Find Support
You do not have to understand the whole system
You do not need to know exactly what kind of help you need before making contact. A first conversation can help you understand your options and decide what comes next.
Availability, fees, waiting times and referral requirements vary. It is okay to ask about these before booking.
If you need urgent help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). If you need urgent emotional support, go to Need Help Now.
Choose a practical starting point
Start with whichever option feels most useful and possible. You can use more than one option or change direction later.
Speak with a GP
A GP can consider mental and physical health together, discuss medication and other possible influences, and help you decide whether another professional or service may be useful.
When appropriate, a GP may prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and provide a referral for Medicare-supported treatment.
Get help finding local services
Medicare Mental Health provides free advice and can help connect you with suitable local mental-health services. You do not need to know which service to ask for before calling.
Call 1800 595 212 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm weekdays, excluding public holidays. This is not a crisis service.
Contact a professional directly
Some psychologists, counsellors and other professionals accept direct bookings. Their qualifications, services, fees and waiting times can vary.
A referral may be required if you want to claim a Medicare benefit. Ask about costs and referral requirements before booking.
Compare common support types
Job titles can sound similar, but training, responsibilities and approaches differ. No single option is right for everyone.
General practitioner (GP)
A GP can consider mental and physical health together, provide treatment, discuss medication, prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan when appropriate and refer you to another professional.
Referral and cost: You do not need a referral to see a GP. Appointment fees and bulk billing vary.
Psychologist
Psychologists are registered health professionals who provide psychological assessment and structured talking therapies. They are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.
Referral and cost: You can contact some psychologists directly. A valid referral and eligible treatment plan are generally needed to claim a Medicare benefit. Fees and gap payments vary.
Counsellor or psychotherapist
Counsellors and psychotherapists can help people talk through challenges, understand patterns, develop coping strategies and work towards personal goals.
Referral and cost: Direct booking is common. Training, professional membership, fees and funded-service availability vary, so ask about qualifications and costs before booking.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialist mental-health training. They can assess and diagnose mental-health conditions, provide treatment and prescribe medication.
Referral and cost: A medical referral is generally required to access a Medicare benefit. Fees, waiting times and gap payments vary.
Questions you can ask before booking
You do not have to ask every question. Choose the ones that matter most to you.
- Are you accepting new clients, and how long is the wait?
- Do you have experience helping with what I am dealing with?
- What qualifications and professional registration do you hold?
- What is the full fee, and will there be a gap payment?
- Do I need a referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan?
- Are appointments available in person, by phone or through telehealth?
- What happens if I feel the service is not the right fit?
- What is your cancellation policy?
What might happen at a first appointment
The first appointment is often about understanding what has been happening and what you want help with. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or explain everything perfectly.
- what has changed and how it is affecting everyday life
- your physical and mental-health history
- medication, sleep, alcohol or other drug use
- work, relationships, responsibilities and available support
- any concerns about your safety or someone else’s safety
- what you would like to be different
You can bring notes or a worksheet, say that you are unsure, ask why a question is being asked and request time to think before answering.
Finding the right fit can take time
Different professionals have different personalities, experience and approaches. If you do not feel heard, respected or comfortable, you can discuss your concerns, seek another opinion or choose a different professional.
Find a service
These Australian services can help you locate support or verify professional registration. Service availability, fees and eligibility can change, so confirm the details directly before booking.
Healthdirect Service Finder
Search for GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists and other health services by location.
Medicare Mental Health
Get free advice and help connecting with suitable local mental-health services.
AHPRA practitioner register
Check the registration status of psychologists, psychiatrists, GPs and other registered health practitioners.
The Men’s Waypoint does not operate, rank or endorse individual providers. Check qualifications, registration, fees, availability and suitability directly with the provider.