A GP is a good place to start in trying to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor in your area. You can also use the Find a Psychiatrist Service and the Find a Psychologist Service. For information about counsellors and mental health clinicians and how to find one, contact the National Health Services Directory.

Learn more about mental health experts and how they can help

Psychiatrists are specialist mental health doctors who diagnose and treat people who are experiencing mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges. They use a range of treatments including medicine.

Medications Prescribes medicine
Therapies Assessment, diagnosis, range of therapies & medicine based on a person’s needs.
Cost Costs can vary.

Check with the service provider (medicare rebates may apply; however, there is often a gap fee).
GP referral needed YES – From your GP.

GP’s can write a referral they can also write a mental health care plan which provides reduced rates with approved mental health care providers.
Appointment times Typically ranges from 15-60 minutes.

Psychologists are mental health experts. They can assist people using a range of therapies that aim to promote emotional wellbeing and help a person find relief from mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges.

Medications Can’t prescribe medicine.
Therapies Assessment, diagnosis, range of therapies based on a person’s needs.
Cost Costs can range.

Check with the service provider (medicare rebates may apply; however, there is often a gap fee).
GP referral needed YES – From your GP.

GPs can write a referral they can also write a mental health care plan which provides reduced rates with approved mental health care providers.
Appointment times Typically 50 minutes.

Mental health clinicians are mental health experts including social workers, occupational therapists and mental health nurses. They can assist people using a range of therapies that aim to promote emotional wellbeing and help a person find relief from mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges.

Medications Can’t prescribe medicine.
Therapies Provide a range of therapies based on a person’s needs.
Cost Costs can range.

Check with the service provider (medicare rebates may apply; however, there is often a gap fee).
GP referral needed YES- From your GP.

GPs can write a referral they can also write a mental health care plan which provides reduced rates with approved mental health care providers.
Appointment times Typically 50 minutes.

Counsellors are mental health experts. They can assist people using a range of therapies that aim to promote emotional wellbeing and help a person find relief from mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges.

Medications Can’t prescribe medicine.
Therapies Provide a range of therapies based on a person’s needs.
Cost Costs can range.

Check with the service provider
GP referral needed NO
Appointment times Typically 50 minutes.

Page last updated: June 25, 2024