Support for people with mental health conditions
Looking for work while managing a mental health condition can feel challenging, but you don't have to do it alone.
If you have a mental health condition and want support to prepare for, find or keep a job, we want to help.
At APM we take the time to understand your goals, strengths and support needs so you can build confidence and move towards meaningful employment.
From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, more than 34,200 people with mental health conditions chose APM for support, including over 7,400 people with depression and more than 4,400 people with anxiety.
Are you eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia?
You may be able to access Inclusive Employment Australia if you:
- Have a disability, injury or health condition
- Are aged 14 to 67
- Are legally able to work in Australia
- Need support to prepare for, find or keep a job
You don't need to receive Centrelink payments to participate. Some people can register directly with APM. Other eligibility criteria may apply.
You're not alone
Mental health conditions are common in Australia.
Around 1 in 5 Australians (22%) experience a mental disorder each year.
42.9% of Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental disorder during their lifetime.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition, affecting around 17% of Australians each year.
Sources
How Inclusive Employment Australia can help
Everyone's journey is different. We'll work with you to create a support plan that matches your goals.
Personalised support
Get one-on-one support from an employment consultant who understands your needs. This may include connecting you to additional mental health support services.
Build confidence and job readiness
Receive help with:
- Resumes and job applications
- Interview preparation
- Workplace communication
- Confidence building
- Developing employment goals
Find and keep a job
We'll help connect you with suitable employers and continue supporting you after you start work.
Mental health conditions we support
We support people living with a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
- Psychosocial disability
- Other diagnosed mental health conditions
Support tailored to you
We understand that mental health conditions affect people in different ways.
Our consultants focus on your strengths, goals and interests while helping you overcome barriers that may affect your employment journey.
What happens when you register?
1. Contact APM
Register online or speak with our team.
2. Meet with your employment consultant
We'll learn about your goals, strengths, interests and support needs, including allied health services.
3. Create your plan
Together we'll identify the support, services and opportunities that may help you achieve your goals.
4. Move towards employment
We'll help you build skills, connect with employers and work towards sustainable employment.
Support before and after you start work
Preparing for employment
Get help with:
- Resume writing
- Job applications
- Interview preparation
- Confidence building
- Workplace readiness
Training and skill development
You may be able to access training, qualifications, work experience or other activities that support your goals.
Workplace support
We can help you settle into work, understand workplace expectations and navigate challenges.
Ongoing support
Once you're employed, we can continue supporting you and your employer to help you succeed in the long term.
Mental health support and resources
If you need additional support, these services are available across Australia.
Lifeline
- 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Call: 13 11 14
- https://www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue
- Information, counselling and mental health support.
- Call: 1300 22 4636
- https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service
- Free professional counselling for people affected by suicide.
- Call: 1300 659 467
- https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Medicare Mental Health
- Find free and low-cost mental health support services.
- https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au
Headspace
- Mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25.
- https://www.headspace.org.au
13YARN
- Free counselling and support for children and young people.
- Call: 1800 55 1800
- https://kidshelpline.com.au
Sources: Australian Government Department of Health, AIHW and ABS mental health resources.
Ashley's story
Experiencing depression and anxiety led Ashley to discover a fulfilling new career path.
Robyn's story
Robyn didn't think she would find work because of her depression and anxiety. With the right support, she achieved her employment goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you're looking for your first job, returning to work or exploring new opportunities, find out if APM can help you move towards meaningful employment.