A new standard in healthcare: informed, compassionate and grounded in connection.

patient info

Carlton Specialists brings mental health and medical care together under one roof, so patients get expert, coordinated support without delays or fragmentation.

Psychiatry

ADHD

ADHD

Autism

Autism

Bipolar

Bipolar

Major Depression

Major Depression

PTSD

PTSD

Substance Dependency

Substance Dependency

Anxiety

Anxiety
Gastroenterology

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome

Women’s digestive health

Women’s digestive health

Gastrointestinal cancer screening

Gastrointestinal cancer screening

Iron deficiency anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder & other oesophageal disorders

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder & other oesophageal disorders

Chronic constipation/diarrhoea

Chronic constipation/diarrhoea

Bloating & abdominal pain

Bloating & abdominal pain

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease

Liver diseases

Liver diseases

Because mental and physical health are inseparable, we treat the whole person, not just the symptom.

With over 20 years of combined expertise plus the use state-of-the-art technology, allows us to deliver more comprehensive care than many narrowly focused practitioners, combining innovation, clinical excellence, and practical solutions tailored to your needs.

Consult 3, Carlton Specialists

We're a boutique practice where complexity is welcomed, time is protected, and every patient matters. You won't be seeing 'the first available clinician' — you will be seeing your specialist, collaborating with them to make sense of your symptoms, demystify the causes, and find the treatment approach that's right for you.

DOCTORS
Consult 3, Carlton Specialists

At Carlton Specialists, we’re proud to offer a fully accessible practice, including step-free access and accessible restrooms.

179 Grattan St, Carlton

Where do I park?

How do I get there via public transport?

Do you bulk bill?

Do you accept third party claims (e.g., WorkCover, TAC, DVA)?

Do I need a referral to see a Specialist?

Is there disabled access?

What is the process for booking an appointment?

Can I use Private Health Insurance?

How soon can I get an appointment?

Where do I park?

Street parking is available nearby, including metered and time-limited spaces. Please check signage for details.

Where applicable, paid street parking can be accessed using the EasyPark app.

Secure paid car parks are located within walking distance of the clinic, including:

  • Ace Parking: 96 Grattan Street
  • Nearby university car parks

How do I get there via public transport?

Metro Train: Parkville Station (Grattan Street exit) is a short walk from the clinic.

Tram: The closest tram stop is Melbourne University / Swanston Street Stop #1, located just a few minutes’ walk away.

Bus: The nearest bus stop is Melbourne University / Grattan Street, also within easy walking distance. For real-time directions, we recommend using the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Journey Planner or the Moovit app to plan your route.

Do you bulk bill?

No. Carlton Specialists is a private fee-paying practice.

Do you accept third party claims (e.g., WorkCover, TAC, DVA)?

Carlton Specialists does not accept third party funding arrangements, including WorkCover, TAC or DVA.

Patients are welcome to attend privately with a valid referral. However, payment is required at the time of consultation and we are unable to liaise directly with third party insurers.

Do I need a referral to see a Specialist?

Yes. A valid referral is required to see our specialists.

For appointments with Dr Nicholas Hughes:

  • Your referral must be addressed to Dr Nicholas Hughes.
  •  Referrals are valid for 12 months from your first appointment date, unless your GP has clearly stated it is an indefinite referral.
  •  If you have not seen Dr Hughes for more than 12 months, a new referral is required, even if your previous referral was marked as indefinite.

For appointments with Dr Grace Lovett:

  • A valid referral addressed to Dr Grace Lovett” or “Gastroenterologist” is required prior to your appointment.
  • For all bookings for Dr Grace Lovett, please contact our Clinical Support Team.

Is there disabled access?

Yes. Carlton Specialists has disabled access, including elevator access within the building.

What is the process for booking an appointment?

For appointments with Dr Nicholas Hughes:

Appointments can be requested via Healthengine. If you are a new patient, please ensure you have made contact with our Clinical Support Team prior to booking so we can confirm your referral is valid and correctly addressed.

For appointments with Dr Grace Lovett:

Appointments can be arranged by contacting our clinic directly. Please call our Clinical Support Team or email us with a copy of your referral attached so we can review and offer appropriate appointment options.

Can I use Private Health Insurance?

For appointments with Dr Nicholas Hughes:

No. Private health insurance does not generally provide cover for outpatient psychiatry appointments, including consultations with Dr Nicholas Hughes. You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if you have a valid referral from your GP or another specialist.

For appointments with Dr Grace Lovett:

Consultations with Dr Grace Lovett are not covered by private health insurance. However, if Dr Lovett recommends an endoscopic procedure performed at Epworth Freemasons Private Hospital, your private health insurance may provide cover for some hospital and procedure costs.

Procedure item numbers can be provided prior to your procedure so that you can confirm your level of cover directly with your insurer.

How soon can I get an appointment?

Dr Nicholas Hughes currently has an approximate wait time of 4 months for new patient appointments. Existing patients may be offered earlier review appointments depending on availability.

Dr Grace Lovett is currently accepting new patient referrals, with appointments available from April 2026.