Reference
Mental Health Glossary
Plain-English definitions of clinical terms, therapy types, Australian health system jargon, and the screening tools used on this site. No medical advice — just clarity.
A
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
A type of therapy that teaches you to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, while committing to actions aligned with your values. Often used for anxiety, chronic pain, and depression. Available under a
Mental Health Treatment Plan.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that affect daily functioning. Diagnosis in Australia typically involves a psychiatrist or paediatrician. See our
ADHD support page and
ADHD screener (WHO ASRS v1.1).
Anxiety
Persistent feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease that go beyond normal stress responses. Clinical anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Screened using tools like the
GAD-7 and the anxiety subscale of the
DASS-21.
B
Better Access Initiative
Also: Medicare Better Access, Better Access to Mental Health Care
An Australian Government program that provides Medicare-subsidised sessions with psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists. Your GP creates a
Mental Health Treatment Plan to refer you. Currently provides up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. See our
guide to free and low-cost help.
Bulk Billing
When a healthcare provider bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment — meaning no out-of-pocket cost for you. Not all GPs or psychologists bulk bill, so it helps to ask when booking. Our
free help guide lists services that are always free.
C
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
The most widely studied form of psychological therapy. CBT works by helping you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. It is the first-line treatment recommended by the RACGP for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other conditions. Available under a
Mental Health Treatment Plan.
CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia)
A specialised form of CBT that targets the thoughts and behaviours keeping you awake. RACGP first-line treatment for insomnia — roughly 80% of people improve, and around 90% reduce or stop sleep medication. Free Australian programs include Bedtime Window, This Way Up, and MindSpot Sleep Course. See our
insomnia support page.
Comorbidity
When two or more health conditions exist at the same time. For example, depression and anxiety commonly co-occur, and chronic pain frequently exists alongside mental health conditions. The
DASS-21 screens for depression, anxiety, and stress simultaneously because of how often they overlap.
Counsellor
Different from: Psychologist, Psychiatrist
A professional who provides talk-based support for emotional and personal difficulties. In Australia, counsellors are not always Medicare-rebateable (unlike psychologists), but many work in community health, EAP programs, or offer sliding-scale fees. Check qualifications — look for membership in PACFA or ACA. See also:
Psychologist,
Psychiatrist.
D
DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales)
A 21-question self-report screening tool that measures three related states: depression, anxiety, and stress. Developed by Lovibond & Lovibond (1995) at UNSW. Widely used by Australian GPs and psychologists as part of clinical assessment.
Take the DASS-21 here or read our
guide to understanding your results.
Source: Lovibond, S.H. & Lovibond, P.F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. UNSW.
DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)
A therapy originally developed for borderline personality disorder that teaches skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Now used for a range of conditions. Usually delivered as a structured program combining individual therapy with group skills training.
Depression
Also: Major Depressive Disorder, Clinical Depression
More than feeling sad — clinical depression is a persistent low mood lasting at least two weeks, often with loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Screened using the
PHQ-9 or the depression subscale of the
DASS-21. See
PHQ-9 vs DASS-21: which tool and when.
E
EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
A confidential counselling service paid for by your employer. Usually offers a set number of free sessions (commonly 3–6) with a psychologist or counsellor. You do not need a GP referral or MHTP. Ask your HR department or manager if your workplace has one.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
A therapy primarily used for trauma and PTSD. It involves recalling distressing memories while following a therapist's guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. Endorsed by the WHO and the Australian Psychological Society for PTSD treatment.
EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale)
Source: Cox, J.L., Holden, J.M. & Sagovsky, R. (1987). British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 782-786.
G
GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment)
A 7-question screening tool for generalised anxiety disorder. Developed by Spitzer et al. (2006). Widely used alongside the PHQ-9 in primary care settings.
Take the GAD-7 here.
Source: Spitzer, R.L. et al. (2006). Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10), 1092-1097.
GP Referral
A letter from your General Practitioner directing you to a specialist or allied health professional. For Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions, you need a GP referral as part of a
Mental Health Treatment Plan. You can choose your own psychologist — the referral does not lock you into a specific provider. Ask your GP about your options, including telehealth and
free services.
Grounding
A set of techniques that help bring your attention back to the present moment during anxiety, panic, or dissociation. Common methods include the 5-4-3-2-1 technique (naming things you can see, hear, touch, smell, taste). Try our
interactive grounding exercise.
K
K10 (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale)
A 10-question screening tool that measures general psychological distress over the past 4 weeks. Developed by Kessler et al. (2002). Used extensively in Australian population health surveys and by GPs as a quick check-in.
Take the K10 here or read our
guide to understanding your K10 score.
Source: Kessler, R.C. et al. (2002). Psychological Medicine, 32(6), 959-976.
L
Lived Experience
Personal, firsthand experience of a mental health condition, either directly or as a carer/family member. The term is used in Australian health policy to recognise the value of this perspective in shaping services. Many peer support workers are specifically employed for their lived experience.
