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. The psychological dimension of physical health is often under-supported in the Australian healthcare system, yet the evidence is clear: psychological support meaningfully improves outcomes for people with chronic pain, chronic illness, disability, and medically unexplained symptoms. Practitioners in this category work at the intersection of physical and mental health. They understand that the psychological burden of illness — grief for the life you expected, frustration at a system that does not always believe you, exhaustion from managing symptoms alongside everything else — is real and deserves skilled, compassionate support. Two Medicare pathways may apply: a GP Mental Health Care Plan for the psychological dimensions of chronic illness, and a Chronic Disease Management plan for allied health support. Ask your GP which pathway best suits your situation.

Support resources

• Chronic Pain Australia

  National peak body for people living with chronic pain in Australia, with resources, peer support, and referral information.

• Pain Australia

  National advocacy organisation for chronic pain, with resources on treatment, self-management, and accessing care.

• Beyond Blue: Chronic illness

  Information on the mental health impact of chronic illness and how to access support alongside physical treatment.

Further reading

• Depression and chronic pain: the connection and how to get help

  Chronic pain and depression frequently co-occur and each makes the other harder to manage. Here is what the evidence says 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 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.

What is pain psychology and how is it different from general psychology?

Pain psychology is a specialisation focused on the psychological, emotional, and behavioural factors that influence the experience and impact of pain. Pain psychologists use approaches such as pain-specific CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions to help people reduce pain-related disability and improve quality of life. Unlike general psychology, the work explicitly addresses the neuroscience of pain, central sensitisation, and the interaction between mood and pain perception.

Can NDIS fund psychological support for chronic health conditions?

NDIS may fund psychology support where a chronic health condition results in a permanent psychosocial disability that significantly affects daily functioning. Not all chronic conditions qualify, and eligibility depends on the individual's functional impact rather than the diagnosis itself. Your GP or treating specialist can assist with documentation for an NDIS access request. If NDIS is not available, a GP Mental Health Care Plan or Chronic Disease Management plan may provide Medicare funding.

What is adjustment disorder and how does it relate to chronic illness diagnosis?

Adjustment disorder involves significant emotional or behavioural symptoms that develop in response to an identifiable stressor, such as receiving a diagnosis of a chronic or serious illness. Symptoms often include anxiety, low mood, and difficulty functioning, and they typically resolve with time and support. A psychologist can help you process the diagnosis, manage uncertainty, and adapt to changes in your life and sense of self that illness can bring.

How do I find a psychologist who understands endometriosis or chronic gynaecological conditions?

Endometriosis, PCOS, and other chronic gynaecological conditions carry significant psychological burdens including diagnostic delay, chronic pain, fertility concerns, and the impact on relationships and identity. Look for practitioners who list women's health, chronic illness, or reproductive health as areas of focus. Jean Hailes for Women's Health can also assist with referrals to practitioners with experience in this area.

How do I access mental health support for menopause-related symptoms?

The hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause can significantly affect mood, sleep, concentration, and emotional regulation. A GP can provide a Mental Health Care Plan if these symptoms are affecting your mental health. Psychologists with experience in women's health across the lifespan can provide support for the mood, identity, and relationship changes that commonly arise. Jean Hailes for Women's Health is also a useful resource for both information and practitioner referrals.