List of words and meanings

The Our words matter: Glossary of terms provides words you might come across when talking about mental health related themes.

Click here the see these words and their meaning in the Our words matter: Glossary of terms

A mental health treatment plan is for people with a mental health concern or illness. The plan will talk about support services and your treatment options.

A health care professional that has direct contact with patients.
For example, a nurse, doctor or psychologist.

Family doctors in Australia are also called General Practitioners or GPs. Some work in health centres, hospitals or in their own offices. All GPs have university degrees and are registered with the government to make sure they are qualified and safe to work with people. Some GPs are free (this is called bulk billed) but some will charge you.

You can find a GP on the Healthdirect website. The website includes information in multiple languages.
A doctor may link you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan which will help you access a psychologist.

A medical doctor who has completed extra training in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental illness with talking therapy and can also prescribe medicine. You may need a referral to see a psychiatrist by another health professional, such as a doctor.

A professional who provides treatment of mental health concerns or illness through talking therapy. They are not medical doctors and can’t prescribe medicines. You will need a referral to see a psychologist from your doctor. You can find a psychologist that speaks your language using the Australian Psychological Society Find a Psychologist tool.