How to Get Help for Depression: A Practical Guide
Last Updated: November 7, 2026
Quick Summary
To get help for depression, start by booking an appointment with your GP, who can assess your symptoms, rule out physical causes and discuss treatment options. From there, you can be referred to a psychologist for structured talking therapy or a psychiatrist for medication or specialist care.
Depression is suggested when low mood lasts most of the day, most days, for at least two weeks.
Write down your main symptoms and how long they have lasted before your GP appointment.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and manage severe depression.
Psychologists are regulated by the Psychology Board of Australia and suit structured therapies like CBT.
If you have thoughts of self-harm, call 000, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Table of Contents
Recognising When Low Mood Has Become Depression
Feeling flat, tired or low for a few days is part of being human. Depression is different. It tends to last most of the day, most days, for at least two weeks, and it gets in the way of work, sleep, relationships and everyday pleasures. Many people wait far too long before seeking help for depression, often because they assume the feeling will pass on its own. (Source: the Psychology Board of Australia's registration requirements)
Common signs include:
Low mood or emptiness that lasts most of the day
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Changes in sleep or appetite
Feeling tired even after rest
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness
If several of these have been present for a couple of weeks, it is worth speaking to a professional. You do not need to be sure it is depression before asking for help.
Step 1: Talk to Your GP About Depression
Your general practitioner is usually a good first port of call. They can assess how you are feeling, rule out physical causes such as thyroid problems or anaemia, and talk through treatment options with you. Many people find it hard to start this conversation, so it can help to write down your main symptoms and how long they have lasted before the appointment.
Your GP may discuss counselling, psychological therapy, medication or a combination of these. They can also provide referrals to a psychologist or psychiatrist if needed. Bring a list of any medicines you take, as this helps them plan safely.
What to bring to your GP:
A short list of symptoms and when they started
Any recent life events or stressors
Current medications and supplements
Questions you want answered
Step 2: Choosing Between a Psychologist, Psychotherapist and Psychiatrist
These professionals approach depression from different angles, and the right choice depends on your situation, your preferences and how severe your symptoms are. Understanding what each one actually does makes the decision far less abstract.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialist training in mental health. They can prescribe medication, manage complex or severe depression, and admit patients to hospital if needed. They are usually the right starting point if your symptoms are severe, if you have another medical condition, or if medication is likely to be part of your treatment.
Psychologists hold university training in psychological assessment and evidence-based therapy, typically at masters or doctoral level. Psychologists in Australia are regulated by the Psychology Board of Australia and work within a defined scope of practice (Psychology Board of Australia). They are a strong choice for structured talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy or interpersonal therapy.
Psychotherapists focus on talking therapy and exploring the patterns, relationships and past experiences that shape how you feel and act. Training pathways vary, so it is worth asking about a practitioner's qualifications, theoretical approach and professional registration before you book.
A useful way to think about it is by function rather than title. If you need a diagnosis, medication or a specialist opinion, start with a psychiatrist, usually via a GP referral. If you want structured, evidence-based talking therapy for mild to moderate depression, a psychologist is often the natural fit. If you want longer-term exploratory work on patterns and relationships, a psychotherapist may suit you better. Compare the approaches side by side to see which fits your needs.
Many people benefit from a combination: a psychologist or psychotherapist for ongoing talking therapy, with a GP or psychiatrist overseeing any medication. Alan Patching holds a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice and a PhD in Workplace Mental Health, and offers clinical psychotherapy and hypnotherapy for stress, anxiety and depression.
Watch out: it is easy to book the first available practitioner without checking their registration, training or approach. A short phone call or email before booking, asking about qualifications, how they work and roughly how many sessions they typically suggest, will save you time and help you start with the right person. If you are unsure which route suits you, your GP can help you decide on the best help for depression for your circumstances.
The table below summarises how each professional approaches depression, so you can see at a glance which route may suit your situation.
Professional | Core role | Best suited for |
Psychiatrist | Medical doctor who can prescribe medication | Severe depression, other medical conditions, or medication as part of treatment |
Psychologist | Evidence-based structured talking therapy | Mild to moderate depression and structured approaches such as CBT or interpersonal therapy |
Psychotherapist | Exploratory talking therapy | Longer-term work on patterns, relationships and past experiences |
What to Expect From Counselling for Depression
Counselling for depression usually begins with an assessment. Your therapist will ask about your history, current symptoms and goals. From there, you will agree on a plan and a rough number of sessions. Read the full guide to evidence-based therapy for anxiety and depression for more on how these approaches are chosen.
