AAPi was featured in an ABC online article and radio with Executive Director Tegan Carrison on new research showing the demand for mental health services in rural, regional and remote parts of Australia is 'extremely high'.
The demand for mental health services is "extremely high" in rural, regional and remote parts of Australia, according to Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) director Tegan Carrison.
"The demand is increasing, but access is declining," she said.
"Your postcode shouldn't determine if you can receive the essential healthcare you need."
Ms Carrison referred to "incredibly concerning data" from a 2024 Productivity Commission report that found people were putting off seeing mental health professionals due to the cost.
Workforce shortages are not the only barrier — long distances, travel expenses and unreliable internet hinder rural residents trying to get help.
Charleville psychologist Jed Owens and AAPi member said some of his clients travelled four hours to see him.
"There's always limited resources and limited qualified technicians … there's long distances and there's waitlists," he said.
"So it's a real challenge for these remote communities.
"I think it [psychologists] should be as common as a GP, personally … we keep going through life without those check-ups and you can see it does cause issues."
Mr Owens said he tried to call out the "she'll be right" attitude some of his rural patients had. "I think that's an Australian cultural thing," he said.
Read the article here.