Find a mental health professional

General practitioners / doctors (GPs) 

Going to the doctor for mental health is often the best starting point for someone seeking professional help. 

A GP can: 

• diagnose anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions 
• talk to you about treatment options and prescribe medication
• refer you to another mental health professional such as a psychiatrist
• write a mental health treatment plan so you can get Medicare rebates.
  

Finding a GP 

It’s best to go to your regular GP. If you don’t have a GP you can find one near you using healthdirect's National Health Services Directory. 

Read our tips for Finding a GP that can help with mental health issues.

Planning your first appointment 

To make sure you’ve got plenty of time to talk without feeling rushed:

• When you book – ask for a longer or double appointment to talk about depression or anxiety. 
• Before your appointment - read our article on Questions to ask your health professional.
• At your appointment - talk about your mental health concerns at the start of the appointment. 

You and your GP may decide to have follow up appointments to check on your progress.

Psychologists 

Psychologists diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Treatments may include:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – changing the way you think (cognitive) and act (behavioural).
• problem-solving therapy – learning to manage everyday difficulties.
• interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) – improving relationships to improve your mental health.
• mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) – group-based mindfulness meditation to avoid negative thoughts and feelings.
  

Finding a psychologist 

You don't need a referral from a GP to see a psychologist, but you will need a referral to claim a Medicare rebate.

You can also search for your own psychologist and request a referral to a particular person from your GP.

To find a qualified psychologist near you use the Australian Psychological Society’s directory.

Rebates 

Medicare rebates are available for individual or group sessions with psychologists. You'll need a mental health treatment plan (a referral) from a GP to claim rebates from Medicare. 

If you have private health insurance and extras cover, you may be able to claim part of a psychologist's fee. Contact your health fund to check. 

The Australian Psychological Society has more information about costs and rebates: How much does seeing a psychologist cost?

Psychiatrists

Psychiatric doctors (psychiatrists) are doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They can make medical and psychiatric assessments and also prescribe medication. 

They often use psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). 

A GP may refer you to a psychiatrist if your anxiety or depression: 

• is more severe 
• is associated with a high risk of self-harm or suicide 
• continues for a long time, or continues to come back 
• hasn’t responded to treatment. 
  

Finding a psychiatrist

You'll need a referral from a GP to see a psychiatrist and to claim rebates through Medicare. 
To find a psychiatrist near you, you can:

• ask your GP
• use healthdirect's National Health Services Directory
• use the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' directory (this is an opt-in directory which may not list all psychiatrists in Australia).
  

Accredited mental health social workers

Accredited mental health social workers can treat mental health conditions. This includes anxiety and depression. Treatments include:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – changing the way you think (cognitive) and act (behavioural).
• interpersonal therapy (IPT) – improving relationships to improve your mental health.
• training for relaxation and interpersonal skills.

You don’t need a referral to see an accredited mental health social worker, but you’ll need a referral to claim a Medicare rebate.

To find an accredited mental health social worker near you use the Australian Association of Social Workers directory.

Mental health occupational therapists

Mental health occupational therapists help people with anxiety and depression take part in everyday activities. They give support for:

• self-care – such as showering, dressing or preparing food
• getting back to work – such as education, paid work or volunteering
• connecting with others – such as making friends or joining a community group.

You don’t need a referral to see a mental health occupational therapist, but you’ll need a referral from a GP to get a Medicare rebate.

To find a qualified occupational therapist near you use Occupational Therapy Australia’s directory.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers understand the health issues of First Nations Peoples. They know what’s needed to provide culturally safe and accessible services.  

Support can include:

• screening, assessment, referrals and case management
• transport to and attendance at specialist appointments
• education and advocacy
• counselling and support for family and acute distress response.

Find support near you at Helpful contacts and websites for First Nations Peoples.

Crisis Assessment or Acute Treatment teams

Crisis Assessment or Acute Treatment teams provide emergency psychiatric care in the community. They're sometimes called CAT teams.

If you’re experiencing a crisis, you can be assessed and treated in the community. However, if you’re a potential danger to yourself or others, you’ll be admitted to hospital. 

You can contact a CAT team by calling the local hospital or community mental health services.

Related information

• Get free mental health support - information about Beyond Blue’s support services
• Mental health check-in – complete the check-in and print your results for your records or to give to your GP