Who We Help
At Gut Feeling, we work with individuals presenting with complex, overlapping psychological and physical health concerns that require more than a standard approach. This includes anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, chronic stress, and emotional dysregulation, particularly where these occur alongside gastrointestinal symptoms, immune dysfunction, or chronic conditions such as Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance.
Our clinic is specifically designed for those who have not found clear answers elsewhere, or whose symptoms do not fit neatly within a single diagnosis. Many of our patients recognise that their mental health, gut function, and immune system are interconnected, but have not previously had access to a service capable of assessing this in a rigorous and integrated way. Under the direction of Dr Linda Thomas, Gut Feeling is one of the few clinics in Australia offering a specialised gut–brain–immune axis approach. This positions the practice at the forefront of a rapidly evolving area of clinical science, providing patients with a level of insight and precision not typically available in routine care.
How the Consultation Works
Consultations at Gut Feeling are structured to deliver a high level of diagnostic clarity. A defining feature of the service is the integration of comprehensive psychological testing with gut microbiome testing, allowing for simultaneous assessment of brain, behaviour, and biology. Psychological assessment provides detailed insight into cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning, while microbiome analysis offers objective data on gut composition and its potential role in inflammation, mood, and cognitive processes. This combined methodology enables a formulation that is both clinically and biologically informed.
Where indicated, treatment may include targeted psychological intervention alongside personalised probiotic prescribing, based on individual microbiome profiles rather than generic recommendations. We work closely with your GP and other allied health providers to ensure that findings are translated into coordinated, practical care. The emphasis is not only on identifying what is contributing to your presentation, but on developing strategies that are actionable, effective, and sustainable.
Investment & Fees: The initial consultation fee is $295. Medicare rebates are also available for Mental Health Care Plans, Eating Disorders Treatment Plans, or Chronic Condition Management Plans from your GP. Fees for services through NDIS or Workcover will be funded by the insurer as per approved or gazetted rates. Please note Gut Feeling is not a bulk billing practice.
What Happens in the First Session
The first session is a comprehensive clinical assessment designed to establish a clear and defensible understanding of your presentation. The focus is on identifying patterns across psychological functioning, gut health, immune activity, and relevant life factors. This includes a detailed clinical interview covering mood, cognition, behaviour, gastrointestinal symptoms, and medical history, including conditions such as Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance.
Consideration is also given to whether formal psychological testing or microbiome testing is required to further clarify underlying mechanisms. The process is structured and thorough, with the goal of moving beyond description of symptoms toward explanation. By the end of the session, an initial formulation is established and a clear plan for next steps is outlined, ensuring that assessment leads directly into targeted intervention.
How to Begin
Appointments can be arranged via direct contact with the clinic or through referral from a GP or other healthcare provider. A GP referral is recommended for those seeking access to Medicare rebates, particularly in the context of co-occurring medical conditions such as Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance, though it is not required to commence care. Following your enquiry, our team will guide you through clinician allocation, appointment scheduling, and any necessary administrative steps.
Gut Feeling offers a level of assessment and integration that is distinct within the Australian landscape. The focus from the outset is on delivering clarity, clinical accuracy, and practical direction, so that patients are not left managing symptoms in isolation, but are supported with a clear, evidence-informed pathway forward.