Mental Health Support in Cairns & Online
Mental health is the foundation of our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It influences how we think, feel, and behave in everyday life. When mental health becomes unbalanced, it can impact work, relationships, and quality of life. At Cairns Beaches Psychology, our team of registered and clinical psychologists provide expert, compassionate support to help individuals and families navigate these challenges.
While we do not prescribe medication or provide psychiatric services, we often work alongside psychiatrists and general practitioners to ensure holistic care. Our role is to help clients heal and recover where possible, or to develop coping strategies and resilience when a full recovery is not achievable.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to a person’s overall emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we cope with stress, build relationships, and make decisions. Good mental health does not mean never experiencing sadness or stress — it means having the ability to manage challenges and still function in daily life.
Common Types of Mental Illness Psychologists Can Help With
Psychologists are trained to provide therapy and support for a wide range of mental health concerns. At Cairns Beaches Psychology, we commonly work with:
Depression
Persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness.
Anxiety Disorders
Generalised anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and social anxiety.
PTSD & Trauma
Distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares after traumatic events.
OCD
Repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviours (compulsions).
Eating Disorders
Disordered patterns of eating, often linked with body image concerns.
Substance Use & Addictions
Alcohol, gambling, or other behavioural and substance-related addictions.
Bipolar & Mood Disorders
Shifts between low moods (depression) and elevated moods (mania).
Stress & Burnout
Workplace stress, carer fatigue, or feeling unable to cope with demands.
Grief & Loss
Processing bereavement or major life changes in a safe, supportive way.
Symptoms & Causes
Symptoms vary depending on the condition, but may include emotional changes (sadness, anxiety, irritability), physical effects (sleep issues, fatigue, appetite changes), and behavioural impacts (withdrawal, avoidance, difficulty functioning).
Causes are often a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. Genetics, trauma, chronic stress, and environmental pressures may all contribute.
Accessing a Mental Health Care Plan
In Australia, many people begin by visiting their General Practitioner (GP). A GP can create a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), which provides access to Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. The process usually involves:
- Visiting your GP to discuss your mental health concerns.
- The GP may prepare a Mental Health Care Plan and referral to a psychologist.
- You can then book sessions with a registered or clinical psychologist.
- Medicare rebates reduce the out-of-pocket cost per session.
How It Works
GP âžť Mental Health Care Plan âžť Psychologist âžť Medicare Rebate
(Exact rebate amounts vary, but Medicare reduces session costs for eligible clients.)
NDIS & Additional Supports
For people living with significant, long-term mental health conditions, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may provide funding for therapy, daily support, and community participation. Our team can work with NDIS participants as part of their care plan to build independence and improve quality of life.
Mental Health in Australia — Quick Statistics
- Almost 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental health condition in any given year.
- Depression and anxiety are the most common diagnoses.
- Mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
- Early intervention significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes.
| Condition | Estimated Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Depression | 1 in 7 Australians |
| Anxiety | 1 in 4 Australians |
| Bipolar Disorder | 1 in 50 Australians |
| PTSD | 1 in 10 Australians |
Visual Representation
Our Role at Cairns Beaches Psychology
At Cairns Beaches Psychology, our mission is to provide accessible, professional, and compassionate mental health care. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or long-term conditions, our psychologists are here to help you understand, manage, and overcome challenges.
We work with adults, adolescents, and children, offering tailored approaches to suit individual needs. With both in-person sessions in Cairns and secure telehealth options, we ensure help is never out of reach.
Mental Illness Coping and Recovery in Cairns & Online
Living with a mental illness can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, recovery is possible. At Cairns Beaches Psychology, we provide compassionate, professional care to help you manage symptoms, build resilience, and move toward a more fulfilling life.
Our registered psychologists work with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and more. Each session focuses on practical coping strategies, evidence-based therapies, and a safe, supportive environment for growth.
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebate sessions with our psychologists, making regular care more accessible. Whether you attend our clinic in Cairns or connect via secure telehealth, we are committed to making therapy available when and where you need it.
Our approach includes a variety of treatments such as CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. This flexibility allows us to tailor each session to your unique circumstances, supporting both coping and long-term recovery. For a full overview, explore our treatments and psychologist services.
We also recognise the importance of early intervention and offer dedicated support for young people through our experienced child psychologists. If you’re looking for experienced local care, meet our Cairns psychologists.
Taking the first step toward recovery is an act of courage. With the right support, you can learn new ways of coping and begin to reclaim control over your life. Cairns Beaches Psychology is here to walk alongside you on that journey.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist — What’s the Difference?
Many people feel uncertain about whether to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Both play important roles in supporting mental health, but their training, focus, and approach differ significantly. At Cairns Beaches Psychology, our psychologists often work alongside psychiatrists and general practitioners to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
| Aspect | Psychologist | Psychiatrist |
|---|---|---|
| Training | University degree + postgraduate training in psychology, often masters/doctorate. | Medical degree + specialist training in psychiatry (doctors of medicine). |
| Focus | Understanding behaviour, emotions, and thoughts. Providing therapy and coping strategies. | Diagnosis and management of mental illness, including prescribing medication. |
| Treatments | Therapies such as CBT, EMDR, ACT, IFS, Mindfulness, Schema Therapy, etc. | Medication (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers) and medical management. |
| Referral | No referral required (though MHCP from GP gives Medicare rebates). | Requires a referral from a GP. |
| Best For | Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationships, personal growth, coping skills. | Severe or complex mental illness requiring medication, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. |
Visual Guide
Psychologist
Focuses on therapy & coping.
Helps clients build resilience and strategies.
Works with GP and psychiatrist when needed.
Psychiatrist
Focuses on diagnosis & medication.
Manages severe illness requiring medical treatment.
Works closely with psychologists for therapy support.
In practice, psychologists and psychiatrists often work side by side. A psychologist may provide weekly therapy, while a psychiatrist monitors medication. Together, they ensure treatment covers both the emotional and medical needs of the client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan to see a psychologist in Cairns?
No, you can book directly with a psychologist. However, if you obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebate sessions, making psychology more affordable.
Are psychology sessions eligible for Medicare rebates?
Yes. With a valid Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare rebates apply to many sessions with our Cairns psychologists.
Can I see a psychologist online instead of in person?
Yes. Cairns Beaches Psychology offers secure telehealth sessions Australia-wide, giving you access to professional support from the comfort of your home.
Do you work with children as well as adults?
Yes. Our experienced child psychologists provide therapy for young people, while our registered psychologists and clinical psychologists support adults and families across a range of mental health conditions.