For crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14, MH Call 1300 642 255 or in an emergency call 000
This page gives you information on how psychologists and other allied health professionals can help.
Psychologists are health professionals who work in a range of areas such as clinical, neuropsychology, health, community, forensic, organisational, and sports and exercise psychology.
Clinical psychologists specialise in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health problems.
Many other psychologists—for example, counselling, educational and developmental psychologists—can also provide assistance.
Psychologists can provide psychological therapies (talking therapies) such as cognitive behaviour therapy and interpersonal therapy. Clinical psychologists and other psychologists are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication in Australia.
You don't need a referral from a GP to access a psychologist, however, you do need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP to claim rebates through Medicare (Better Access) or to use the Brisbane MIND program.
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 Better Access initiative is improving how we treat and manage mental illness within our community. It’s also helping people to better access mental health professionals.
Medicare rebates are available to consumers for selected mental health services provided by GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists (clinical and registered), eligible social workers and occupational therapists.
You can use these rebates for up to ten individual and ten group allied mental health services per calendar year to consumers with an assessed mental health condition.
The Brisbane MIND program is funded through Brisbane North PHN. It gives underserviced population group’s better access to mental health support and GPs more patient referral options.
It means there is more targeted and specialist psychological services for people:
The refocused Brisbane MIND model delivers short-term psychological therapies for people with moderate mental illness.
Brisbane MIND is for people who are experiencing financial hardship (like having a health care or pension card) and aren't able to access the universal service Better Access.
You can be referred to Brisbane MIND through your GP, then get help from a range of professionals in your area.
This program provides group and individual support to people aged 65+ who live in a residential aged care facility.
Social workers in mental health help people with mental illness to manage the situations that may contribute to these conditions or interfere with their recovery. These may include family issues, financial problems, work stress or living arrangements.
Some social workers are registered with Medicare to provide focused psychological strategies like psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation training and skills training (for example, problem solving and stress management).
You don't need a referral from a GP to access a social worker. However, you do need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP to claim rebates through Medicare. Medicare rebates are available for individual or group sessions with these social workers.
You can search for a registered social worker by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) website.
Occupational therapists in mental health help people who are struggling because of a mental health condition to participate in everyday activities. Some occupational therapists are registered with Medicare to provide focused psychological strategies for people with depression or anxiety.
You don't need a referral from a GP to access an occupational therapist. However, you do need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP to claim rebates through Medicare. Medicare rebates are available for individual or group sessions with occupational therapists in mental health.
You can search for a registered occupational therapist by the Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) website.
Adapted from Beyond Blue
Mates4Mates provide a way forward for current and ex-serving Defence Force members and their families experiencing service-related physical injuries, mental health issues and isolation. Pathways to recovery include psychological and physical rehabilitation services with psychologists and exercise physiologists. Other services include skills and wellbeing programs, and social connection activities.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
Brisbane North PHN wishes to acknowledge the experience and expertise of the My Mental Health Steering Committee, delegates of the Peer Participation in Mental Health Services (PPIMS) network and health professionals in developing the My Mental Health Website.
