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Find a professional

Different health professionals offer different types of services and treatments for depression and anxiety. The directories below list a range of practitioners, grouped by their role and the services they provide.

If you're not sure about what you need or who's who, we've got some information on the various health practitioners and treatments available. Broadly speaking, GPs provide initial assessment, medical treatment, psychological or 'talking' therapies, and/or referral to mental health specialists. Psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists specialise in talking therapies, while psychiatrists specialise in medical treatment and talking therapies.

If you're unsure of what might work for you, speaking to your GP is a really good place to start. If you don't have a regular GP or would like to see someone different, check out the National Health Services Directory below for practices in your area.   


National health professional directories

Once you're comfortable with the kinds of services and treatments each professional can provide, the next step is to find someone in your local area. These directories are not managed or endorsed by beyondblue, and this is not an exhaustive list – you may want to do your own search online.

National Health Services Directory

healthdirect's National Health Services Directory is a comprehensive directory of health services, including general practice, allied health and hospital services.

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Find a psychologist

The Australian Psychological Society’s (APS) Find a Psychologist service lists fully qualified, independent practitioners who are APS members.

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Find an occupational therapist

Occupational Therapy Australia’s (OTA) Find an Occupational Therapist directory lists occupational therapists working in private practice settings who are OTA members. 

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Find a social worker

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) 
Find a Social Worker directory lists AASW accredited members, including accredited mental health social workers.

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Find a psychiatrist

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' Find a Psychiatrist directory lists consultant psychiatrists in private practice in Australia.


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Online e-therapies and other sources of support

​Some people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression may prefer to use online forms of therapy. A range of different programs are available, most of which are backed up by phone, email, text or web chat support from a mental health specialist. Online therapies can be particularly helpful for people living in rural and remote communities, who may find it difficult to access the health professionals listed above. Remember, we're all different and online therapies may not be suitable for everyone.

If you'd like to explore what's on offer and what might work for you, the Australian Government's mindhealthconnect website has a library of online programs.

Preparing for your appointment

When you see a health professional, try and be as open and honest as possible about how you're feeling and what's going on. One way to help get the most out of the consultation is to ask questions. Asking questions can help you understand what you're going through and what support is available.

Finding the right health professional is a key step in most people's journey – someone you feel comfortable with, and who 'gets' you. While some people find a practitioner and treatment that works for them first time, for others it can take a few goes. The main thing is to persevere – try not to let one bad experience put you off getting support.

What will it cost?

The cost of getting treatment for depression, anxiety or a related disorder from a health professional varies. However, in the same way you can get a Medicare rebate when you see a doctor, you can also get part or all of the consultation fee subsidised when you see certain mental health professionals for treatment of depression or anxiety.

beyondblue's Getting help - How much does it cost? page has more information about Medicare rebates that are available.

Other sources of support

While beyondblue reviews information relating to these services, it is important to note that they are not operated or controlled by beyondblue and they are not a substitute for independent professional advice. Although beyondblue strives to keep this information current, links are provided for convenience only and may not be current. Provision of a link should not be construed as an endorsement or approval of the third party service or website by beyondblue.

beyondblue is not responsible for the content of third party services or websites, which are not covered by these Terms of Use. Users access those services at their own risk.