Mental health medical opportunities
Medical professionals are at the core of our multidisciplinary teams focused on responding to mental health challenges. Within SMHS there is the opportunity to work across several different services within community and hospital settings.
SMHS has three major hospitals which have inpatient mental health services including:
In addition to this, there are several smaller hospitals and a range of community-based services that provide a diversity of locations and roles.
Images of Western Australia used in this video are published with the permission of TourismWA.
Living and working in WA gives you access to its easy-going lifestyle and one of the most beautiful natural parts of Australia. The state’s amazing weather and climate gives you plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors. There is something on offer for individuals and families alike, whether it’s the white sandy beaches that span our coastline, the inland national parks with their stunning array of plants and wildlife, or the outdoor entertainment precincts.
If you're located in other parts of Australia or overseas, you're encouraged to follow in the footsteps of many of our registrars and consultants who have decided to make WA their home. Read about the recently updated relocation incentives available via the Belong campaign (external site), which applies to experienced interstate and international medical officers relocating to WA and has been extended to 30 June 2024. Find information for prospective applicants/employees (external site).
To reach out and talk to our friendly team about career opportunities with SMHS, fill out the Expression of Interest form Expression of Interest form (external site) and we’ll be in touch.
Alternatively, you can search our current vacancies by going to:
The main medical roles that work within mental health services derive from psychiatry and psychology.
Psychiatrists provide comprehensive assessments and treatments to address the physical, mental, social and behavioural needs of patients with acute and complex mental health presentations. In WA, consultant psychiatrists are responsible for undertaking duties as specified in the Western Australian Mental Health Act 2014.
Psychiatry is a broad field comprised of subspecialties to address the specific needs of patients throughout different stages of life and issues, including:
- perinatal and Infant
- child and adolescent
- adult
- older adult
- addiction
- consultation-liaison
To work in WA as a consultant psychiatrist, you must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia and have completed a fellowship through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists or equivalent.
Mental health registrars (service and trainee) work and gain experience across the range of sub-specialties within SMHS.
As a tertiary hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital is accredited to provide on-the-job work experience and educational/training opportunities to trainees, helping them achieve their goals to gain their fellowship in psychiatry and become consultants.
In the context of a multidisciplinary team, and under the supervision of a consultant psychiatrist, our registrars oversee the care of inpatients and outpatients. This includes clinical evaluation, formulating of a differential diagnosis, arranging appropriate investigations and referrals, and instituting a documented management plan in conjunction with the supervising consultant.
Engaging with patients and their families to provide and discuss conditions, options, treatment and progress, our registrars ensure patients have an ability to advocate and/or have representation for the promotion and development of a healthy lifestyle and timely care.