Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are experts in mental health. They specialise in diagnosing and treating people with mental illnesses.
scroll down for Advance Health Directives and ‘Less Restrictive Way’ of Treatment
To become a psychiatrist in Australia, a doctor must train for at least another 6 years after finishing medical school. Their medical training means that they understand both physical illnesses and mental illnesses.
Just as cardiologists are doctors who specialise in diseases of the heart, and oncologists are doctors who specialise in treating cancer, psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in mental health.
Find out how the NDIS can help your person with mental illness. Gives lots of links...
Better access to mental health care services
The four main differences between psychiatrists and psychologists are:
Psychotherapy to treat Depression:
https://www.medicinenet.com/psychotherapy/article.htm#introduction
Psychologists are more likely to see people with conditions that can be helped effectively with psychological treatments. This might include behavioural problems, learning difficulties, depression and anxiety.
Mental Health Centre A - Z List
https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/alphaidx.asp?p=a_48
Find out more about mental health services for patients under the Better Access initiative. An education guide so you can find out more about the Better Access initiative. The new guide has:
Psychiatric disability support services
Mental Health Services in Australia
This section presents information on specialist disability support services, provided under the National Disability Agreement (NDA) to service users with a psychiatric disability either as their primary disability or as an other significant disability. Unless otherwise stated, service users with psychiatric disability include all service users with psychiatric disability, regardless of whether it is considered a primary or other significant disability.
Mental health services are health and welfare support services primarily focused on providing care to people with mental health issues. Services are delivered by a range of providers, such as state and territory governments, the Australian Government and the private sector.
---------------------------
Mental health and mental illness facts:
With many thanks for setting this out so clearly.
Medicare‑subsidised mental health-related services
Updated data - 03 May 2019
Medicare‑subsidised psychiatrist services are services provided by a psychiatrist (or, for electroconvulsive therapy, by either a psychiatrist or another medical practitioner together with an anaesthetist) on a fee‑for‑service basis that are partially or fully funded under the Australian Government’s Medicare program. These services cover patient attendances (or consultations) provided in different settings as well as services such as group psychotherapy, telepsychiatry, case conferences and electroconvulsive therapy. These item groups along with the relevant MBS item numbers are listed in the data source section. Note that for items in the range 291 to 370 (MBS Group A8) and 855 to 866 (Case conference—consultant psychiatrist) only medical practitioners who are recognised as psychiatrists for the purposes of the Health Insurance Act 1973 are eligible to provide services attracting an MBS subsidy.
Directory of consultant psychiatrists in private practice in Australia
How do I arrange to see a psychiatrist?
In a mental health emergency, you should:
If you have a mental health issue, but it’s not an emergency, the best person to start making arrangements with is your general practitioner (GP).
First, make an appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns. If they think seeing a psychiatrist would help you, they will write a referral letter to a psychiatrist, asking them to see you.
Arrangements can vary between psychiatrists, but your GP will tell you the best way to make an appointment.
Which conditions can psychiatrists help with?
Psychiatrists treat conditions such as:
How do psychiatrists treat people with mental illness?
Mental illness can happen because of a combination of factors. These factors can be biological (the way your brain works), psychological (how you think), or social (your relationships with other people). The different psychiatric treatments available tackle these different factors.
Psychiatrists use a range of treatments, including:
Psychiatrists recommend the best treatment or treatments for each person. They will only recommend treatments that have been proven to be safe and effective. In some cases, a stay in hospital might also be recommended.
Treatments for mental illness aim to improve patients’ symptoms and help them to have a fulfilling, healthy lifestyle, with a feeling of optimism for the future.
Can I choose which psychiatrist I see?
Usually, your GP will choose a psychiatrist who they think will be a good fit for you. However, if you wish, you can ask for your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist of your choice.
You can try the RANZCP's Find a Psychiatrist directory to help find a psychiatrist who will suit your needs. You can use the directory to find psychiatrists near where you live, or ones with particular skills or areas of interest. For example, you might want a female psychiatrist, one that speaks the same language as you, or one that specialises in your condition.
What will happen when I see a psychiatrist?
The first time you meet with a psychiatrist, the appointment will usually last for up to an hour. The psychiatrist will need to do a full assessment. They will be trying to get a picture of the difficulties you are facing, how they affect your life, and what might be the causes and triggers of your problems.
This means they will listen to you talk about your concerns and symptoms, and ask you questions about your health in general and your family history. They might do a physical examination or ask you to fill out a questionnaire. They might also ask your permission to talk to other health professionals you've seen, or members of your family.
