Psychologists and psychology
Learn more about what psychologists do and how they can help you. Find out more about how you can find a psychologist and the costs involved in treatment.
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Psychiatrists vs psychologists
Confused by the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists? Read more about how they differ in education and approach, referral requirements and costs.
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Mental health professionals
Mental health isn’t the area of psychologists and psychiatrists alone. Discover the different types of mental health workers available to you.
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Psychiatrists and psychiatry
A psychiatrist is a doctor who has done extra medical training to become a specialist in mental health. Learn about what they do and how they can help you.
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What's the difference between food allergy and intolerance — and other health concepts?
Wonder why psychiatrists and psychologists are different? Did you know that prebiotics and probiotics are not the same? Learn the differences between those things, and more.
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Find a health service
healthdirect Service Finder is a free service that helps you locate the nearest health services in any part of Australia. You can search for health services such as general practitioners, hospitals, dentists, psychologists, hospitals, mental health, optical, pathology, pharmacies and a wide range of others. Find contact details, opening hours and billing options as well as other useful information for these providers. The service finder is also available via the healthdirect mobile app.
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Treatment for ADHD
Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can include several options, depending on the specific needs of each child and family.
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Mental health care plan
A mental health care plan is a plan for people with a mental health disorder created by your doctor, outlining the goals for your treatment.
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Talking to your doctor (GP) about mental health
A doctor (GP) is a good place to start for most mental health conditions. They can provide treatment or refer you to other mental health services.
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Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an umbrella term for many practices aimed at treating emotional problems.
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Gender dysphoria
Gender dysphoria is the discomfort a person feels because their biological sex doesn’t match their sense of their own gender identity. There are, however, resources to support people who are experiencing gender dysphoria. Find out more here.
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Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common learning disability that makes reading, writing and spelling difficult. Support and special education can help and are most effective when started as early as possible in childhood.
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Dealing with anxiety
Anxiety is a normal part of life and everybody feels it from time to time. Understand what triggers your anxiety and develop strategies to help you cope.
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Counsellors and counselling
Counsellors work in mental health and other settings. They specialise in building relationships based on discussions between the client and counsellor.
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Body dysmorphic disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder causes someone to feel shame or disgust with part of their body or appearance. Any body part can become its focus.
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Supportive psychotherapy
Supportive psychotherapy is designed to allow a person with mental health issues to voice concerns, and receive encouragement in finding practical solutions.
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Parkinson's disease
Parkinson’s disease results from damage to nerve cells in the brain, which impacts the smooth control of muscles and movement.
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Diagnosis of mental illness
Mental illnesses can be diagnosed after a detailed mental health assessment in the form of an interview with your doctor or a mental health professional.
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Diagnosis of autism
The earlier a diagnosis of autism is made, the sooner you and your child will receive the support and care you need.
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Mental health programs
There are several programs that provide support and education for people who are experiencing mental illness.
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Mental health services by state and territory
State and territory governments offer hospital, emergency and community mental health services. Learn about services available in your region.
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Community mental health services
Community mental health services are for people with severe types of mental illnesses. Learn about your local community mental health services.
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Mental health conditions
Mental health conditions broadly refers to many conditions, including mood disorders, eating disorders and anxiety conditions.
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Diagnosis of ADHD
An ADHD diagnosis is usually made by a specialist paediatrician or child psychiatrist who assesses the child's behaviour, interviewing parents and teachers.
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Causes of ADHD
The causes of ADHD are not fully known. It is thought that genetic and environmental factors can interact, creating changes in brain development and function.
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Symptoms of ADHD
Everyone gets restless from time to time. But for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it can be very hard to stay focused on a task.
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Treatment for personality disorders
The first step towards getting support and treatment for a personality disorder is speaking with a mental health professional.
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Diagnosis of PTSD
A diagnosis of PTSD can come as a relief for someone who has been suffering symptoms as it provides an explanation and basis for beginning treatment.
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Paying for mental health services
Mental health costs vary depending on where you are and what service you are provided. Learn more about the services and what the costs might be.
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More Australians see their GP about mental health issues than about cold and flu
A survey has found that 65% of GPs see more patients for mental health than for any other issue. But are GPs the best port of call for depression and anxiety?
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