Find a Mental Health Professional for Family & Parenting

About Family & Parenting support

Parenting and family life can be deeply rewarding and genuinely hard at the same time. Reaching out for support is a sign of self-awareness, not failure. This category covers parenting support and family conflict, perinatal mental health during pregnancy and after birth, the emotional challenges of infertility and pregnancy loss, carer wellbeing, and the mental health of children and teenagers. Practitioners here work across the full spectrum of family presentations. Some specialise in early childhood and infancy, others in adolescent mental health, and others in the relationship dynamics of couples and co-parents. If you are not sure what kind of support would help most, your GP is a good first port of call. Medicare rebates are available through a GP Mental Health Care Plan for individual sessions. NDIS funding may also apply where a family member has a permanent mental health condition.

Support resources

• PANDA

  Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia. National helpline (1300 726 306) and support for parents and families during pregnancy and the first year after birth.

• Raising Children Network

  Australia's trusted parenting resource with evidence-based guidance on children's mental health, development, and family wellbeing.

• headspace

  National youth mental health service for people aged 12 to 25, with centres across Australia and online support options.

Further reading

• Postnatal anxiety in Australia: signs, support and how to find a specialist

  Postnatal anxiety is more common than postnatal depression and often goes unrecognised. Here is what to look for and how to find help.

• How to get a Mental Health Care Plan

  How to access Medicare-rebated therapy sessions through your GP, including what to expect and how many sessions you can access each year.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a perinatal or postnatal depression psychologist in Australia?

Ask your GP, midwife, or maternal and child health nurse for a referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan. You can also search this directory filtering for the perinatal subcategory to find psychologists and counsellors with specific training in pregnancy and postnatal mental health. Telehealth options are widely available, which many new parents find easier to access than in-person appointments.

Is parenting support or family counselling covered by Medicare?

Individual sessions with an AHPRA-registered psychologist, accredited mental health social worker, or mental health occupational therapist are covered by Medicare under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Family therapy and parenting support sessions with a general counsellor or therapist who is not AHPRA-registered are not covered by Medicare. Some employers offer EAP sessions that include parenting and family support at no cost. Ask your practitioner directly about their registration and Medicare eligibility before booking.

Can I access support as a carer for my own mental health, separate from the person I care for?

Absolutely. Carer wellbeing is a legitimate and important reason to seek mental health support in its own right. You do not need to be experiencing a diagnosed mental health condition to access Medicare-subsidised sessions: a GP can assess your needs and provide a Mental Health Treatment Plan based on your own circumstances. Carer Gateway is an additional Australian Government resource that offers free counselling and support specifically for carers.

At what age can children start seeing a psychologist?

Children of any age can see a psychologist, though the approach differs significantly by age. For very young children, therapy often involves working with parents rather than the child directly. School-age children typically engage well with play therapy and CBT adapted for their developmental level. Adolescents can usually participate in most adult therapeutic approaches. Your GP can refer a child of any age with a Mental Health Care Plan.

How do I support a teenager's mental health without overstepping?

It helps to stay connected and curious rather than reactive. Let your teenager know you are available without pressuring them to talk. If you are concerned, a GP appointment can be a low-pressure starting point. School counsellors are also a practical first resource. If your teenager is resistant to therapy, headspace centres offer drop-in access for young people aged 12 to 25 without requiring a referral.

Can both parents attend therapy sessions together under a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan covers individual treatment only, not couples or joint sessions. If both parents want to attend sessions together, this is typically couples or family therapy, which is not covered by Medicare but may be covered by some private health insurance extras. Some practitioners offer a combination of individual and joint sessions, so it is worth asking about what format would suit your situation.

What is the difference between a child psychologist and a family therapist?

A child psychologist is an AHPRA-registered psychologist with specific training in child development and the mental health of infants, children, and adolescents. Sessions are typically with the child, though parents are often involved. A family therapist works with the family system as a whole, focusing on relationships and communication patterns. Family therapists may or may not be AHPRA-registered. Both approaches can be effective depending on what is driving the difficulty.

How do I find a psychologist who bulk bills for children?

Bulk billing availability varies by practitioner and location. Your GP may know which local practitioners bulk bill for children. You can also call practices directly to ask. Community health centres and headspace centres often provide subsidised or free services for young people regardless of bulk billing status. Telehealth can expand your options if local bulk billing is limited.