Satisfaction with psychiatrist, psychologist and other mental health support services among people living with bipolar disorder in Australia

Background: Experiences of service use and satisfaction have been under-researched in mental health treatment for people living with bipolar disorder (BD) in Australia. Objective: This study aimed to explore how people in Australia living with BD are engaged with psychiatric, psychological and other mental health practitioners and to further assess factors associated with access to these practitioners and satisfaction. Method: A total of 566 (443 identifying as female),participants participated as part of an online nationwide consumer-led cross-sectional survey that asked questions regarding the frequency of psychiatry visits, psychologist and other mental health support along with satisfaction rates. Results: A total of 385 (68%) reported seeing a psychiatrist, with 294 (55%) reporting seeing a psychologist and 114 (22%) reporting that they are seeing another mental health practitioner. Satisfaction rates were high, however men reported lower rates of satisfaction than women for psychologists and other mental health practitioners. Those from metro areas, university-educated and employed were more likely to be seeing a psychiatrist. Similarly, those seeing a psychologist were more likely to have university education. Conclusions: Although most participants reported engaging in mental health care, differences in access to psychiatrists and psychologists weerefound, with a bias towards those in certain demographic groups. Research is needed to determine how these demographic factors may be addressed to ensure greater equity of care.