After getting all the information they need, they will tell you what they think your diagnosis is, and work out a treatment plan with you.
After the first visit, appointments will focus on checking your progress and adjusting treatments.
If you would like to have a family member or a friend with you in your appointments, you can discuss this with your psychiatrist.
What treatments might my psychiatrist use?
Mental illnesses happen because of a combination of factors. These factors can be biological (the way your brain works), psychological (how you think), or social (your relationships with other people). The different psychiatric treatments available tackle these different factors.
Psychiatrists use a range of treatments, including
Your psychiatrist will recommend the best treatment or treatments for you. They will recommend the treatments that are right for your mental illness, its severity, and your individual needs. They will only suggest treatments that have been proven to be safe and effective. In some cases, the proposed treatment might be a stay in hospital.
Your psychiatrist should explain the purpose, nature, possible side-effects, risks and costs of any treatment. It's up to you whether you agree to have the treatment – and your psychiatrist must confirm that you want to proceed.
Any treatment recommended by your psychiatrist will be aimed at improving your symptoms. The psychiatrist's goal is to help you improve your quality of life – that means improving your symptoms and helping you to have a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle, with a feeling of optimism for the future. This could include looking at home life, relationships, work, etc.
-----------------------------------------
ADVANCE HEALTH DIRECTIVES FOR MENTAL HEALTH
The new Mental Health Act took effect in Queensland from March 2017. It enables you to express your views, wishes, and treatment preferences formally in a new document called an Advance Health Directive for mental health. This allows you to have your say and plan for future health care treatment should you become unwell. Consumer, Family and Carer workshops are free and for individuals who experience mental health concerns, their family and carers.
With the new advance health directive for mental health you can:
ƒ discuss future treatment preferences with your doctor and have a formal document to reflect your wishes
ƒ inform your treating team about your recovery journey plans
ƒ choose support people you trust to assist in making healthcare decisions for you, should you become unwell. You can also set limits on the decisions they can make.
Advance Health Directives and ‘Less Restrictive Way’ of Treatment
Promoting the use of advance health directives and other alternatives to treatment without consent under the Mental Health Act 2016 gives individuals greater control over their future healthcare and supports consumer empowerment and patient recovery.
The doctor or authorised mental health practitioner must search the patient’s health records on CIMHA. The doctor or authorised mental health practitioner must also ask any support persons who are with the person whether the person has made an advance health directive, appointed an attorney or has a guardian for healthcare appointed. The Act authorises QCAT to disclose the name and contact details of a personal guardian (section 796).
Queensland Health , Mental Health Act 2016, Chief Psychiatrist Policy, Effective date: 5 March 2017 Review by: 5 March 2020 Supersedes: NIL
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/465176/cpp-advance-directives.pdf
2. Scope This Policy is mandatory for all authorised mental health services (AMHSs). An authorised doctor, authorised mental health practitioner, AMHS administrator, or other person performing a function or exercising a power under the Act must comply with this Policy.
This Policy only applies in circumstances where a health practitioner assesses that a person does not have capacity to make decisions about his or her own health care.
This Policy does not apply to persons on a forensic order or treatment support order.
This Policy must be implemented in a way that is consistent with the Objects and Principles of the Act.
Authorising legislation Section 305(1)(a) of the Mental Health Act 2016. -------------------------------------------
Your psychiatrist might be part of a team that works together with you to improve your mental health. Other members of the team might include GPs, psychologists, mental health nurses, counsellors, social workers, occupational therapists, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, and Maori health workers. Your family and other supports can also play an important role.
How much does it cost to see a psychiatrist?
If you are seeing a psychiatrist at a public hospital or a community health centre, the visit will usually be free. However, if you see a psychiatrist at their private practice, or in a private clinic, they will charge a fee.
Ask how much the fee is when you make your appointment.
You can claim some of the amount back from Medicare, or from your insurer if you have private health insurance (if you’re admitted as an inpatient).
How should I get ready for my first appointment?
It may be helpful to prepare for your first appointment by thinking about a few things:
It might also help to think about questions you'd like the psychiatrist to answer.
What about confidentiality?
Anything you talk about with your psychiatrist is confidential. You should feel that you can tell your psychiatrist anything.
Sometimes your psychiatrist may need to share some of your private information with other health-care professionals so they can assist with your treatment.
