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Australia's mental health system is here to support you, offering a variety of services tailored to help with any mental health challenges you might face. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or someone close to you, there are many options available to assist you on your journey to mental well-being. Here's an overview of the mental health services that are designed with you in mind.
Medicare is Australia’s public health insurance scheme, covering several mental health services, including therapy sessions with registered psychologists, social workers, and counsellors, usually at a subsidized rate. The Better Access initiative is one of the key programs that allows individuals to access up to 10 subsidized therapy sessions per calendar year with a mental health professional through a referral from a general practitioner (GP).
In addition to Medicare, private health insurance can help cover the costs of therapy, providing additional options for individuals who may need more sessions than those available under Medicare.
There are also a variety of community mental health services, including government-funded initiatives and nonprofit organizations, that provide low-cost or free mental health care. These services are especially beneficial for individuals who may not have access to private health insurance or who need more intensive, long-term care.
Psychotherapy, often referred to as “talk therapy,” is a broad term that covers many therapeutic approaches aimed at helping individuals understand and manage emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges. There are several common psychotherapy approaches used in Australia, each with its unique methods and benefits.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most widely used forms of psychotherapy in Australia. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that has been proven to be effective for a range of conditions.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is an offshoot of CBT and is primarily used to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it has also been applied to a variety of other mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression. DBT helps individuals manage intense emotions and teaches skills for coping with distress, improving relationships, and managing self-destructive behaviors.
Psychodynamic therapy: This approach is based on the premise that unconscious thoughts and past experiences shape present behavior. Psychodynamic therapy explores the root causes of emotional issues, helping individuals gain insight into the unconscious drivers of their actions and reactions.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving communication skills and interpersonal relationships. It is often used for individuals experiencing depression or anxiety, particularly when issues in relationships contribute to their mental health struggles.
To access psychotherapy, individuals typically need a referral from a general practitioner (GP) or psychiatrist. The GP can assess whether therapy is appropriate and provide a mental health care plan, which allows individuals to access Medicare rebates for psychotherapy sessions with registered psychologists.
In addition to Medicare-funded services, individuals can also opt for private therapy, which may be covered by private health insurance.
Finding a therapist
This is the most trusted source.
Australian Psychological Society (APS): The APS offers a directory of registered psychologists across Australia.
The therapy process
The therapy process typically begins with an initial consultation where the therapist and client discuss your concerns and goals. Subsequent sessions usually involve exploring emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors, with the therapist providing strategies for managing challenges. Therapy sessions are typically held weekly or fortnightly, with the number of sessions depending on the individual’s needs and the type of therapy being used.
Counselling is often confused with psychotherapy, but the two differ in terms of focus and approach. While both are forms of talk therapy, counselling is generally shorter-term and focuses more on specific issues or challenges that a person is facing in the present, rather than exploring deeper psychological patterns or past experiences.
When seeking mental health support, it's important to understand the differences between counselling and psychotherapy. While both approaches aim to improve emotional well-being, they vary in terms of their focus, duration, and the types of issues they address. Here’s a simple list of the different aspects between the two.
Counselling:
Typically short-term, focusing on immediate concerns or specific issues.
Solution-focused, helping clients find practical ways to cope with challenges.
Commonly used for life transitions, relationship issues, stress management, or grief.
Provides support for developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
Psychotherapy:
Often long-term, exploring deeper psychological issues and emotional patterns.
Aimed at understanding the root causes of mental health conditions or behavioral patterns.
Can address conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, or long-standing emotional difficulties.
Focuses on self-awareness, personal growth, and healing through in-depth therapeutic techniques.
Like psychotherapy, counselling can be accessed through a GP referral for Medicare rebates or privately. Many counsellors offer sliding scale fees or work within community-based organizations, which can be helpful for individuals without access to private health insurance.
Finding a counsellor
This is the most trusted source.
Australian Counselling Association (ACA): A directory of professional counsellors across Australia.
Bark.com: Find a counsellor in you area .
The counselling process
Counselling typically focuses on helping individuals manage a specific issue, such as stress, grief, or relationship challenges. The number and frequency of sessions will vary depending on the individual’s goals and the nature of the issue being addressed.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Unlike psychologists or counsellors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication as part of their treatment plans. Psychiatrists often treat more severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.
Individuals might seek psychiatric care if they are experiencing significant distress or impairment due to their mental health symptoms, or if psychotherapy and counselling have not been sufficient. A psychiatrist can provide an assessment and may prescribe medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics to manage symptoms.
Psychiatric services can be accessed through a GP referral, which may include Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per year. Alternatively, individuals may seek private psychiatric services through private health insurance, though out-of-pocket costs can be higher.
Finding a psychiatrist
This is the most trusted source.
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP): Offers a directory of psychiatrists across Australia.
The psychiatric process
The initial consultation with a psychiatrist involves a thorough assessment of the individual's symptoms, medical history, and mental health background. Subsequent sessions may involve ongoing medication management and/or psychotherapy to address the individual's needs.
Seeking therapy is a courageous step towards better mental health, and understanding the range of options available can help you make an informed decision about the type of care you need. Whether you choose psychotherapy, counselling, or psychiatry, taking the first step is essential in addressing mental health challenges and achieving emotional well-being.
Online and telehealth therapy: Particularly beneficial for those in rural or remote areas, online therapy offers the flexibility of accessing services from the comfort of your home.
Group therapy: Group therapy can be a valuable option for individuals who benefit from the shared experiences and support of others facing similar challenges.
Specialized therapies: There are also therapies designed for specific issues, such as trauma-focused therapy, addiction counselling, and family therapy. Trauma Recovery Network
Remember, mental health care is not one-size-fits-all, and it’s okay to explore different therapy options until you find the one that works for you. Help is available, and taking that first step—whether through research, contacting a therapist, or speaking to your GP—can set you on the path to healing and growth.
If you ever find yourself in immediate need of support, there are crisis helplines available 24/7 to assist you. In moments of distress, reaching out to these services can provide urgent guidance and emotional support. Here are some Australian resources:
Lifeline: A 24/7 crisis support service that can provide information and referrals to therapists.
Beyond Blue: A mental health organization that provides resources for finding mental health professionals.
The average rating for Bark Therapists is 4.93, based on 14,084 reviews
5/5
based on 14,084 reviews
Want to find a therapist to talk to but unsure of costs? Read on to find out how much you can expect to pay on average for individual therapy, group sessions, online therapy and more.