Effective approaches often include:
Cognitive behavioural techniques for challenging negative thoughts
Behavioural activation to rebuild daily routines and enjoyable activities
Problem-solving strategies for practical stressors
Work on relationships, grief or past experiences where relevant
Progress tends to be gradual. Many people notice small shifts in energy or sleep before their mood lifts. If you feel the approach is not helping after several sessions, say so. A good therapist will adjust the plan with you rather than expecting you to adapt to it.
Self-Help Strategies You Can Start This Week
Self-help does not replace professional treatment, but small steps can support your recovery while you wait for an appointment.
Keep a simple daily routine. Set consistent times for waking, eating and sleeping.
Get outside each day. Even a short walk in daylight can lift energy.
Do one small task. Pick something manageable, like making your bed or replying to one message.
Stay connected. Arrange a brief call or coffee with someone you trust.
Limit alcohol. It can worsen low mood and disrupt sleep.
Set realistic goals. Aim for progress, not perfection.
Write down one thing you did each day, however small. Looking back over a week can show you that you are doing more than it feels like.
Getting Urgent Help If You Feel at Risk
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, reach out now. You do not have to wait for an appointment.
Call 000 in an emergency.
Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any hour for crisis support.
Contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for mental health support and guidance.
Speak to someone you trust and ask them to stay with you.
Thoughts of suicide are a sign you need support, not a sign you are beyond help. Telling someone is a strong and necessary step.
Booking Your First Appointment and Next Steps
Once you have decided to seek help, the next step is booking. Most first sessions involve an assessment conversation, where you share your history, your current concerns and what you hope to change. Knowing what to expect in advance makes that conversation much easier to have.
What a first appointment typically covers:
Your history. When the low mood started, how it has changed, and whether you have had similar episodes before.
Your current symptoms. Sleep, appetite, energy, concentration and interest in things you usually enjoy.
Context. Work, relationships, recent losses or stressors, and any physical health issues.
Safety. Questions about thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These are asked routinely, not because your therapist assumes the worst, but because they need to know how to keep you safe.
Goals. What you want to be different, and what a good outcome would look like for you.
Confidentiality. What you discuss is generally confidential, with limited exceptions around serious risk to yourself or others. It is reasonable to ask your therapist at the start how they handle notes, who else sees them, and what those exceptions are.
How to prepare. You do not need to arrive with anything formal. A short list of your main symptoms, how long they have lasted, any medications you take, and two or three questions you want answered is enough. If it helps, note down one or two things you want to be different in six months.
Questions worth asking. You can ask about the therapist's training, their approach, how they measure progress, how many sessions they typically suggest, and what happens if the approach is not working. It is reasonable to ask these questions before you commit, and a good therapist will welcome them.
Follow-up. After the first session, you should have a clearer sense of the proposed plan and a rough number of sessions. If you feel the fit is not right, it is entirely acceptable to say so and ask for a referral or try someone else. The therapeutic relationship matters, and finding the right match is part of the process, not a failure.
Start with a book a first appointment with Alan Patching if you want to talk through whether a session suits your needs. You can also review the range of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy services offered, and read more about what happens in a first therapy session in Brisbane.
If you are unsure where to begin, write down your main concerns, note how long you have felt this way, and bring that list to your GP or your first session. Taking the first step is often the hardest part, and it is one that many people are glad they made.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when to get help for depression?
Consider seeking help if low mood, loss of interest or exhaustion has lasted most of the day, most days, for two weeks or more, or if it is interfering with work, relationships or sleep. You do not need to be in crisis to ask for support. A GP can assess your symptoms, rule out physical causes such as thyroid problems, and talk through options with you. If your mood is getting worse, or you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a crisis service or emergency services straight away rather than waiting for an appointment.
Who should I talk to first if I think I have depression?
For most people, the best first step is a general practitioner (GP). Your GP can assess your symptoms, check for physical contributors, discuss treatment options including medication, and refer you to a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist if needed. A GP appointment also helps you access Medicare rebates for certain mental health services through a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Check the current details with the Services Australia website, as eligibility and rebate arrangements can change.
What should I say when asking for help with depression?
You do not need the right words. A simple opening such as 'I've been feeling low for a few weeks and it's affecting my work and sleep' gives your doctor or therapist enough to begin. It can help to write down your main symptoms, how long they have lasted, and any changes you have noticed. Mention anything you are worried about, including thoughts of self-harm, so the conversation can be handled safely from the start.
Can depression get better without professional help?
Some people find that mild low mood eases with time, good sleep, physical activity, social contact and a more manageable routine. For moderate to severe depression, however, self-help rarely works alone, and waiting can make recovery harder. Self-help strategies are most useful alongside professional care, and a GP or therapist can help you judge whether your symptoms are improving or whether a different approach is needed.
