Dire shortages in psychiatry are leaving people without vital specialist mental health care, as new modelling validates College's calls for urgent action to attract, train and retain more psychiatrists. 

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) says the Psychiatry Supply and Demand Study released by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing shows Australia has a critical and chronic shortage of psychiatrists, and people will continue to miss out on essential mental health treatment and care unless more is done to grow the psychiatrist workforce. 

The Department's psychiatry workforce model paints a stark picture: it estimates that the community demand for psychiatric services will far outstrip supply over the next 25 years, with a projected 20.7% undersupply of psychiatrists by 2048. 

Shortages are projected to persist across all states and territories. The Northern Territory has the highest shortage at 83.8%, while larger states have the highest gap in FTE workforce over the projection period. 

The study also acknowledges that Australia's psychiatry workforce is ageing and likely to work less hours in the future, a cause of significant concern. 

RANZCP President Dr Astha Tomar welcomed the study, which follows calls from the College for governments to collect and model to more accurately understand the unmet need for psychiatry in the community. 

“We know that more people are needing specialist mental health support as rates of mental illness rise in prevalence, severity and complexity. We cannot overstate how important this data is for future workforce planning,” Dr Tomar said. 

“Workforce must keep pace with demand – but right now, too many people are missing out on help because it is too far away, too long a wait, too expensive or simply unavailable. 

“Our members have repeatedly warned of the risks to patient care, unsustainable waitlists and concerns about their own mental health and burnout because of workforce shortages. 

“People in rural, regional and remote parts of the country are hardest hit. In 2023, 85.0% of FTE psychiatrists were in metropolitan areas while there was only 1.8% in rural and remote areas, despite glaring evidence that communities in the bush are at higher risk of suicide and have worse mental health outcomes.” 

Dr Tomar said the College is committed to working with federal, state and territory governments to find solutions to sustainably grow the workforce, warning that we have a lot to catch up on. 

“Our Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) are filling a very critical gap in the mental health system, especially in underserved areas,” Dr Tomar said.  

“But the over-reliance on them, as the report points out, leaves us in an untenable situation. We need to also find ways to train and retain our local workforce to have a robust pipeline of specialists over the coming decade.” 

This federal report follows South Australia's lead in developing psychiatry workforce modeling with a clear plan to address shortages. Dr Tomar said she hopes other states and territories can also follow suit and work with the College to prepare tangible plans to meet the specific needs of their local populations. 

“After both the National Mental Health Workforce Plan and the Productivity Commission identified a lack of data as a major barrier, this study is a very welcome first step toward identifying areas of need and working on targeted solutions to meet them. 

“We thank Minister Mark Butler and the Department for working with the College to develop this study and urge them to increase Commonwealth investment in growing the mental health workforce. 

“Moreover, the College will continue to provide high quality training to current and future trainees, as well as support them and our Fellows and Affiliates in providing essential mental health care that is accessible, fit-for-purpose, timely and safe for the community. 

“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure every Australian, regardless of their postcode or income, gets the help they need to look after their mental health. 

“Now’s the time for action – the College will be engaging with its members, governments, the community and the rest of the sector to devise solutions aimed at addressing the current and projected shortfall of psychiatrists.” 

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.  

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org. 

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au. 

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.