Mental health nurses

If you or someone you know has a mental illness, then you may get to know a mental health nurse. Mental health nurses usually work as part of a wider team of health professionals.

What is a mental health nurse?

A mental health nurse specialises in working with people who have a mental illness, or mental health issues. These can include:

• depression
• postnatal depression
• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder
• psychosis
• substance abuse

Mental health nurses might have also completed further study in mental health recognised by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.

What does a mental health nurse do?

Mental health nurses mostly work with people who have a mental illness. Mental health, physical health, and other aspects of life can all affect each other. So, mental health nurses work with people to help them manage their life. They may also assist someone who is managing or recovering from physical illness.

Where do mental health nurses work?

Mental health nurses work in many different places, including:

• the community
• mental health units in hospitals and nursing homes
• psychiatric hospitals

Some general practices have mental health nurses. Mental health nurses can also visit you at home.

For some people, a mental health nurse is their main contact with the health system.

Mental health nurses can also work remotely, to help you over the phone, or online.

How can a mental health nurse help me?

The mental health nurse can:

• work with you to plan your recovery
• help educate you, your family and your doctor about your mental illness and its treatment
• support you to talk to your doctor about mental health
• provide counselling and strategies to deal with emotional difficulties and stress
• help you deal with your symptoms and any medication you take
• help you review your mental health treatment plan with your doctor
• help you access support services from Services Australia, or housing and community programs

To make sure you get the best treatment, a mental health nurse can also communicate with other health professionals involved in your care, like:

• your general practitioner (GP)
• your psychologist or psychiatrist

What if I am in a crisis?

A mental health nurse can provide help in a crisis. They can also help you find more help if needed. This can be:

• in person
• by phone or text
• online

Your mental health nurse always maintains your safety as a priority. They may have you checked over in a hospital if they feel you are at risk of harming yourself or others.