A general practitioner (GP) is a doctor who specialises in general medicine practice. They have a range of medical knowledge and are often the first person you talk to about any medical issues, including mental health. GPs can manage both your physical and mental health needs and can support you to get more specialised treatment, if needed.

GPs can diagnose and treat common mental health disorders and prescribe medication if needed. They can also support you to get more specialised mental health treatment with a referral to another practitioner. If you’re not sure, they can help you determine which mental health pathway is appropriate for you and your unique needs.

Under Medicare, all Australian citizens and permanent residents have access to free or subsidised healthcare. Your appointment with a GP might be covered in full (called bulk billing), or subsidised (private billing).

For those diagnosed with a condition such as anxiety or depression, general practitioners can prepare a Mental Health Care Plan (also called a Mental Health Treatment Plan) to help cover the costs of up to 10 individual or group sessions of mental health treatment each year. Depending on the health professional’s fees, Medicare may cover some or all of the cost.

Psychologists have a comprehensive understanding of how the mind and brain work. They can provide a range of psychological support approaches, but do not prescribe medicines or provide advice on physical health. Some psychologists specialise further in areas such as sport and exercise, education and development, or behavioural psychology.

If you're experiencing anxiety, depression, or learning or behavioural difficulties. Even if you're not diagnosed with a mental health condition, psychologists have experience in treating people who want to change unhelpful thought patterns, or learn better coping strategies to get through tough times.

Examples of psychological therapies include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT helps change unhelpful or unhealthy habits of thinking, feeling and behaviour using practical self-help strategies. IPT looks at how a person's relationships and interactions with others affect their own thoughts and behaviours.

All psychologists must legally be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Many practising psychologists are also members of the Australian Psychological Society. Plus, you don't need a referral from a GP to see a psychologist privately.

Some people are eligible for Medicare rebates with a referral from a GP or specialist. Talk to your doctor about setting up a Mental Health Care Plan.

If you're with a private health fund, you may also be able to cover some of the cost, but not as well as a Medicare rebate. Check your level of cover for any reimbursements.

Counsellors can help address any emotional or mental health concerns you might have. Counselling often focuses on specific problems or a life difficulty.

Counsellors help their clients in understanding and dealing with difficult issues/situations, and assist them in developing solutions to make changes in their lives. They may work with a client for a shorter term, and focus on addressing a specific problem.

Unlike psychologists, the term ‘counsellor’ can be used to describe practitioners with varying skills and experience, so it’s important to make sure your counsellor is registered with a professional body, such as the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia or the Australian Counselling Association.

Currently, counsellors are not part of the Medicare scheme and cannot offer Medicare rebates.

If you are a member of a private health fund, including Bupa, they may cover some of the cost. Check your level of cover for any benefits payable and limitations.

Psychotherapists address emotional and mental health concerns, often through a lens of deeper patterns and long-term issues influenced by your personality and life attitudes.

The training background of psychotherapists can vary. You’ll find some will have a background in psychology, social work or nursing, although this is not a requirement. When it comes to finding the right psychotherapist for you, finding someone who is an appropriately qualified practitioner is essential. Unlike psychologists and psychiatrists, who are required by law to be registered, registration for counsellors and psychotherapists isn’t mandatory. Meaning, not everyone will have the same skill set and qualifications.

If you're looking for more information on how to find an appropriately trained therapist, chat to your GP, or contact either the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see one.

Currently, psychotherapists are not part of the Medicare scheme and cannot offer Medicare rebates.

If you are a member of a private health fund, including Bupa, they may cover some of the cost. Check your level of cover for any benefits payable and limitations.

Mental health nurses work in a variety of settings, from hospitals, to private practices, and government departments. This includes emergency departments, and mental health inpatient units. They often look at mental health through a wider context of family and community. You're more likely to work with a mental health nurse if referred to a facility or practice where they are working.

Yes, services provided by mental health nurses are eligible for Medicare rebates under the Better Access scheme.

If you are a member of a private health fund, including Bupa, they may cover some of the cost, but not if you are also entitled to receive a Medicare rebate for the same service. Check your level of cover for any benefits payable and limitations.

Occupational therapists work to help people participate in everyday life through ways such as developing coping strategies, building independence, and making changes to external factors.  Professional OTs have a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree, and are required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRHA).

Indigenous counselling delivers intervention services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders in a way that is appropriate to individual circumstances. The trained practitioners have empathy for issues around discrimination, and community experiences, and are open to listening to stories around these topics. Effective therapy depends on the relationship between the therapist, and the individual. So, it is important to establish a sense of mutual respect, reciprocity, trust, and accountability as well as appreciation of how a different world view influences one's sense of self.

Some people are eligible for Medicare rebates with a referral from a GP or specialist. Talk to your doctor about setting up a Mental Health Care Plan.

If you are a member of a private health fund, including Bupa, they may cover some of the cost, but not if you are also entitled to receive a Medicare rebate for the same service. Check your level of cover for any benefits payable and limitations.

Indigenous counsellors and healing practitioners provide culturally sensitive therapeutic counselling for families, individuals, and communities. These professionals support and assist Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders in dealing with issues such as grief & loss, drugs & alcohol, gambling, financial hardship, and violence. Bupa recognises Indigenous counsellors and healing practitioners as mental health professionals.

Indigenous counselling delivers intervention services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders in a way that is appropriate to individual circumstances. The trained practitioners have empathy for issues around discrimination, and community experiences, and are open to listening to stories around these topics. Effective therapy depends on the relationship between the therapist, and the individual. So, it is important to establish a sense of mutual respect, reciprocity, trust, and accountability as well as appreciation of how a different world view influences one's sense of self.

To receive Medicare rebates, you’ll need a referral from your GP. Treatment may be free if you visit a community health centre or public hospital as a public patient, through bulk billing. However, if you choose to see a psychiatrist in private practice, Medicare will refund part of the psychiatrist's fee.

If you are a member of a private health fund, including Bupa, they may cover some of the cost but not if you are also entitled to receive a Medicare rebate for the same service. Check your level of cover for any benefits payable and limitations.