Facilities & resources

A well-resourced mental health care system is integral to positive mental health outcomes in Australian communities. Data are available to understand how mental health care services in Australia are funded and resourced.

Expenditure on mental health-related services

Spending on mental health related services increased from $12.7 billion in 2019–20 to $14.5 billion in 2023–24.

Specialised mental health care facilities

There were about 1,670 specialised mental health care facilities in 2023–24.

Mental health workforce

In 2024, there were about 28,300 mental health nurses, 36,900 psychologists, 3,100 mental health occupational therapists, 3,400 accredited mental health social workers and 4,500 psychiatrists working in Australia.

Income & employment support

In 2023, 37% of Disability Support Pension (DSP) recipients (about 286,000 people) had a primary medical condition in the Psychological/Psychiatric category.

Disease and injury related spending on mental illness

In 2022–23, Mental health conditions and substance use disorders ranked 7th in terms of disease-related spending ($11.9 billion).

National Mental Health Service Planning Framework

The NMHSPF is a comprehensive model designed to help plan, coordinate and resource mental health services.