Mental health report highlights gaps in access and care
20 Aug 2026
The National Mental Health Commission’s 2025 report card presents a complex picture of the nation’s mental health system.
In 2025, 14.9% of Australians aged 15 and over experienced high psychological distress, while 9.2% experienced very high distress.
The report found that more people are using mental health services and investment has increased, but the benefits are not reaching all communities equally.
People living in major cities use Medicare mental health services at higher rates than the overall population. Access is also being affected by rising demand for public mental health services, long emergency department waits, pressure on GPs and shortages of psychiatrists.
Dr Karen Spielman, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Psychological Medicine, said GPs play an important role in providing mental health care but need greater support to manage increasingly complex cases.
She said longer consultations and appropriate Medicare rebates could give GPs more time to provide thorough mental health care and potentially reduce pressure on tertiary services.
The report also highlights the need for stronger prevention, better services, workforce growth and improved national data.
National Mental Health Commission Chief Executive David McGrath said factors such as location, financial pressure, housing insecurity, discrimination and community support can all affect people’s ability to access mental health services.
The Commission said future reforms should focus on ensuring people can access the right care at the right time.
Mental health report highlights gaps in access and care
Source: National Mental Health Commission