to work clearance after your leave, we can issue that too. We handle the certificate — they handle the care.
What Fair Work Australia says about mental health leave
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, paid personal leave may be used when an employee cannot work because of a personal illness or injury, including a mental health condition.
If you’re unfit for work because of stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, or a short-term mental health issue — you’re entitled to take paid personal leave, the same as you would for the flu. Your employer may ask for evidence. A medical certificate from a registered GP is evidence.
You don’t need to disclose your diagnosis. The certificate states you were unfit for work during specific dates. Nothing more.
Your entitlements as an Australian employee
If you’re a permanent employee:
- You accrue 10 days of paid personal/carer’s leave per year (pro rata for part-time)
- This leave applies to mental illness and physical illness equally
- Unused leave rolls over to the next year
- Your employer may request reasonable evidence — a medical certificate is one accepted type of evidence
If you’re a casual employee:
- Casual employees do not receive paid sick leave under the National Employment Standards
- A medical certificate can still provide evidence of illness, subject to workplace requirements
Can your employer reject a mental health medical certificate?
An employer should not reject evidence merely because the underlying condition concerns mental health. However, employers can ask for evidence that would convince a reasonable person that the employee was genuinely entitled to leave.
A medical certificate is one recognised form of evidence. A workplace policy, award or registered agreement may set additional reasonable notice or evidence requirements.
Read the current standard at the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Why Australian patients choose DoctorsNote
Same GP every time
Dr Walia — AHPRA-registered, 28 years of clinical practice — reviews every application personally.
Within 24 hours
No waiting room, no appointment to book, no “we’ll call you back.”
Verifiable evidence
GP-reviewed evidence with a QR code employers can use to confirm authenticity.
Legitimate scope
Short-term mental health leave for work, university, or carer’s responsibilities.
Flat $29.95
No tiers, no upsells, no “premium processing” extras.
Privacy Act compliant
Your application and diagnosis stay private. Certificate shows dates only.
What your certificate looks like
- Named, AHPRA-registered doctor — signed by Dr Rupinder Singh Walia, FRACGP (MED0001647256).
- No diagnosis shown — it confirms you’re unfit for work and the dates, nothing more.
- Unique reference + QR code — your employer verifies it instantly at doctorsnote.com.au/verify.
- Professional PDF within 24 hours — delivered straight to your inbox.
Frequently asked questions about mental health certificates
Does my employer have to accept a mental health certificate?
A mental health condition can support personal leave when it makes you unfit for work. A GP-issued medical certificate is a recognised form of evidence, but Fair Work requires evidence that would convince a reasonable person and workplace policies or agreements may set reasonable requirements. An employer should not reject evidence simply because the condition concerns mental health.
Will my diagnosis be on the certificate?
No. The certificate states you are unfit for work and the dates covered. Your specific condition is not disclosed unless you explicitly consent to its inclusion.
Can I get a mental health certificate on my break swing?
Yes. If your mental health is affecting your ability to return to site, you can apply for a certificate from your break location. The reviewing GP will assess your situation and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate.
How much does it cost?
$29.95 flat fee. Reviewed within 24 hours by an AHPRA-registered GP.
Get Certificate — $29.95
Apply online. Reviewed within 24 hours by an AHPRA-registered GP. Delivered to your inbox.
Get Certificate — $29.95For ongoing mental health treatment, your regular GP is the right place. For the certificate you need today — apply above.
If you’re in crisis or need urgent medical advice
Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
Information on this page reflects general Fair Work Act principles. Specific entitlements may vary based on your employment agreement, enterprise agreement, or state/territory legislation. Consult the Fair Work Ombudsman for individual advice.