In addition to in-person services, there are also a number of online resources available, including: 

Beyond Blue for information and advice, as well as an online live chat. You can also call and speak to someone 24 hours a day on 1300 22 4636. 

PANDA provides a free confidential helpline service offering support for new and expecting mums and dads who are struggling with becoming a parent. You can call 1300 726 306 to speak with a trained counsellor 9am-7.30pm (AEST), Monday to Friday.

Lifeline for crisis support and suicide prevention services with an online live chat. You can also call them 24 hours a day on 13 11 14. 

Some people who experience mental health problems may need to spend some time in hospital. Both public and private hospitals provide mental health services. You may be referred to a hospital through an emergency department, community mental health team or your GP. 

If you’re an eligible member going to hospital, you may be able to upgrade your cover to one with Included in-hospital psychiatrist treatment and choose to waive the 2-month waiting period for those higher benefits with the Mental Health Waiver. Read more about the Mental Health Waiver and eligibility here.

If you’re concerned about your mental health, start by talking to your GP. Your GP can assess your symptoms, develop a mental health care plan specific to your needs, and refer you to a mental health professional.  

Psychologists can provide a range of therapies (eg. talking therapy, art therapy) to deal with problems like depression, anxiety, stress and grief. Psychologists have undertaken a tertiary qualification in their field and must be registered to work with the Psychology Board of Australia.  Read more about what to expect when you see a psychologist.

While psychologists and psychiatrists share many similarities, the major difference between the two professions is that psychiatrists specialise in the biological causes of mental illness, while psychologists focus more on the cognitive and behavioural aspects. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialist qualifications in psychiatry, and are therefore able to prescribe medications and admit people to hospital, while psychologists cannot. 

Once you’ve got a mental health care plan, your GP may refer you to a specialist for more support, or in some cases to help make a diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor. Under Medicare, everyone with a care plan is entitled to 10 subsidised specialist appointments per year.

If you have Extras cover that includes psychology we will pay benefits towards consultations with a psychologist, regardless of whether or not you have a mental health care plan (up to annual limits). 

Counsellor is a generic term for someone who offers talking therapy and may be a psychologist, nurse, social worker or occupational therapist. It’s a good idea to check that your counsellor has training in an area that is appropriate for your needs - you could start by searching through organisations like The Australian Counselling Association or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.