Mental health treatment needs and preferences for people living with bipolar disorder in Australia

People living with bipolar disorders may face a range of treatment challenges, however, the treatment needs of those living with bipolar disorder in Australia have not been directly assessed. The present study aimed to explore the treatment and care preferences of people living with bipolar disorder in Australia. Participants were part of a large co-designed survey that assessed preferred settings, barriers, and access to treatment. A total of 494 participants provided responses regarding preferred treatment settings with 188 (38%) preferring the public system, 175 (35%) private, and 153 (31%) indicating a preference for both/either private or public care. The setting that was most frequently endorsed was at home (n = 343; 69%), then outpatient (n = 155; 31%), and inpatient (n = 93; 19%). Affordability, resourcing, geographical and timely access, improving education and addressing stigma were reported as key unmet needs, indicating that more work is needed to improve access to care for Australians.