Mackay Youth Clinic
- Comprehensive Family Medical Care
- Experienced Doctors
- Conveniently Located
New Patients Welcome
For urgent support outside of office hours, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
If you are in need of immediate assistance, please reach out to emergency services on 000.
Keep It Confidential
20+
Years
Experience.
Dr Rachel Bidgood offers comprehensive, confidential and caring services for young people in Mackay. Dr Rachel is able to talk to you about a range of issues, including sexual and mental health concerns.
The youth clinic is open for 12-21 year olds on Thursday afternoons from 3-5pm. At the start of your consultation, the GP will discuss your confidentiality rights to ensure your privacy. You can choose to see the GP on your own, or you can come with a family member, a guardian or a friend.
Youth Clinic Consultations
You can discuss with your GP any reproductive or mental health concerns you may have during your consultation. From contraceptive options, sexual health concerns to advice on drug and alcohol use, your GP will be more than happy to give you sound expert advice.
You do not have to worry about paying for anything because the youth clinic is billed through Medicare (if you hold a valid Medicare Card).
Apply for your own medicare card online.
Contact the friendly staff at One Stop Medical for more information on the services offered by Dr Bidgood at the youth clinic. Dr Bidgood prefers her youth patients to make an appointment, but will endeavour to see patients who walk into the clinic without a pre-booking appointment (if time permits.)
Why A Youth Clinic Matters
Adolescence and early adulthood are times of big changes—physically, emotionally and socially. Having access to a youth-specific clinic means young people can speak openly about their health without fear of judgment, pressure or embarrassment. It’s a space designed for honest conversations, where no question is off-limits and all concerns are taken seriously.
Whether you're looking for support with relationships, feeling overwhelmed, have questions about your body, or need a safe place to talk things through, the youth clinic provides a supportive environment where you’re treated with respect. You don’t need to have a major health concern to book in—sometimes it’s just helpful to talk with someone who listens and gives clear, unbiased advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a doctor without my parents knowing?
If you’re aged 14 or older, you can usually make your own medical decisions, including seeing a doctor, without needing parental permission—provided your GP determines you understand what’s involved. This is called being a “mature minor”. At the beginning of your consultation, the doctor will explain how confidentiality works and what it means in your situation. In most cases, what you discuss with the doctor stays private, unless there is a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s. You can also choose to bring a friend or trusted adult with you if that makes you feel more comfortable.
What kinds of things can I talk to the GP about?
The youth clinic is a safe space to talk about anything that’s on your mind—nothing is too awkward, too personal or too small to bring up. This might include issues like anxiety, feeling sad or angry, relationship stress, bullying, contraception, periods, STIs, gender identity, sexuality, drug or alcohol use, or anything else affecting your health or wellbeing. You don’t need to come in with a diagnosis or know exactly what’s wrong—just being able to talk openly is a good starting point.
Will it cost me anything to go to the youth clinic?
If you have a valid Medicare card, your youth clinic appointment is fully bulk billed—meaning you won’t need to pay anything. The cost is covered by Medicare, and there are no gap fees. If you don’t have your own card yet, you can apply for one online from the age of 15. In some cases, younger teens may still be listed on a family Medicare card. If you're not sure how it works or need help with the application, the clinic staff can talk you through it before your appointment.
