Mental health pharmacists
Mental health pharmacists provide a key service, bridging the gap between people who need care and some of the treatments available. They offer advice on medication, support treatment planning, and work closely with other health professionals. Discover what their role involves, the qualifications they need, and the settings they work in across Queensland
The role of pharmacists in mental health
Pharmacists play an important role in health care, providing access to prescription medications and offering guidance on how they should be used. A mental health pharmacist takes this role further, working more closely with people experiencing mental health challenges and supporting their treatment journey. They also have detailed knowledge regarding medications specifically needed to treat mental health conditions.
While all pharmacists are trained to dispense and advise on mental health medication management, a mental health pharmacist is typically a pharmacist who:
- works primarily in mental health settings, such as psychiatric hospitals, tertiary hospitals, community mental health services, multidisciplinary care teams or substance use disorder management clinics
- have experience working in mental health care environments and have a special interest in working in mental health of life.
Become a mental health pharmacist in Queensland
What qualifications do mental health pharmacists need?
To work as a pharmacist in Australia, individuals must complete either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmacy, accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA). These national bodies ensure that pharmacists meet the required education and practice standards. After completing their degree, pharmacists must also undertake a 12-month supervised internship and pass registration exams to become fully qualified.
There is currently no formal or separate qualification to become a “mental health pharmacist” in Australia. However, the UK College of Mental Health Pharmacy and the US Board of Specialist Pharmacists are recognised international bodies in most Australian health care settings, so pharmacists can consider the credentialing pathways in these organisations to be identified as a specialist mental health pharmacist.
Pharmacists working in mental health settings, or those wanting to specialise in this area, often pursue additional training and professional development to build their knowledge and skills in:
- psychotropic medication management
- mental health first aid
- suicide prevention and crisis response
- trauma-informed care.
This training helps pharmacists provide more effective support to individuals experiencing mental ill health and allows them to work more confidently as part of multidisciplinary care teams.
Following a minimum of 8 years of general practice, after another 3 years of practising in the mental health environment, pharmacists become eligible for recognition as a consultant pharmacist and are entitled to use the postnominals FANZCAP (Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Advanced Pharmacy).
Where do mental health pharmacists work?
Mental health pharmacists work in a variety of settings where they provide support to individuals managing mental health conditions. Most commonly, they are based in community pharmacies, hospitals and other health care facilities, where they offer expert guidance on medication use and collaborate with care teams.
They may also work in aged care homes, specialised mental health clinics, or non-profit mental health organisations, supporting patients with more complex needs. In some cases, mental health pharmacists act as consultants, reviewing medication regimens, advising on treatment plans, and helping improve patient outcomes across different care environments.
The daily life of a mental health pharmacist in Queensland
The daily life of a mental health pharmacist involves a combination of patient care, medication management, and collaboration with health care teams. They spend much of their time reviewing patient medications, providing education and guidance to help individuals understand how and when to take their medications safely and effectively.
They work closely with a multidisciplinary team such as psychiatrists, medical officers, other pharmacists, nurses and allied health professionals.
Mental health pharmacists are often one of the first accessible points of support for people seeking help with their mental health. Their role often includes:
- supporting patients with information about mental health medications and their use
- exploring each patient’s experience with medication to identify and address barriers to adherence
- monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions and advising on management strategies
- reviewing how mental health medications fit within the patient’s full medication profile and lifestyle, including potential drug interactions
- encouraging adherence to treatment plans through education and support
- acting as a link between patients and other health care providers
- referring individuals to additional mental health services and resources as needed.
They may also conduct screenings to identify health concerns, offer brief counselling support, and ensure that patients are connected to the right professionals for ongoing care.
Beyond their direct work with patients, mental health pharmacists provide valuable input to allied health professionals and care teams, helping to optimise treatment plans and develop strategies that improve medication management and overall outcomes.
Common questions about mental health pharmacists
Mental health pharmacists cannot prescribe medication at this time. In Australia, only authorised health professionals, such as general practitioners, can prescribe medication.
However, mental health pharmacists have an in-depth knowledge of different medications and their effects. With this, they can provide vital guidance and advice for health professionals.
Entry-level positions in mental health pharmacy often begin around or just above $100,000 a year. More experienced pharmacists can expect to earn up to $129,000 a year.
In Queensland, over 45% of people were living with a mental health disorder between 2020 and 2022. In the same time period only, 17.4% of Australians saw a professional for their mental health. A mental health pharmacist can help close this gap.
A recent report states that pharmacist employment is not “keeping up with demand.” As mental health needs continue to rise, there is more demand for mental health pharmacists and room for growth in the field.
Meet Steven
Lead Pharmacist – Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drug Services
“1 in 2 people will experience a mental health illness in their lifetime – that’s the same statistic as a cancer diagnosis. Let’s talk, open up and support each other to live better lives – the future is what we make it together!”
