Mapping the regional and remote specialised mental health workforce: Commentary on the AIHW data for 2022–2023

Abstract

Objective: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare publishes statistical indicator reports on the specialised mental health workforce. These include data for 2022–2023 on psychiatrists, mental health nurses, mental health occupational therapists, psychologists and mental health social workers. We provide a brief commentary on these reports, reflecting upon the implications of such changes for psychiatric practice and patient care. Conclusions: Overall, there are fewer mental health workers with increasing distance from urban centres. There are insufficient rural psychiatrists with the NT and Queensland having higher rates per 100,000 in outer regional and remote areas. Psychologists and mental health nurses have the highest rates per 100,000 in rural areas. Though low in absolute rates per 100,000, mental health social workers are better distributed in rural compared to urban areas. Further data on public, private and non-governmental sector employment would be useful.