FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the things patients ask us most. If you can't find what you're looking for, call us on (07) 4041 5555 or send us a message.

Getting Started

Do I need a referral to visit Sohma House?

No. You can book directly — no GP referral is required for most of our services. If a referral would help with Medicare rebates for your specific consultation, we'll let you know when you book.

Who is Sohma House for?

Anyone looking for a different approach to their health. Many of our patients come to us with complex or chronic conditions — chronic pain, autoimmune issues, hormonal imbalances, fatigue — often after feeling unheard or bounced between specialists. But you don't need to be in crisis to come here. We also see people who simply want more thorough, integrated care than the standard 15-minute GP appointment allows.

I've never tried integrative or plant-based medicine. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Most of our patients haven't. We'll explain everything in plain language, walk you through the evidence behind any recommendation, and never pressure you into something you're not comfortable with. Your first appointment is a conversation, not a commitment.

Can I come to Sohma House if I'm already seeing a GP or specialist?

Yes, and we encourage it. We work alongside your existing care team, not instead of them. With your consent, we'll communicate directly with your GP and specialists to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Is Sohma House a cannabis clinic?

Cannabis medicine is one of our specialities, but we're a full-scope integrative medical clinic. Our services include women's health, hormone therapy, herbal medicine, infusion therapy, physiotherapy, breathwork, and more. Cannabis therapeutics are recommended only when clinically appropriate — it's one tool in a much larger kit.

Booking & Preparation

How do I book an appointment?

You can book online through our website, call us on (07) 4041 5555 during business hours, or send us a message through our contact page. If you're not sure which practitioner or service is right for you, our reception team can help.

What happens after I book?

We'll send you a confirmation email with a short intake form and a secure link to upload any relevant medical records — blood work, imaging, specialist letters. Completing these before your appointment means we can spend your consultation time on conversation, not paperwork.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Any medical records, pathology results, imaging, or medication lists you have. If you don't have anything organised, that's completely fine. We'll work with what's available. Also bring your Medicare card, any health fund or DVA card, and a list of current medications and supplements.

How long is the first appointment?

Initial consultations are 60 minutes. We don't rush. You'll have time to share your full history, ask questions, and leave with a clear picture of next steps.

Can I request a specific practitioner?

Yes. When booking, you can choose your practitioner. If you're unsure who's the best fit, call us and our team will match you based on your needs.

Fees, Medicare & Payment

How much does a consultation cost?

Initial consultations are $295 (60 minutes). Follow-up appointments are $165 (30 minutes). Extended reviews for complex cases are $395 (90 minutes). We always confirm your out-of-pocket cost before your appointment so there are no surprises.

Do you bulk bill?

We do not bulk bill. However, Medicare rebates may apply for eligible consultations, which reduces your out-of-pocket cost. We'll advise you on this when you book.

Can I claim through my private health fund?

Yes. We can process health fund claims on-site for services covered under extras — including naturopathy, physiotherapy, and herbal medicine. Coverage varies by fund and plan level. Check with your insurer or ask us when you book and we'll help you find out.

Do you accept DVA patients?

Yes. DVA Gold and White card holders are welcome. Please mention your DVA status when booking so we can arrange the paperwork in advance.

Are there concession rates?

Concession rates are available for Healthcare Card and Pension Card holders. Let us know when you book and we'll confirm the adjusted fee.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX), and EFTPOS. Payment is taken at the time of your appointment.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee, as that time was reserved specifically for you.

Your Visit

Where are you located?

17 Anderson St, Manunda QLD 4870 — about 5 minutes from the Cairns CBD, near Cairns Private Hospital.

Is there parking?

Yes. Free on-site parking is available, including accessible bays. No meters, no time limits.

What are your opening hours?

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm. Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.

Is the clinic wheelchair accessible?

Yes. We're a ground-floor clinic with step-free entry, accessible parking, and an accessible restroom. If you have specific access needs, call ahead and we'll make sure everything is ready.

What should I expect during my first visit?

A calm, unhurried experience. You'll be greeted by our reception team, offered a drink, and shown to a comfortable consultation room. Your practitioner will spend the full appointment listening to your history, asking questions, and beginning to build a picture of your health. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what's going on and what the recommended next steps are.

Will I get a treatment plan at my first appointment?

In most cases, yes — at least an initial one. Some complex cases may require further testing or investigation before a full plan is finalised, but you'll always leave your first appointment knowing what's happening next.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. Telehealth consultations are available for follow-up appointments and for patients who are unable to attend in person. Initial consultations are preferred in person wherever possible. Ask when booking if telehealth is an option for your situation.

Cannabis Medicine

How does cannabis medicine work at Sohma House?

We use evidence-based cannabinoid therapy — personalised to your condition, your body, and your goals. This involves a thorough assessment, a tailored prescription if clinically appropriate, and ongoing monitoring. We don't operate a "prescription mill" — cannabis is recommended only when it's the right fit.

Do I need a referral or special approval for cannabis medicine?

No GP referral is needed to see us. If a TGA Special Access Scheme application is required for your prescription, we handle that process for you.

Is medicinal cannabis legal in Australia?

