Find a Mental Health Professional for Work & Workplace

About Work & Workplace support

Work-related mental health is one of the most common reasons Australians seek psychological support. Whether you are dealing with burnout, workplace conflict, performance pressure, a toxic team culture, or the aftermath of losing a job, the right practitioner can help you understand what is happening and develop strategies that work in your specific situation. Practitioners listed here work with a broad range of work-related concerns. These include stress and anxiety driven by workload or job insecurity, burnout and emotional exhaustion that goes beyond everyday tiredness, bullying or harassment and its psychological aftermath, adjustment after redundancy or career change, and the difficulty of returning to work after injury, illness, or extended leave. Some practitioners also specialise in specific industries where mental health challenges are particularly prevalent, including healthcare, emergency services, mining and resources, legal and finance, and education. Support can take many forms. Individual therapy helps you process what has happened, understand your responses, and build skills for managing stress and difficult relationships. Some practitioners also work with employees who are navigating workers compensation or WorkCover claims. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer a fixed number of free sessions through your employer, though the practitioner is independent of your workplace. Medicare rebates apply under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan for eligible presentations. If your mental health challenges are directly caused by work conditions, speak with your GP about the most appropriate referral pathway.

Support resources

• Safe Work Australia

  Australia's national body for work health and safety, with guidance on workplace mental health obligations for employers and resources for workers.

• Beyond Blue: Heads Up

  Heads Up is a Beyond Blue initiative focused on mental health in the workplace, with practical tools for employees and employers.

Further reading

• The stages of burnout: how to know which one you are in

  Burnout does not arrive all at once. Understanding the progression helps you catch it early and get the right support.

• What is an EAP and how do I use mine?

  Employee Assistance Programs offer free confidential sessions through your employer. Here is how to access yours and what to expect.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a psychologist or counsellor who specialises in burnout or workplace stress in Australia?

Search this directory and filter for the work and workplace category or use keywords like burnout or occupational stress. Many practitioners who specialise in this area will note experience with high-pressure industries such as healthcare, law, emergency services, or corporate environments. Your GP can also provide a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan if your work stress is affecting your general mental health.

Can I use my EAP to see a psychologist for work stress?

Yes. Employee Assistance Programs provide free, confidential short-term counselling for work-related and personal concerns. The number of sessions varies by employer, typically between three and eight. Your employer does not receive information about what you discuss. To access your EAP, check your employer's intranet, HR team, or payslip for the EAP provider name, then contact them directly to book.

Does Medicare cover psychological treatment for work-related stress?

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. This applies to work-related stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression where they meet the clinical threshold. Your GP will assess whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate for your situation.

What is an EAP and how do I access it?

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential short-term counselling service funded by your employer. To access it, contact your HR department or the EAP provider directly using the number or portal your employer provides. EAP sessions are typically free to you and completely confidential from your employer. They are best suited to short-term issues; for longer-term or more complex concerns, Medicare-subsidised or private therapy is usually a better fit.

Can I get Medicare-subsidised psychology for work-related stress or burnout?

Yes. If your GP assesses that work-related stress or burnout is significantly affecting your mental health, they can provide a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which gives you access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. Eligible practitioners under this plan include registered psychologists, accredited mental health social workers, and mental health occupational therapists. Sessions with EAP counsellors or other non-AHPRA-registered practitioners are not covered by Medicare. For workplace injuries, workers compensation schemes in each state may also fund psychological treatment independently of Medicare.

What is the difference between stress and burnout?

Stress is a response to pressure that typically resolves when the pressure eases. Burnout is a state of chronic exhaustion (emotional, physical and cognitive) that develops when stress is sustained over a long period without adequate recovery. People experiencing burnout often feel detached, cynical, or unable to feel satisfaction in their work even when conditions improve. Burnout typically requires more sustained support than acute stress.

Can a psychologist help with workplace bullying or harassment?

Yes. A psychologist can help you process the psychological impact of workplace bullying or harassment, including anxiety, loss of confidence, hypervigilance, and depression. They can also help you think through your options and develop strategies for managing the situation or recovery. For formal complaints, WorkSafe and the Fair Work Commission handle the regulatory and legal dimensions, though a psychologist can support you through those processes.

How do I support my mental health through a redundancy or job loss?

Job loss can trigger grief, identity disruption, financial anxiety and relationship stress even for people who were unhappy in their role. Speaking with a psychologist can help you process the experience, manage the uncertainty of a job search, and rebuild confidence. A GP can provide a Mental Health Treatment Plan if your mental health has been significantly affected. Services Australia also provides access to a social worker if financial stress is a significant part of the picture.