Are psychiatrists in demand in Australia?

Psychiatrists play an important role in addressing the mental health needs of individuals across Australia. With an increasing awareness of mental health issues and the need for early intervention and effective treatment, the demand for psychiatrists has risen significantly in recent years. This article will explore the factors driving this demand, the impact of the shortage of psychiatrists, potential strategies to address this growing need, and how to become a psychiatrist in Australia.

“I enjoy the privilege of being in child psychiatry and the bright, overarching attitude this enjoyment manifests in me.” Dr Darryl-Lee Prince“

Factors driving the demand for psychiatrists in Australia

• Increased mental health awareness: The growing awareness and understanding of mental health issues among the Australian population have led to increased demand for psychiatric services. As mental health stigma diminishes, more individuals are seeking professional help for their mental health concerns, driving the need for qualified psychiatrists.

• Population growth: Australia's population has been steadily growing, resulting in a higher number of individuals potentially requiring psychiatric care. This population growth further pressures the existing psychiatric workforce to meet the demand.

• Aging population: The aging population in Australia also contributes to the increased demand for psychiatric services. Older adults may face unique mental health challenges, such as age-related cognitive decline, dementia, and other age-related psychiatric conditions.

The impact of the psychiatrist shortage in Australia

• Limited access to mental health services: The shortage of psychiatrists in Australia can limit access to essential mental health services, particularly in rural and remote areas. This limited access can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, negatively impacting individuals' mental health outcomes.

• Increased workload for existing psychiatrists: The current psychiatric workforce faces increased workloads due to the growing demand for mental health services. This can lead to longer appointment waiting times and potentially contribute to burnout among psychiatrists, further exacerbating the workforce shortage.

Psychiatry health workforce data at a glance:

We have pulled some statistics from the online reports credited below to give you a look at the data around the psychiatry workforce in Australia. All sources are credited, please follow the links for more information on these reports.

• There were 3,769 psychiatrists, 24,567 mental health nurses, 31,618 psychologists and 2,555 mental health occupational therapists working in Australia in 2020.
• The majority of these professionals reside in New South Wales at 1109 followed by Victoria 1044 and the Queensland 775.
• The paid lived experience workforce in specialised mental health care facilities has grown at an average annual rate of 15.9% from 2015–16 to 2019–20. Sourced AIHW Mental Health Workforce Report
• The number of psychiatrists employed in Australia increased from 1916 psychiatrists in 1995 (10.5 psychiatrists per 100 000), to 4211 psychiatrists in 2022 (16.2 psychiatrists per 100 000).
• In terms of gender differences, the average annual rate of increase in the number of female psychiatrists since 2008 was 7.4%, as compared to just 2.1% for male psychiatrists.
• Female psychiatrist numbers have increased as a proportion of the total workforce from 24% in 1995 to 43% in 2022, representing an improvement in gender equity. Sourced from Wiley Online Library - The changing psychiatry workforce in Australia: Still lacking in rural and remote regions
• Only 14% of Australian psychiatrists work rurally, but 29% of the population – around 7 million people – live in regional, rural and remote areas. Sourced RANZCP, 2024

Strategies to address the demand for psychiatrists in Australia

1. Increase training opportunities

Expanding the number of training places for psychiatrists can help address the workforce shortage in the long term. By investing in the education and training of future psychiatrists, Australia can work towards meeting the growing demand for psychiatric services.

2. Encourage rural practice

Incentivising Psychiatrists to practice in rural and remote areas can help address the uneven distribution of mental health services across Australia. Offering financial incentives, professional development opportunities, and other support measures can encourage more psychiatrists to work in underserved areas.

3. Telepsychiatry and digital mental health services

Embracing technology can help bridge the gap between the demand for psychiatric services and the limited workforce. Telepsychiatry and digital mental health services can connect individuals in need of psychiatric care with qualified professionals, regardless of their geographic location.

“The myriad of challenges provoke learning and continued development that keep one young at heart and mind. Knowing that I can make a difference through many interventions, initiate effective change, and enhance mental health and resilience without stigma for children, adolescents, and their families/whanau through contribution as part of a multidisciplinary team is exhilarating and job-satisfying.”

Explained Dr Darryl-Lee Prince. She works in Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the Auckland (New Zealand) region, she is a Psychiatry Registrar and Medrecruit locum.

How to become a Psychiatrist in Australia

Thinking of specialising in psychiatry? Becoming a psychiatrist in Australia involves a comprehensive educational and training journey designed to equip aspiring professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for providing high-quality mental health care. Here is an overview of the steps to become a psychiatrist in Australia:

• Obtain a medical degree: The first step is to complete an undergraduate medical degree (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery or equivalent) or a postgraduate medical degree (Doctor of Medicine). This typically takes between 4-6 years, depending on the program.

• Complete an internship: Upon completion of the medical degree, aspiring psychiatrists must undertake a 12-month internship in a hospital setting, which provides exposure to various medical disciplines, including psychiatry.

• Obtain general medical registration: After completing the internship, graduates can apply for general registration with the Medical Board of Australia, allowing them to practice medicine under supervision.

• Undertake specialist training: To specialise in psychiatry, doctors must apply for a training program accredited by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). This program typically takes 5 years to complete and consists of supervised clinical rotations, workplace-based assessments, and formal examinations.

• Obtain fellowship and specialist registration: Upon successfully completing the RANZCP training program, graduates are eligible for Fellowship with the College (FRANZCP). They can apply for specialist registration with the Medical Board of Australia. This allows them to practice as a fully qualified psychiatrist.

• Pursue sub-specialties (optional): Psychiatrists may further their expertise by undertaking additional training in sub-specialties such as child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or addiction psychiatry.

The demand for psychiatrists in Australia has grown significantly due to factors such as increased mental health awareness, population growth, and an aging population. The shortage of psychiatrists has led to limited access to mental health services and increased workloads for existing professionals. Addressing this demand requires a multifaceted approach, including increasing training opportunities, encouraging rural practice, and embracing telepsychiatry and digital mental health services.

By implementing these strategies, Australia can work towards ensuring that individuals in need of psychiatric care have access to the services they require.