Your psychiatrist might suggest involving family members in your assessment, but will discuss this with you first.
Under very rare circumstances, a psychiatrist may be required to share a person’s private information with others. Generally, your psychiatrist will tell you if they need to do this.
Where do psychiatrists work?
Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings, including public or private clinics, community mental health services, or hospitals. Psychiatrists can also be involved in teaching and research.
How can I arrange to see a psychiatrist?
Visit our Seeing a psychiatrist page for information on where to start, and what seeing a psychiatrist is like.
Are there different types of psychiatrists?
Some psychiatrists focus on a particular area, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, old age psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, or forensic psychiatry (relating to the law).
What's the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists?
Many people are confused about the differences between psychiatrists and psychologists, because the two often work together.
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who have done extra training to become specialists in mental health. Psychologists have qualifications in psychology, but do not have medical training.
Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists can both offer psychological treatments to patients. However, psychiatrists, as medically trained doctors, can also provide medical care, prescribe medications, and admit people to hospital, if needed.
►More about the differences between psychiatrists and psychologists
What are things my psychiatrist should and shouldn't do?
Psychiatrists must abide by the RANZCP's Code of Ethics, which are strict guidelines about how to engage with you.
You should expect your psychiatrist to be attentive, caring and courteous. They should treat you with respect regardless of your age, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs.
Your psychiatrist should fully discuss all treatment options with you, and take account of your preferences – this is called informed consent.
Psychiatrists should avoid social or financial relationships with patients. They should not treat close family members, friends, employees or business associates. They must never have sexual relationships with current or former patients.
What do I do if I have a complaint about a psychiatrist?
If you have concerns about a psychiatrist's behaviour or performance, visit the Complaints about psychiatrists page for information about what to do.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are experts in mental health. They specialise in diagnosing and treating people with mental illnesses.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mental Health Resources for Carers
- is designed to support carers of people who have a mental illness living in Queensland, as Carers commonly find mental illness and the mental health system confusing; want to hear how others are coping and often wonder if they are doing the right thing.
In conjunction with Carers Queensland Sunshine Coast office and the local Partners in Recovery (PIR) prgram to develop a website for Carers of people who have mental health issues. 2016.
Mental health services in Australia
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia/report-contents/summary
Updated 03 May 2019
https://www.healthyplace.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-information/anxiety-self-help-ways-to-help-anxiety/
Anxiety help comes in many forms including medication, therapy, alternative treatments and anxiety self-help. Self-help for anxiety is simply anything you can do to help improve your anxiety symptoms. These ways of helping your anxiety may be particularly beneficial when combined with other anxiety treatments.
Some ways to help your anxiety include:
Links to external websites
The inclusion of any links to organisations whose aims and activities complement the Mental health services in Australia website does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia/report-contents/summary
05 December 2018
Many thanks in deep appreciation of this most important data. It gives invaluable help to the person's families and friends to have a greater understanding of the subject.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are experts in mental health. They specialise in diagnosing and treating people with mental illnesses.
scroll down for Advance Health Directives and ‘Less Restrictive Way’ of Treatment
To become a psychiatrist in Australia, a doctor must train for at least another 6 years after finishing medical school. Their medical training means that they understand both physical illnesses and mental illnesses.
Just as cardiologists are doctors who specialise in diseases of the heart, and oncologists are doctors who specialise in treating cancer, psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in mental health.
Find out how the NDIS can help your person with mental illness. Gives lots of links...
Better access to mental health care services
The four main differences between psychiatrists and psychologists are:
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors, psychologists are not.
- Psychiatrists prescribe medication, psychologists can’t.
- Psychiatrists tend to treat complex and serious mental illness, psychologists tend to treat less serious conditions.
- You need a referral from your GP to see a psychiatrist, while you don’t for a psychologist.
Psychotherapy to treat Depression:
https://www.medicinenet.com/psychotherapy/article.htm#introduction
Psychologists are more likely to see people with conditions that can be helped effectively with psychological treatments. This might include behavioural problems, learning difficulties, depression and anxiety.
Mental Health Centre A - Z List
https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/alphaidx.asp?p=a_48
Find out more about mental health services for patients under the Better Access initiative. An education guide so you can find out more about the Better Access initiative. The new guide has:
- information on which MBS item numbers are eligible, how often they can be claimed and any restrictions
- quick reference tables, and
- a case study explaining services and the different pathways available for eligible patients
- general practitioners (GPs)
- psychiatrists
- clinical and registered psychologists
- eligible social workers, or
- occupational therapists
Psychiatric disability support services
Mental Health Services in Australia
This section presents information on specialist disability support services, provided under the National Disability Agreement (NDA) to service users with a psychiatric disability either as their primary disability or as an other significant disability. Unless otherwise stated, service users with psychiatric disability include all service users with psychiatric disability, regardless of whether it is considered a primary or other significant disability.