Yes. Medicinal cannabis has been legal in Australia since 2016 under the TGA's Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber pathways. Our practitioners are authorised to prescribe within these frameworks.

What conditions can cannabis medicine help with?

Common conditions include chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, chemotherapy-related nausea, epilepsy, and certain neurological conditions. Suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis during your consultation.

Will cannabis medicine make me "high"?

Not necessarily. Medicinal cannabis products are formulated in specific ratios of cannabinoids (including CBD and THC) tailored to your condition. Many protocols use little or no THC. Your practitioner will explain what to expect from your specific formulation.

Women's Health & Hormones

What women's health services do you offer?

We provide comprehensive hormonal care across all life stages — including PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid conditions, perimenopause, menopause, and fertility support. Our approach focuses on root-cause investigation rather than symptom suppression.

Do you prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Yes, where clinically appropriate. We offer both conventional and bioidentical hormone therapy options, always tailored to your individual needs and monitored over time.

Can I see someone for period problems or hormonal acne?

Yes. These are common presentations and often point to underlying hormonal imbalances that can be thoroughly investigated and treated.

Infusion Therapy

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy delivers nutrients, vitamins, and minerals directly into the bloodstream via an IV drip. This bypasses the digestive system and allows for higher absorption. We use it for fatigue, immune support, recovery, and specific deficiency states.

Is infusion therapy safe?

Yes, when administered by trained clinical staff in an appropriate setting. All infusions at Sohma House are prescribed by a qualified practitioner and administered by registered nurses.

How long does an infusion session take?

Most sessions take between 30 and 60 minutes. You'll be in a comfortable chair and can read, rest, or use your phone during the session.

Herbal Medicine

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine uses plant-based preparations — tinctures, teas, capsules, and topical applications — to treat and support health conditions. Our herbalists combine traditional knowledge with contemporary evidence to create personalised formulations.

Is herbal medicine safe alongside my existing medications?

Herb-drug interactions are real and we take them seriously. Your practitioner will review all current medications and supplements before prescribing any herbal treatment to ensure safety.

Physiotherapy

What kind of physiotherapy do you offer?

Our approach combines hands-on manual therapy with movement retraining, pain neuroscience education, and exercise prescription. We treat musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, post-surgical rehabilitation, and movement dysfunction.

Do I need a referral for physiotherapy?

No referral is needed to see our physiotherapist. You can book directly.

Psychedelic Integration

What is psychedelic integration?

Integration is the process of making sense of and grounding insights from psychedelic experiences — whether from clinical treatment, ceremony, or personal exploration. It's not psychedelic-assisted therapy itself. It's structured therapeutic support for what comes after.

Do you provide psychedelic substances?

No. Sohma House does not administer psychedelic substances. We provide integration support — a safe, non-judgmental space to process your experience with a trained practitioner.

Is psychedelic integration therapy or counselling?

It's a therapeutic process, but it's distinct from general counselling. It's specifically designed to help you understand, embody, and apply what emerged during a psychedelic experience, particularly when that experience was intense, confusing, or difficult to integrate alone.

Community & Workshops

Do I need to be a patient to attend workshops or yoga?

No. Community programs are open to everyone — you don't need to be an existing patient. They're a great way to explore what Sohma House is about without booking a clinical appointment.

What kind of workshops do you run?

Group workshops cover topics like stress and nervous system regulation, nutrition for chronic conditions, breath and movement practices, and introductions to plant-based medicine. Check our events page for the current schedule.

Do you offer yoga classes?

Yes. We offer yoga classes suitable for a range of abilities, with an emphasis on reconnecting with your body rather than performance or flexibility. Class times are listed on our events page.

What is the podcast studio?

Sohma House has an in-clinic podcast studio available for hire. It's designed for health practitioners, researchers, and community voices who have something worth sharing. Contact us for rates and availability.

The Institute

What is the Sohma House Institute?

The Institute is our training and mentorship arm — designed for health practitioners who want to practise differently. We offer clinical training, mentorship for early-career practitioners, practice design consulting, and licensing of the Coherence Model operational framework.

Who is practitioner training for?

Qualified health practitioners — GPs, naturopaths, herbalists, physiotherapists, psychologists, nurses — who want to develop skills in integrative, relational, or complex care. You don't need to be in a specific discipline.

What is the Coherence Model?

The Coherence Model is Sohma House's operational blueprint for running a multi-disciplinary integrative clinic — covering patient flow, case conferencing, team coordination, and sustainable business design. It's available for licensing by other clinics.

Can I do a clinical placement at Sohma House?

We offer mentorship and supervised practice for selected practitioners. Contact the Institute directly to discuss your situation.

Privacy & Admin

How do you handle my personal information?

All patient information is stored securely in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act and the Privacy (Australian Government Agencies — Governance) APP Code. We never share your information with third parties without your explicit consent. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.

Can I access my medical records?

Yes. You have the right to access your records at any time. Contact the clinic and we'll arrange it.

Can someone else book on my behalf?

Yes, with the patient's consent. Parents and guardians can book for minors. For adult patients, we'll need verbal or written confirmation from the patient before sharing any clinical information.

Still Have Questions?

Call us on (07) 4041 5555, email hello@sohma.house, or send us a message through our contact page.

Get In Touch