‘Can’t get an appointment’: Mental health fears as Victoria faces critical shortage

Victoria is facing a critical psychologist shortage.

More than a third of psychologists are currently unable to take on new patients, and experts have warned it may lead to more people visiting emergency departments.

CEO of the Australian Psychological Society, Dr Zena Burgess, says there was a massive surge in the number of people seeking mental health help during the pandemic.

She says there’s been a 40 per cent increase identified as a result of COVID-19.

“Over the last year we’ve got 24 per cent of people saying they just can’t get an appointment when they need it,” Dr Burgess told 3AW Breakfast.

“The community is now much more aware of mental health issues and everyone is talking about it.

“People really want to get better, they want to feel good, they want to see a psychologist.”

Dr Burgess is calling on the government to agree to train more psychologists, and for skilled migration of psychologists into the country.

Press PLAY below to hear what’s fuelling the shortage