Find a Mental Health Professional for Complex Mental Health Conditions

About Complex Mental Health Conditions support

Serious mental illnesses include conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. These conditions can significantly affect a person's thinking, mood, and ability to function day to day. With the right support, many people live full and meaningful lives. Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary team: a psychiatrist to manage medication, a psychologist for therapy, a GP for physical health, and sometimes a care coordinator or social worker. Mental health care plans and community mental health services are available to help navigate this. If you are supporting a family member or loved one, you are not alone. Carers play a vital role, and support is available for you too.

Support resources

• SANE Australia

  Lived experience-led support, information and peer connection for people affected by complex mental health.

• headspace: understanding psychosis

  Information on psychosis and early psychosis for young people and their families.

• Carers Australia

  National support and advocacy for carers of people with serious mental illness.

Further reading

• 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 or therapist experienced in BPD or psychosis in Australia?

Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or community mental health service, which is often the most appropriate first step for complex conditions. Community mental health teams, public hospital outpatient psychiatry services, and headspace (for those under 25) all provide specialist support. For private psychology, you can search this directory filtering for complex mental health to find practitioners with DBT or psychosis-specific training.

What counts as a serious mental illness?

Serious mental illness typically refers to conditions like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and severe persistent depression. These conditions significantly affect daily functioning and often require ongoing, coordinated care.

Can psychologists help with serious mental illness, or do I need a psychiatrist?

Both play a role. A psychiatrist (a medical doctor) is usually responsible for diagnosis and medication management. A psychologist or therapist provides talking therapy. Many people benefit from both, working as part of a care team.

Is treatment for schizophrenia, BPD, or other serious mental illness covered by Medicare or NDIS?

Yes to both. Medicare covers psychiatry under a specialist referral and psychology under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. For BPD, GP Mental Health Treatment Plans with a course of DBT are well established. NDIS is a major funder for people with psychosocial disabilities related to serious mental illness: an NDIS plan can fund therapy, support coordination, community access, and supports for daily living. Accessing NDIS requires an eligibility assessment, and your GP or community mental health team can assist.

What is Early Psychosis Intervention and how does it work in Australia?

Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) programmes are specialist services designed to support people who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis or who are at high risk. Early intervention significantly improves long-term outcomes. In Australia, services such as EPPIC (VIC), headspace Early Psychosis programmes, and state-specific early psychosis teams across states provide multidisciplinary support including psychiatric assessment, psychological therapy, family education, and vocational support. Ask your GP for a referral or contact headspace directly if you are under 25.

How do I find a practitioner experienced with psychosis or schizophrenia?

Use the filters on this directory to search by speciality. You can also ask your GP for a referral, contact your local community mental health service, or reach out to SANE Australia for a peer support referral.

What support is available for family members and carers?

SANE Australia offers peer support for carers and family members. Carers Australia provides practical assistance and advocacy. Your GP can also connect you with local carer support groups and respite services.

Can serious mental illness be treated with talking therapy alone?

For many serious mental illnesses, medication plays an important role alongside therapy. Therapy is a critical part of recovery and can help with managing symptoms, building coping skills, and improving quality of life. Your care team can help you find the right combination.