Mental health services are health and welfare support services primarily focused on providing care to people with mental health issues. Services are delivered by a range of providers, such as state and territory governments, the Australian Government and the private sector.
---------------------------
Mental health and mental illness facts:
- Mental health is more than just being free of a mental illness. It is more of an optimal level of thinking, feeling, and relating to others.
- Mentally healthy individuals tend to have better medical health, productivity, and social relationships.
- Mental illness refers to all of the diagnosable mental disorders and is characterized by abnormalities in thinking, feelings, or behaviors.
- Some of the most common types of mental illness include anxiety, depressive, behavioral, and substance-abuse disorders.
- There is no single cause for mental illness. Rather, it is the result of a complex group of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.
- While everyone experiences sadness, anxiety, irritability, and moodiness at times, moods, thoughts, behaviors, or use of substances that interfere with a person's ability to function well physically, socially, at work, school, or home are characteristics of mental illness.
- There is no one test that definitively indicates whether someone has a mental illness. Therefore, health-care practitioners diagnose a mental disorder by gathering comprehensive medical, family, and mental-health information.
With many thanks for setting this out so clearly.
Medicare‑subsidised mental health-related services
Updated data - 03 May 2019
Medicare‑subsidised psychiatrist services are services provided by a psychiatrist (or, for electroconvulsive therapy, by either a psychiatrist or another medical practitioner together with an anaesthetist) on a fee‑for‑service basis that are partially or fully funded under the Australian Government’s Medicare program. These services cover patient attendances (or consultations) provided in different settings as well as services such as group psychotherapy, telepsychiatry, case conferences and electroconvulsive therapy. These item groups along with the relevant MBS item numbers are listed in the data source section. Note that for items in the range 291 to 370 (MBS Group A8) and 855 to 866 (Case conference—consultant psychiatrist) only medical practitioners who are recognised as psychiatrists for the purposes of the Health Insurance Act 1973 are eligible to provide services attracting an MBS subsidy.
Directory of consultant psychiatrists in private practice in Australia
- All psychiatrists in this directory are qualified medical practitioners who have undergone further specialist training to become experts in the treatment of mental illness.
- The directory contains only Australian psychiatrists in private practice who have requested to appear.
- Information in the directory is provided by psychiatrists themselves. Contact the psychiatrist for any questions about their skills, qualifications or practice.
How do I arrange to see a psychiatrist?
In a mental health emergency, you should:
- call 000
- visit the emergency department at your nearest hospital
If you have a mental health issue, but it’s not an emergency, the best person to start making arrangements with is your general practitioner (GP).
First, make an appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns. If they think seeing a psychiatrist would help you, they will write a referral letter to a psychiatrist, asking them to see you.
Arrangements can vary between psychiatrists, but your GP will tell you the best way to make an appointment.
Which conditions can psychiatrists help with?
Psychiatrists treat conditions such as:
- depression
- eating disorders (e.g. anorexia and bulimia)
- bipolar disorders
- schizophrenia
- alcohol, drug and gambling addictions
- anxiety disorders (e.g. panic attacks and phobias)
- Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- personality disorders
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How do psychiatrists treat people with mental illness?
Mental illness can happen because of a combination of factors. These factors can be biological (the way your brain works), psychological (how you think), or social (your relationships with other people). The different psychiatric treatments available tackle these different factors.
Psychiatrists use a range of treatments, including:
- medications
- psychotherapy (also called talking therapy or psychological treatment)
- practical advice about lifestyle and behaviour
Psychiatrists recommend the best treatment or treatments for each person. They will only recommend treatments that have been proven to be safe and effective. In some cases, a stay in hospital might also be recommended.
Treatments for mental illness aim to improve patients’ symptoms and help them to have a fulfilling, healthy lifestyle, with a feeling of optimism for the future.
Can I choose which psychiatrist I see?
Usually, your GP will choose a psychiatrist who they think will be a good fit for you. However, if you wish, you can ask for your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist of your choice.
