Mental Health

About our Mental Health Practice

While significant strides have been made in addressing poor mental health in recent decades, in any given year, 1 in 5 adult Australian’s will experience poor mental health. Mental health in Australia is addressed through our mixed healthcare system, with both federal and state governments, supported by private hospitals and community organisations playing a role in addressing the growing community need. Largely funded by State and Territory governments, Australia’s near $15 billion expenditure on mental health continues to struggle to meet ongoing needs, placing increasing pressure on frontline community organisations and General Practitioners.

Growing demand for support, and a dearth of qualified providers across the country, especially in regional Australia, is leading to substantial delays in service provision. When combined, Australia’s fragmented mental health system, labour shortages and increasing acuity of poor mental health, we see a system under substantial pressure and in need of coordination and reform.



Without an overarching, national mental health architecture that addresses gaps in mental health care and the disproportionate rate of mental health issues affecting First Nations people – innovation, partnership and dynamic thinking are crucial success factors for the sectors leaders. A shift to digital service delivery including telehealth and early intervention programs provides promising signs but demands new capabilities – a more digital savvy clinical workforce and technology driven organisations.