Find a Mental Health Professional for Complex Mental Health Conditions

About Complex Mental Health Conditions support

People living with complex or serious mental health conditions deserve skilled, compassionate, and consistent support. This category covers borderline personality disorder (BPD), schizophrenia and psychosis, schizoaffective disorder, early psychosis, and related personality disorders. These conditions can be challenging to live with, and they can also be effectively managed with the right treatment and support in place. A diagnosis in this category is not a life sentence. Many people with schizophrenia, BPD, and related conditions lead fulfilling lives with appropriate treatment, peer support, and connection to community. Evidence-based treatments include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for BPD, Early Psychosis Intervention programmes, Cognitive Remediation, and Schema Therapy. Treatment typically involves a team approach including a psychiatrist, psychologist, case manager, and GP. In Australia, public mental health services, community mental health teams, and headspace (for young people) provide access to specialist support regardless of financial circumstances. NDIS funding is widely available for people with psychosocial disabilities related to serious mental illness, covering therapy, support coordination, community participation, and daily living support. Medicare rebates apply for psychology sessions with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and psychiatry is covered under a separate Medicare referral pathway.

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.

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.