Find a Mental Health Professional for Body, Health & Chronic Conditions

About Body, Health & Chronic Conditions support

Living with a chronic health condition or persistent physical symptoms has a profound impact on mental health, and the psychological dimension of physical health is often under-supported in the Australian healthcare system. This category covers chronic pain, disability, menopause, sexual health concerns, and sleep difficulties, recognising that mind and body are deeply connected and that effective support addresses both. Adjusting to a chronic condition involves grief, identity change, relationship strain, and often anxiety and depression. Psychologists and therapists who specialise in health psychology and chronic illness use approaches such as Pain Management CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions to help people build quality of life alongside their physical condition rather than waiting to live until they feel better. In Australia, GP referrals to allied health professionals for chronic conditions may be covered through Medicare's Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM plan), which operates separately from the Mental Health Treatment Plan and may provide additional allied health sessions per year. NDIS funding may also apply for people with a permanent and significant disability. Telehealth is widely available, which is particularly helpful for people managing conditions that limit mobility or energy.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a psychologist who specialises in chronic pain or chronic illness in Australia?

Ask your GP for a referral to a psychologist with training in health psychology or pain management. You can also search this directory filtering for the chronic health category. Pain management clinics in major hospitals often have embedded psychologists and may accept GP referrals. Telehealth options are available with many practitioners if getting to appointments is difficult.

Can I access Medicare-subsidised psychology for a physical health condition or chronic pain?

Yes, through two pathways. A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan provides up to 10 psychology sessions per year where there is a mental health component such as depression or anxiety alongside the physical condition. A Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan may also provide Medicare rebates for allied health sessions for people with chronic conditions, though the number of sessions and rebate amounts differ. Ask your GP which pathway is most appropriate for your situation.

Does therapy actually help with chronic pain or sleep difficulties?

Yes. There is strong evidence that psychological therapies, particularly CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) and pain-specific CBT and ACT, produce meaningful improvements in sleep quality, pain interference, and quality of life. These approaches do not eliminate physical pain or cure insomnia in all cases, but they help people relate differently to their symptoms and significantly reduce the suffering associated with them.