About teenagers
Adolescence brings changes in identity, relationships and emotions. Therapy offers a confidential space to talk about anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, relationships or school pressure, with the involvement of the family when appropriate.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialised in mental health. They diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication and may also provide psychotherapy. They are usually the first choice when medication may be needed or symptoms are severe.
Getting mental health care in Australia
Public health system · Medicare (Better Access initiative) and state and territory public mental health services
Medicare pays rebates for a limited number of sessions with a psychologist each year under the Better Access initiative, usually after a GP referral with a mental health plan; the psychologist may charge a gap fee. State and territory public mental health services treat more severe conditions.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical Board of Australia, through Ahpra. Psychiatrists must be registered as medical practitioners with specialist registration in psychiatry. Search the official register
Typical private fees
- Session with a psychologist
- $318 – $330
Australian Psychological Society suggested fee for a 46-60 minute consultation: 318 (2025-26) and 330 (2026-27); each psychologist sets their own fee. Sources
Urgent help in Australia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 000 · Triple Zero (000)
- 13 11 14 · Lifeline
- 1300 659 467 · Suicide Call Back Service
- 1300 22 4636 · Beyond Blue Support Service
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ahpra.gov.au, psychology.org.au
Signs to look out for
Mood swings, wanting more privacy and clashes with parents are part of adolescence. It may be time to seek help when a teenager seems persistently sad, anxious or irritable, withdraws from friends, loses interest in activities, has big changes in sleep or eating, drops in school performance, uses alcohol or drugs, self-harms, or spends most of their time isolated online.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Approaches with good evidence for teenagers include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy for depression, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) adapted for adolescents when there is self-harm, and family-based therapies. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists usually lead the work; a child and adolescent psychiatrist may be involved when symptoms are severe or medication is being considered.
When to seek urgent help
Take any talk of suicide or self-harm seriously. If a teenager has a plan, has harmed themselves seriously, has taken an overdose or is in danger, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Seek urgent help too for signs of severe intoxication, sexual exploitation or online extortion, and do not leave them alone if at risk.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep communication open by listening more than lecturing, and choose relaxed moments, such as car journeys or meals, to talk. Respect their growing independence while keeping clear, agreed limits. Encourage sleep routines, physical activity and time away from screens. Show interest in their friends and activities. If they are reluctant to seek help, offer options and let them have a say in choosing.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health problems from a medical point of view. Day to day they carry out diagnostic interviews, rule out physical causes, decide whether medication could help, prescribe it and monitor its effects and side effects. Many also offer psychotherapy or work alongside psychologists. They see adults, older people and, if specialised, children and adolescents.
When to see a psychiatrist
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are intense or long-lasting, when therapy alone has not been enough, when you are already taking psychiatric medication, or when there are experiences such as severe mood swings, hearing or seeing things others do not, or very disturbed sleep. If what you mainly need is talking therapy for everyday difficulties, a psychologist or psychotherapist may fit better.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Australia cover psychological care?
Medicare pays rebates for a limited number of sessions with a psychologist each year under the Better Access initiative, usually after a GP referral with a mental health plan; the psychologist may charge a gap fee. State and territory public mental health services treat more severe conditions.
How do I check that a psychiatrist is licensed in Australia?
Medical Board of Australia, through Ahpra: Psychiatrists must be registered as medical practitioners with specialist registration in psychiatry.
How much does a session with a psychologist cost in Australia?
Usually between $318 and $330 per individual session in private practice. Australian Psychological Society suggested fee for a 46-60 minute consultation: 318 (2025-26) and 330 (2026-27); each psychologist sets their own fee.