Find a Mental Health Professional for Women's Mental Health

About Women's Mental Health support

Women''s mental health encompasses the psychological concerns that are specific to, or more prevalent in, women''s lives, spanning hormonal and reproductive health through to the social and relational pressures that disproportionately affect women across the life span. Practitioners listed here work with a broad range of presentations. These include perinatal mental health (anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth), postnatal depression and postnatal anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), perimenopause and menopause-related mental health challenges, pregnancy loss and fertility-related grief, the psychological impact of endometriosis or other chronic gynaecological conditions, and trauma including family violence and sexual assault. Many also support women navigating the competing demands of career, parenting, relationships, and caring responsibilities, including the burnout, guilt, and identity challenges that can accompany these. Finding a practitioner who understands the specific context of women''s experience can make a significant difference to the quality of care. Many of the practitioners listed here have additional training in trauma-informed practice, reproductive mental health, or feminist-informed therapy. Medicare rebates apply through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. NDIS funding may also be available for women with a permanent mental health condition that significantly affects daily functioning.

Support resources

• PANDA: Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia

  Australia's national helpline and support service for perinatal mental health, supporting women, men and families during pregnancy and in the first year after birth.

• Jean Hailes for Women's Health

  A national not-for-profit focused on women's health across the life span, with evidence-based information on mental health, hormonal health, menopause, and more.

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 psychologist or counsellor for postnatal depression or perinatal anxiety in Australia?

Talk to your GP, midwife, or maternal and child health nurse, all of whom can provide a referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan. PANDA (1300 726 306) and the Gidget Foundation also offer specialised support and referrals. You can search this directory filtering for the women's mental health or perinatal subcategory to find practitioners with specific expertise in this area.

What is perinatal mental health and how is it treated?

Perinatal mental health refers to mental health concerns that arise during pregnancy or in the first year after birth, including perinatal anxiety, perinatal depression, OCD, PTSD related to birth trauma, and in rare cases postpartum psychosis. Treatment typically involves psychological therapy such as CBT or trauma-informed approaches, and in some cases medication in consultation with a GP or psychiatrist. PANDA (panda.org.au) operates a national helpline and can provide referrals to specialist perinatal practitioners.

Can a psychologist help with menopause-related mental health challenges?

Yes. The hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause can significantly affect mood, sleep, concentration and emotional regulation. Psychologists work with the anxiety, depression, identity shifts, and relationship changes that commonly arise during this transition. Cognitive behavioural therapy has good evidence for managing mood symptoms associated with menopause. A GP can also advise on whether hormone therapy or other medical supports are appropriate alongside psychological care.

Is PMDD or menopause-related mental health support covered by Medicare?

Yes. Where PMDD or menopause-related symptoms are significantly affecting your mental health, a GP can issue a Mental Health Treatment Plan which provides Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. For complex or treatment-resistant presentations, your GP may also refer you to a psychiatrist, which attracts a higher Medicare rebate. It is important to have a GP who takes these conditions seriously: if you feel dismissed, it is entirely reasonable to seek a second opinion.

What type of therapy helps with women's hormonal mental health conditions like PMDD?

CBT adapted for PMDD has the strongest evidence base and can help with both emotional regulation and the cognitive patterns that intensify premenstrual distress. Mindfulness-based therapies and ACT are also used effectively. For perinatal mental health, therapies including CBT, IPT, and mother-infant therapy may be recommended depending on the presentation. A psychologist with specific training in women's health will be best placed to tailor an approach to your needs.

Does Medicare cover therapy for postnatal depression?

Yes. A GP can provide a Mental Health Treatment Plan that gives access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. Postnatal depression and postnatal anxiety are among the most common presentations, and GPs are generally experienced in identifying and referring for them. PANDA also runs a national helpline (1300 726 306) with trained counsellors available seven days a week.

What support is available in Australia for pregnancy loss and infertility?

Pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and termination, and infertility can cause profound grief, trauma, and complicated emotions that often go unacknowledged. Psychologists and counsellors with experience in reproductive loss provide a space to process these experiences without minimisation. SANDS (sands.org.au) supports families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death. Pink Elephants (pinkelephants.org.au) supports those affected by early pregnancy loss specifically.

How do I find a female psychologist in Australia?

You can filter by practitioner gender using the search tools in this directory. Many women specifically seek a female practitioner for reasons of comfort, shared experience, or the nature of what they want to discuss. This is completely valid and worth prioritising in your search. If your preferred practitioners have long wait times, ask to be placed on a cancellation list and consider telehealth, which significantly expands your options beyond your immediate geographic area.