Here's how Federation Uni is getting more young psychologists to stay in the region

Australia is facing a critical shortfall in mental health workers — currently 32 percent below national targets — and the gap is expected to widen another 10 percent by 2030 if nothing changes.

Areas like western Victoria bear the brunt of these shortages, with the Federal Government acknowledging in its 2022–2032 National Mental Health Workforce Strategy that mental health services are “maldistributed” in the regions. 

A program at Federation University in Ballarat is working to reverse that trend in western Victoria, and a new $647,900 federal funding boost is set to expand its reach.

The grant will support the university’s Master of Psychology program.

Dr Megan Jenkins, the university’s head of clinical services and programs in psychology, said Federation has helped to “significantly grow the psychology workforce” in Ballarat and “underserved” regional areas like Ararat and Warrnambool.

Students in the university’s FedCare program complete 12 months of placement in western Victoria as part of their training, and “many stay on after graduation”.

“Students consistently report that these placements deepen their appreciation for the distinct advantages of working in regional areas where they see the impact of their work,” Jenkins said.

This year FedCare has delivered “nearly 7000 hours of care to children and adults in the Ballarat region”.

The funding will allow the university to expand placements through its FedCare services, offering more supervision and training opportunities for students working on the ground.

Despite Medicare rebates, cost remains a barrier for many Australians seeking mental health support.

But Jenkins said the university’s services offer an affordable option at $10 per session, or $5 for concession card holders. Students are also introduced to bulk billing initiatives like Rural Health Connect, where many continue to provide care after graduating.

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