Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Mental health nurses

4-minute read

If you or someone close to you is experiencing an emergency, or is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000). To talk to someone now, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you or someone you know has a mental illness, then you may get to know a mental health nurse. Mental health nurses usually work as part of a wider team of health professionals.

What is a mental health nurse?

A mental health nurse specialises in working with people who have a mental illness, or mental health issues. These can include:

Mental health nurses might have also completed further study in mental health recognised by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.

What does a mental health nurse do?

Mental health nurses mostly work with people who have a mental illness. Mental health, physical health, and other aspects of life can all affect each other. So, mental health nurses work with people to help them manage their life. They may also assist someone who is managing or recovering from physical illness.

Where do mental health nurses work?

Mental health nurses work in many different places, including:

  • the community
  • mental health units in hospitals and nursing homes
  • psychiatric hospitals

Some general practices have mental health nurses. Mental health nurses can also visit you at home.

For some people, a mental health nurse is their main contact with the health system.

Mental health nurses can also work remotely, to help you over the phone, or online.

How can a mental health nurse help me?

The mental health nurse can:

To make sure you get the best treatment, a mental health nurse can also communicate with other health professionals involved in your care, like:

What if I am in a crisis?

A mental health nurse can provide help in a crisis. They can also help you find more help if needed. This can be:

  • in person
  • by phone or text
  • online

Your mental health nurse always maintains your safety as a priority. They may have you checked over in a hospital if they feel you are at risk of harming yourself or others.

Resources and support

To speak with a mental health nurse, you can:

  • ask your doctor for a referral
  • ask about mental health nursing services at your local hospital

The Australian College of Mental Health Nurses also provides a service to contact credentialed mental health nurses.

You can also contact mental health services in your state to receive support:

If you or someone you know is having a personal crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online.

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: August 2022


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Supporting your child who identifies as gender diverse

Listen to our chat with mental health nurse Ellen about how you as a parent can support your child with exploring their gender identity.

Read more on Emerging Minds website

How to talk to children and young people about disordered eating - Emerging Minds

We chat with mental health nurse Ellen about children and young people experiencing disordered eating and ways to navigate this tricky time.

Read more on Emerging Minds website

What is a mental health nurse? - Emerging Minds

Join Ellen to find out more about what an occupational therapist can do to support you and your family in this short video.

Read more on Emerging Minds website

Psychologists & other therapists - BluePages

Non-medical professionals can provide help for depression, including psychologists, mental health social workers, counsellors and mental health nurses.

Read more on e-hub Web Services - Australian National University (ANU) website

support for mental health conditions under Medicare - COPE

Centre of Perinatal Excellence

Read more on COPE - Centre of Perinatal Excellence website

Accessing support for clients at risk | SuicideLine Victoria

Information on suicide preventions services for health professionals dealing with at risk clients in Melbourne & Victoria Australia.

Read more on SuicideLine website

How to get help - Finding North

Not sure where to begin? There are many people that can support you during your mental health journey however finding the right support can be a daunting task and you may feel unsure where to begin

Read more on Finding North website

Schizophrenia - Finding North

On this page Jump to Overview Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatments Help & Support Next Steps Overview Schizophrenia is a mental health condition involving what some may describe as a break from reality, in the medical world, you may hear the term psychosis being used

Read more on Finding North website

Heart disease and mental health - Better Health Channel

Did you know that your mental health can affect your heart health and your heart health can affect your mental health? Depression can also affect how well people with heart disease recover, and increase their risk of further heart problems. So let’s learn some more about the links between heart health and mental health.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Chronic pain - Finding North

On this page Jump to Overview Overview Causes Ways to manage chronic pain and mental health Lifestyle factors Overview Chronic pain is pain that lasts for at least three months and often a lot longer, sometimes years

Read more on Finding North website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.