Accessing Mental Health Services in Australia

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet many Australians are unsure how to access mental health services. The good news is that Australia has a range of support options available, many of which are subsidised by Medicare. This guide will help you understand the pathways to mental health care and how to access the support you need.

Starting with Your GP

For most people, the first step to accessing mental health support is visiting a general practitioner. GPs are trained to assess mental health conditions and can provide initial treatment, medication if appropriate, and referrals to mental health specialists.

When you visit your GP about mental health concerns, be as open as possible about what you are experiencing. This might include:

• Changes in mood or emotions
• Sleep difficulties
• Changes in appetite or energy levels
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of anxiety, worry, or panic
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

GP Mental Health Treatment Plans

If your GP determines that you would benefit from psychological treatment, they can create a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. This plan allows you to access Medicare rebates for sessions with eligible mental health professionals, including:

• Psychologists
• Clinical psychologists
• Social workers with mental health qualifications
• Occupational therapists with mental health qualifications

Under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. This includes up to 10 group therapy sessions if appropriate. Your GP will review your plan and your progress throughout your treatment.

Finding a Psychologist

Psychologists provide talk therapies to help you understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. There are different types of psychologists:

• General psychologists: Provide assessment and treatment for a range of mental health issues
• Clinical psychologists: Have additional training in complex mental health conditions and may provide different Medicare rebates

When choosing a psychologist, consider:

• Their areas of specialisation (anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.)
• The therapeutic approaches they use (CBT, ACT, EMDR, etc.)
• Location and availability
• Whether they offer bulk billing or what gap payment you will need to pay
• Whether you have a preference for the gender of your psychologist

Understanding Medicare Rebates

With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare provides rebates for psychology sessions. However, there is often a gap between the Medicare rebate and the psychologist's fee. This gap payment varies depending on the provider:

• Some psychologists bulk bill, meaning you pay nothing
• Many charge a fee above the Medicare rebate, leaving you with a gap payment
• Gap payments can range from $20 to $150 or more per session

If cost is a concern, ask about bulk billing when booking, or enquire whether reduced fees are available for those experiencing financial hardship.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide therapy. To see a psychiatrist, you typically need a referral from your GP.

Medicare provides rebates for psychiatrist consultations, though gap payments may apply. Psychiatrists often work with psychologists, with the psychiatrist managing medication while the psychologist provides regular therapy sessions.

Community Mental Health Services

Each state and territory operates public mental health services that provide free care for people with more serious mental health conditions. These services include:

• Crisis assessment and treatment teams
• Community mental health centres
• Inpatient psychiatric units in public hospitals
• Early intervention programs

Access to public mental health services is usually through referral from your GP or emergency department, or by calling your local mental health service directly.

Headspace for Young People

Headspace centres across Australia provide mental health support specifically for young people aged 12 to 25. Services include counselling, general health support, and assistance with work and study. Many Headspace services are free or low cost.

Online and Phone Support

Several services provide mental health support via phone, online chat, or video:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 - Crisis support and suicide prevention
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - Anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 - Support for young people aged 5-25
• MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 - Support for men
• SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 - Support for complex mental health issues

Many of these services also offer online chat and email support for those who prefer not to use the phone.

Workplace Mental Health

Many Australian workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide free, confidential counselling sessions to employees and their families. Check with your employer or HR department to see if this service is available to you.

Taking the First Step

Seeking help for mental health can feel daunting, but it is an important step towards feeling better. Start by making an appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns. Use our GP directory to find a doctor near you, and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.