There are many types of mental health professionals, each with different training, skills and ways of supporting people. From GPs and psychiatrists to psychologists and peer workers, knowing how each one can support you is an important first step to seeking help.
This guide aims to help you understand the different kinds of mental health professionals, what they do and how to access their services, to help you get the mental health support that’s right for you.
Other than talking to your GP, another way to look for a specialist in mental health is with the search tools provided by some key mental health professional organisations.
Find a psychologist with the Australian Psychological Society
Find a counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association
Find a psychotherapist with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Find a social worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers
Find an LGBTIQA+ peer worker with QLife
Find a First Nations psychologist with The Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association
Medibank members# with a GP Mental Health Care Plan can also book a telehealth psychology session with the Virtual Psychology Clinic.
Medibank health insurance members can chat to a mental health professional about how they feel and ask questions about a range of mental health concerns for themselves or a loved one and get guidance on what they can do next. Chat online or call 1800 644 325 anytime of the day or night, 7 days a week at no extra cost.~
Things you need to know
# Member must be 18 + and hold a Medibank health insurance policy.
~ Some referred services may involve out of pocket costs and waiting periods may apply.
While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).