Australia's mental health crisis and the need for more mental health professionals

Rising stress, social isolation, and the increasing cost of living have contributed to worsening mental health across the nation.

A mental health crisis occurs when someone’s emotional distress becomes so severe that they cannot cope with daily life or keep themselves safe. We’re now at a breaking point, and too many people aren’t able to get the support they need.

Australia’s mental health crisis

According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, more than 2.3 million Australians aged 16–85 with a mental health problem are not receiving care. This is in comparison to the 1.9 million people who are receiving the care they need. This isn’t just a gap in care, it’s a national crisis.

Around 43% of Australians will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives, and almost one in four people are currently living with one. Anxiety disorders are the most common, followed by depression and substance use issues.

Young Australians in particular are reporting high levels of stress, with almost 40% of people aged 16-24 recording a 12-month mental disorder, while many older Australians struggle in silence.

The pandemic magnified these issues, but the roots run deeper. Mental health services in Australia are stretched thin, particularly in rural and regional areas where professionals are scarce. Long waiting lists, high out-of-pocket costs, and limited community-based services mean that help often isn’t there when it’s needed.

How the mental health crisis in Australia can be addressed

Mental health is more than the absence of illness; it’s about emotional wellbeing, resilience, and the ability to function and connect with others. The mental health crisis in Australia has many underlying causes: social inequality, housing stress, unemployment, and stigma still affect our ability to seek and receive care.

To address this, we need to take action at every level. Individually, we can play a role by learning to recognise the signs of distress in ourselves and others, reaching out early, and supporting open conversations about mental health. In workplaces, schools, and community settings, we can use education and proactive support to help prevent crises before they occur.

Resources such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and the Black Dog Institute are a great option for support and information for those in need.

At a societal level, we should start shifting the focus toward prevention and early intervention. Schools and workplaces should prioritise mental wellbeing through awareness programs and flexible support systems.

We also need more government investment. For example, expanding Medicare-subsidised sessions beyond the 10 per calendar year we currently have, improving funding for community mental health services, and offering better incentives for mental health professionals to work in underserved regions would all help close the treatment gap.

The workforce shortage is one of the most significant barriers. Without more qualified psychologists, counsellors, and mental health nurses, there’s no chance for us to meet growing demand.

Mental health support and education

Formal study options are expanding to help people develop the skills to make a difference in their communities.

Courses like the Undergraduate Certificate in Mental Health are designed for those who want to understand and respond to mental health challenges in practical and compassionate ways.

Whether you’re a teacher, carer, community worker, or simply someone passionate about helping others, this course provides essential skills in recognising, supporting, and caring for individuals experiencing mental health issues.

By developing more trained mental health professionals, we can begin to address the root causes of our mental health crisis. A better-educated, better-resourced workforce will mean fewer people falling through the cracks and more Australians getting the support they need.