1 May 2026

Mental Health Jobs in Brisbane: Opportunities Across Queensland

Discover mental health jobs in Brisbane across psychology, nursing, social work, counselling, NDIS roles, and more. Find your next role in Queensland.

S
Supportive
Writer at Supportive

You’re a mental health professional living in Brisbane, or you’re planning to move there. The city is growing fast, and so is demand for mental health support across Queensland. But knowing where to look and which roles are hiring can make the difference between a quick job search and months of waiting.

Here’s a practical guide to mental health jobs in Brisbane, covering the major employers, role types, and how to position yourself for the best opportunities.

Why Brisbane? The Queensland Mental Health Job Market

Queensland has the second-highest number of mental health-related hospitalisations in Australia, according to the AIHW. That translates into real demand for clinicians, support workers, and allied health professionals.

Brisbane is the hub for most state-funded mental health services, with Metro North and Metro South Hospital and Health Services being two of the largest employers in the country. You’ll also find major non-government organisations (NGOs) headquartering their Queensland operations here, including headspace, Relationships Australia, and Lives Lived Well.

Roles in Highest Demand

While you can browse all roles on Supportive, here are the roles Brisbane employers consistently struggle to fill:

  • Psychologists and clinical psychologists — particularly those willing to work in child and adolescent mental health or with complex trauma presentations. The Psychologist Salary Guide Australia 2026 is a useful benchmark.
  • Mental health nurses — Queensland Health runs the largest public mental health nursing workforce in the state, with ongoing recruitment for inpatient and community positions. See the Mental Health Nurse Salary Guide Australia 2026 for rates.
  • Social workers — especially those with an AMHSW credential who can bill Medicare. The AMHSW pathway guide explains how to get there.
  • Counsellors — demand is strong in private practice, EAP providers, and NGOs. Check the Counsellor Salary Guide Australia 2026 for typical rates.
  • NDIS roles — behaviour support practitioners, psychosocial recovery coaches, and allied health assistants are all growing. The NDIS Psychologist Billing Rates article is relevant even if you're not a psychologist, as it explains the funding landscape.

Major Employers in Brisbane

Employer TypeExamplesTypical Roles
Public hospitalsRoyal Brisbane and Women’s, Princess Alexandra, The Prince CharlesMental health nurses, social workers, OTs, psychiatrists
Community mental healthMetro North CMHS, Metro South CMHSPsychologists, social workers, peer support workers
NGOsheadspace, Relationships Australia, Open Minds, Flourish AustraliaCounsellors, youth workers, peer workers, recovery coaches
NDIS providersAbility Action Australia, Better Rehab, KairrosBSPs, OTs, exercise physiologists, allied health assistants
Private practicePsychology clinics, counselling centresPsychologists, counsellors, art/music therapists

Working at headspace is a common starting point for early-career clinicians. Working at Relationships Australia offers a different culture, with more focus on couple and family work.

Salaries to Expect in Brisbane

Salaries in Brisbane generally align with state award rates, but private practice and NDIS roles can pay above award. Here’s a quick snapshot:

  • Psychologist (general): $85,000–$110,000 in public sector; $100,000–$140,000 in private practice
  • Mental health nurse: $80,000–$115,000 depending on grade and setting
  • Social worker: $75,000–$100,000 (public); $90,000–$120,000 (private/NDIS)
  • Counsellor: $70,000–$95,000 (NGO); $80,000–$120,000 (private)
  • Peer support worker: $60,000–$80,000

For a full breakdown across all roles, see the Mental Health Salary Guide Australia 2026.

How to Find Mental Health Jobs in Brisbane

1. Target Queensland Health directly

Queensland Health’s SmartJobs portal lists all public mental health roles. Set up alerts for keywords like “mental health clinician,” “psychologist,” and “mental health nurse.”

2. Register with agencies

Agency and locum work is common in Brisbane, especially for mental health nursing and social work. The agency and locum mental health nursing guide explains how this works.

3. Use Supportive

Supportive lists mental health-specific roles across Brisbane, from entry-level peer support to senior clinical psychologist positions. You can browse all jobs and set up job alerts so you never miss a new listing.

4. Network with NGOs

Organisations like headspace, Open Minds, and Lives Lived Well often post roles on their own websites before they appear on job boards. Follow them on LinkedIn and check their careers pages monthly.

Tips for Your Application

Brisbane employers see a lot of applications. To stand out:

  • Mention your registration or credential early in your cover letter — AHPRA, AASW, PACFA, or ACA membership.
  • Show you understand the local context — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, the NDIS in Queensland, and the state’s mental health plan.
  • Be specific about your modality — if you’re trained in CBT, EMDR, DBT, or family therapy, say so clearly.

For more advice, read How to Write a Stand-Out Mental Health Job Application.

Final Word

Brisbane offers strong demand across nearly every mental health role type. Whether you’re a psychologist looking to move into private practice, a social worker wanting to work with the NDIS, or a counsellor starting your career, the opportunities are there. The key is knowing where to look and how to position yourself.

Ready to find your next role in Brisbane? Browse all mental health jobs on Supportive or set up a job alert to get new listings delivered to your inbox.

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