Professionals List

Professionals List:

Different health professionals offer different types of services and treatments. The directory below lists a range of practitioners, who are culturally responsive and have experience in dealing with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Broadly speaking, GPs provide initial assessment, medical treatment, psychological or ‘talking’ therapies, and/or referral to mental health specialists. Psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists specialise in talking therapies, while psychiatrists specialise in medical treatment and talking therapies.

Psychologists:

There are many different types of psychologists such as clinical, educational, counselling and developmental psychologists.

You don’t need a referral from a GP or psychiatrist to see a psychologist, however, you’ll need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP to claim rebates through Medicare or to utilise the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program.

Occupational Therapists:

Occupational therapists help people who have difficulty functioning because of a mental health condition (such as anxiety or depression) to participate in normal, everyday activities.

You don’t need a referral from a GP to see an occupational therapist in mental health, however a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP is needed to claim rebates from Medicare or to utilise the ATAPS program.

Counsellors:

‘Counsellor’ is a generic term used to describe various professionals who offer some type of talking therapy. A counsellor may be a psychologist, nurse, social worker, occupational therapist, or they may have a specific counselling qualification such as a Bachelor or Master of Counselling degree. Counsellors can work in a variety of settings, including private practices, community health centres, schools and universities and youth services.
A counsellor can talk through different problems you may be experiencing and look for possible solutions. However, it is important to note that not all counsellors have specific training in treating mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

Accredited Mental Health Social workers:

Accredited Mental Health Social workers specialise in working with and treating mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Many Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are registered with Medicare to provide focused psychological strategies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), relaxation training, psycho-education and interpersonal skills training. Accredited Mental Health Social workers draw on a range of theories and therapeutic approaches to work holistically with people to support their recovery and help them to effectively manage or change the situations that may contribute to mental health conditions.

Psychiatrist:

Psychiatrists are doctors who have undergone further training to specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They can make medical and psychiatric assessments, conduct medical tests, provide therapy, and also prescribe medication. Psychiatrists often use psychological treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT) and/or medication. If the depression or anxiety is severe and hospital admission is required, a psychiatrist will be in charge of the person's treatment.
You'll need a referral from a GP to see a psychiatrist and to claim rebates through Medicare.

Mental Health Nurses:

Mental health nurses are nurses who have undertaken further training to care for people with mental health conditions. While most mental health nurses work in specialist mental health services, some work with private psychiatrists and GPs. Mental health nurses can provide you with information about mental health conditions and support your treatment and recovery, including reviewing the state of your mental health and monitoring your medication or other treatment recommended by your GP or psychiatrist. Some mental health nurses have training in providing psychological therapies.