M
MHTP (Mental Health Treatment Plan)
Also: Mental Health Care Plan, GP Mental Health Plan
A structured plan created by your GP that outlines your mental health goals and refers you to Medicare-subsidised treatment (usually psychology). Required to access the
Better Access Initiative. Valid for one calendar year. The appointment takes about 40–60 minutes. See our detailed
MHTP step-by-step guide.
Mindfulness
The practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgement. Used both as a standalone technique and as a component of therapies like ACT, DBT, and MBCT. Evidence supports its use for stress, anxiety, and relapse prevention in depression. Try our
guided breathing exercise as an introduction.
N
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
Australia's national scheme that funds supports and services for people with permanent and significant disability, including psychosocial disability from severe mental health conditions. Eligibility is assessed by the NDIA. See our
NDIS guide for families. Helpline:
1800 800 110.
P
Panic Attack
A sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes, accompanied by physical symptoms like racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or tingling. Panic attacks are not dangerous but feel terrifying. If you are experiencing one now, try our
breathing exercise or
grounding technique.
Perinatal Mental Health
Also: Postnatal Depression, Antenatal Depression, Perinatal Anxiety
Mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy (antenatal) or in the first year after birth (postnatal). Affects approximately 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers. The
EPDS is the standard screening tool. Visit our
perinatal support page for helplines and resources. PANDA helpline:
1300 726 306.
PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
Source: Kroenke, K. et al. (2001). Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606-613.
Psychiatrist
Different from: Psychologist, Counsellor
A medical doctor who has completed additional specialist training in mental health. Psychiatrists can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and provide therapy. Requires a GP referral. Medicare rebates apply with a referral. Typically has the longest wait times of mental health professionals.
Psychologist
Different from: Psychiatrist, Counsellor
A university-trained professional who provides evidence-based therapy (CBT, ACT, DBT, etc.) but cannot prescribe medication. Registered with AHPRA. Clinical psychologists have additional postgraduate training. Medicare rebates available with a
Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. Find one using the
Healthdirect service finder.
Psychosocial Support
Non-clinical support that helps people with mental health conditions participate in daily life and their community. Includes help with housing, employment, social skills, and daily living. Funded through the NDIS (for eligible participants) or through state-funded community mental health programs.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of reminders. Evidence-based treatments include trauma-focused CBT and
EMDR. Phoenix Australia (formerly ACPMH) provides national guidelines for trauma treatment.
R
Recovery (Mental Health)
In mental health, recovery does not necessarily mean being “cured” — it means building a meaningful, satisfying life as defined by the individual, with or without ongoing symptoms. The recovery model is central to Australian mental health policy and emphasises hope, identity, meaning, and empowerment.
S
Safety Plan
A personalised, written plan created in advance for moments of crisis. It lists warning signs, coping strategies, people you can contact, and professional resources. Based on the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention.
Create your safety plan here — it stays entirely on your device. Read our
guide to safety planning.
Source: Stanley, B. & Brown, G.K. (2012). Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(2), 256-264.
Stigma
Negative attitudes, beliefs, or discrimination directed at people with mental health conditions. Stigma can be a major barrier to seeking help. Research shows that education, contact with people with lived experience, and normalising help-seeking all reduce stigma.
Suicidal Ideation
Thoughts about ending one's own life, ranging from fleeting considerations to detailed planning. Having these thoughts does not mean you will act on them, but they are a signal to seek support. If you are having these thoughts now, please reach out:
Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7),
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, or
000 for emergencies. See our
crisis support page.
T
Telehealth
Healthcare delivered by phone or video call. Medicare now permanently covers telehealth consultations for GP, psychology, and psychiatry appointments — you do not need to have attended in person first. Particularly useful for
rural and remote Australians or anyone with mobility barriers.
TIS National (Translating and Interpreting Service)
A free interpreting service for people who do not speak English, available 24/7 on
131 450. You can call TIS first and ask them to connect you to any helpline — they will interpret the entire call. Covers over 160 languages. See our
multilingual support page.
Trauma
An emotional response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening event. Trauma can result from a single incident (such as an accident) or be cumulative (such as ongoing abuse or neglect). Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event develops PTSD — responses vary widely. Evidence-based treatment is available through trained psychologists.
Triggers
Stimuli — sounds, images, smells, situations, anniversaries, or interactions — that activate a strong emotional or physiological response, often related to past trauma. Identifying personal triggers is a key part of therapy and
safety planning.
V
VAD (Voluntary Assisted Dying)
A legal process that allows eligible people with a terminal condition to request medical assistance to end their life. Now available in all Australian states and territories, each with its own legislation. See our
VAD support and information page for state-specific helplines.
W
Wellbeing
A broad concept encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Not simply the absence of illness — wellbeing includes positive functioning, purpose, and connection. Our
60-second check-in offers a private moment to reflect on how you are feeling.
Related pages on this site
About this glossary: Definitions are written in plain English for general understanding. They are not clinical definitions and should not be used for diagnosis. All sources are cited. For medical or clinical questions, consult a qualified health professional. Last reviewed: July 2026.