You can try the RANZCP's Find a Psychiatrist directory to help find a psychiatrist who will suit your needs. You can use the directory to find psychiatrists near where you live, or ones with particular skills or areas of interest. For example, you might want a female psychiatrist, one that speaks the same language as you, or one that specialises in your condition.
What will happen when I see a psychiatrist?
The first time you meet with a psychiatrist, the appointment will usually last for up to an hour. The psychiatrist will need to do a full assessment. They will be trying to get a picture of the difficulties you are facing, how they affect your life, and what might be the causes and triggers of your problems.
This means they will listen to you talk about your concerns and symptoms, and ask you questions about your health in general and your family history. They might do a physical examination or ask you to fill out a questionnaire. They might also ask your permission to talk to other health professionals you've seen, or members of your family.
After getting all the information they need, they will tell you what they think your diagnosis is, and work out a treatment plan with you.
After the first visit, appointments will focus on checking your progress and adjusting treatments.
If you would like to have a family member or a friend with you in your appointments, you can discuss this with your psychiatrist.
What treatments might my psychiatrist use?
Mental illnesses happen because of a combination of factors. These factors can be biological (the way your brain works), psychological (how you think), or social (your relationships with other people). The different psychiatric treatments available tackle these different factors.
Psychiatrists use a range of treatments, including
- medications
- psychotherapy (also called psychological treatment or talking therapy)
- practical advice about your lifestyle or behaviour
Your psychiatrist will recommend the best treatment or treatments for you. They will recommend the treatments that are right for your mental illness, its severity, and your individual needs. They will only suggest treatments that have been proven to be safe and effective. In some cases, the proposed treatment might be a stay in hospital.
Your psychiatrist should explain the purpose, nature, possible side-effects, risks and costs of any treatment. It's up to you whether you agree to have the treatment – and your psychiatrist must confirm that you want to proceed.
Any treatment recommended by your psychiatrist will be aimed at improving your symptoms. The psychiatrist's goal is to help you improve your quality of life – that means improving your symptoms and helping you to have a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle, with a feeling of optimism for the future. This could include looking at home life, relationships, work, etc.
-----------------------------------------
ADVANCE HEALTH DIRECTIVES FOR MENTAL HEALTH
The new Mental Health Act took effect in Queensland from March 2017. It enables you to express your views, wishes, and treatment preferences formally in a new document called an Advance Health Directive for mental health. This allows you to have your say and plan for future health care treatment should you become unwell. Consumer, Family and Carer workshops are free and for individuals who experience mental health concerns, their family and carers.
With the new advance health directive for mental health you can:
ƒ discuss future treatment preferences with your doctor and have a formal document to reflect your wishes
ƒ inform your treating team about your recovery journey plans
ƒ choose support people you trust to assist in making healthcare decisions for you, should you become unwell. You can also set limits on the decisions they can make.
Advance Health Directives and ‘Less Restrictive Way’ of Treatment
- Purpose This Policy outlines the relevant provisions of the Mental Health Act 2016, and the Chief Psychiatrist Policy, in relation to advance health directives and treating persons in a ‘less restrictive way’ (as defined in the Act).
Promoting the use of advance health directives and other alternatives to treatment without consent under the Mental Health Act 2016 gives individuals greater control over their future healthcare and supports consumer empowerment and patient recovery.
The doctor or authorised mental health practitioner must search the patient’s health records on CIMHA. The doctor or authorised mental health practitioner must also ask any support persons who are with the person whether the person has made an advance health directive, appointed an attorney or has a guardian for healthcare appointed. The Act authorises QCAT to disclose the name and contact details of a personal guardian (section 796).
Queensland Health , Mental Health Act 2016, Chief Psychiatrist Policy, Effective date: 5 March 2017 Review by: 5 March 2020 Supersedes: NIL
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/465176/cpp-advance-directives.pdf
2. Scope This Policy is mandatory for all authorised mental health services (AMHSs). An authorised doctor, authorised mental health practitioner, AMHS administrator, or other person performing a function or exercising a power under the Act must comply with this Policy.
This Policy only applies in circumstances where a health practitioner assesses that a person does not have capacity to make decisions about his or her own health care.
This Policy does not apply to persons on a forensic order or treatment support order.
This Policy must be implemented in a way that is consistent with the Objects and Principles of the Act.
Authorising legislation Section 305(1)(a) of the Mental Health Act 2016. -------------------------------------------
Your psychiatrist might be part of a team that works together with you to improve your mental health. Other members of the team might include GPs, psychologists, mental health nurses, counsellors, social workers, occupational therapists, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, and Maori health workers. Your family and other supports can also play an important role.
How much does it cost to see a psychiatrist?
If you are seeing a psychiatrist at a public hospital or a community health centre, the visit will usually be free. However, if you see a psychiatrist at their private practice, or in a private clinic, they will charge a fee.
Ask how much the fee is when you make your appointment.
You can claim some of the amount back from Medicare, or from your insurer if you have private health insurance (if you’re admitted as an inpatient).
How should I get ready for my first appointment?
It may be helpful to prepare for your first appointment by thinking about a few things:
- What symptoms do I have?
- Are there any particular stresses in my life that might be relevant?
- What other medical conditions do I have? (both current and previous)
- What medications, vitamins and supplements am I taking?
- What has helped/not helped in the past?
- What supports do I have in my life? (family, friends, colleagues, groups, etc.)
It might also help to think about questions you'd like the psychiatrist to answer.
What about confidentiality?
Anything you talk about with your psychiatrist is confidential. You should feel that you can tell your psychiatrist anything.
Sometimes your psychiatrist may need to share some of your private information with other health-care professionals so they can assist with your treatment.
Your psychiatrist might suggest involving family members in your assessment, but will discuss this with you first.
Under very rare circumstances, a psychiatrist may be required to share a person’s private information with others. Generally, your psychiatrist will tell you if they need to do this.
Where do psychiatrists work?
Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings, including public or private clinics, community mental health services, or hospitals. Psychiatrists can also be involved in teaching and research.
How can I arrange to see a psychiatrist?
Visit our Seeing a psychiatrist page for information on where to start, and what seeing a psychiatrist is like.
Are there different types of psychiatrists?
Some psychiatrists focus on a particular area, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, old age psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, or forensic psychiatry (relating to the law).
What's the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists?
Many people are confused about the differences between psychiatrists and psychologists, because the two often work together.
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who have done extra training to become specialists in mental health. Psychologists have qualifications in psychology, but do not have medical training.
Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists can both offer psychological treatments to patients. However, psychiatrists, as medically trained doctors, can also provide medical care, prescribe medications, and admit people to hospital, if needed.
►More about the differences between psychiatrists and psychologists
What are things my psychiatrist should and shouldn't do?
Psychiatrists must abide by the RANZCP's Code of Ethics, which are strict guidelines about how to engage with you.
You should expect your psychiatrist to be attentive, caring and courteous. They should treat you with respect regardless of your age, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs.
Your psychiatrist should fully discuss all treatment options with you, and take account of your preferences – this is called informed consent.
Psychiatrists should avoid social or financial relationships with patients. They should not treat close family members, friends, employees or business associates. They must never have sexual relationships with current or former patients.
What do I do if I have a complaint about a psychiatrist?
If you have concerns about a psychiatrist's behaviour or performance, visit the Complaints about psychiatrists page for information about what to do.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are experts in mental health. They specialise in diagnosing and treating people with mental illnesses.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mental Health Resources for Carers
- Introduction
- About mental illness
- The mental health system
- Treatment and interventions
- Grief and loss
- Coping strategies
- Purposeful coping
- Resources
- is designed to support carers of people who have a mental illness living in Queensland, as Carers commonly find mental illness and the mental health system confusing; want to hear how others are coping and often wonder if they are doing the right thing.
In conjunction with Carers Queensland Sunshine Coast office and the local Partners in Recovery (PIR) prgram to develop a website for Carers of people who have mental health issues. 2016.
Mental health services in Australia
- Mental health services in Australia provides a picture of the national response of the health and welfare service system to the mental health care needs of Australians.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia/report-contents/summary
Updated 03 May 2019
https://www.healthyplace.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-information/anxiety-self-help-ways-to-help-anxiety/
Anxiety help comes in many forms including medication, therapy, alternative treatments and anxiety self-help. Self-help for anxiety is simply anything you can do to help improve your anxiety symptoms. These ways of helping your anxiety may be particularly beneficial when combined with other anxiety treatments.
Some ways to help your anxiety include:
- Learning about your illness
- Making anxiety-reducing lifestyle changes
- Creating a support network
Links to external websites
- Disclaimer
The inclusion of any links to organisations whose aims and activities complement the Mental health services in Australia website does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia/report-contents/summary
05 December 2018
Many thanks in deep appreciation of this most important data. It gives invaluable help to the person's families and friends to have a greater understanding of the subject.