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The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) today welcomed the Australian Government’s Independent Review of Health Professions Regulation (July 2025), calling it “a sensible reset” that prioritises public safety while recognising the full health workforce, registered and non-registered alike.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) extends its heartfelt support to all riders, families, and communities participating in the 2025 Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance.

Today on World Suicide Prevention Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) joins the global call to raise awareness, break stigma, and build a culture of hope, connection, and prevention.

Today, on International Literacy Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) celebrates the transformative power of literacy, not only as an educational right, but as a cornerstone of mental wellbeing, self-empowerment, and community connection.

VMHPAA acknowledges the crisis and speaks to spotlight a deeply concerning reality: the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide delivered a thorough final report in September 2024 with 122 recommendations, yet only nine have been fully implemented to date.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) welcomes and supports the recent findings from Victorian researchers highlighting the mental health benefits of surf therapy for young people. As detailed in recent Deakin University studies, programs that connect young Australians to the ocean are demonstrating measurable outcomes in reducing distress, improving emotional regulation, and supporting re-engagement in daily life.

Today, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) joins communities across the nation in proudly celebrating Wear It Purple Day - a day dedicated to affirming and empowering LGBTIQA+ young people.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed recent correspondence from the Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Federal Minister for Skills and Training, and the Hon. Steve Whan MP, NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, both acknowledging the important role of vocationally trained counsellors in Australia’s mental health workforce and the Association’s advocacy around the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapi

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed correspondence from the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, the Hon. Steve Whan MP, in response to concerns about the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) continues to lead national advocacy on behalf of vocationally trained counsellors, ensuring that the voices of our members, and the communities they serve, are heard in the debate over the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has lodged a formal submission to the NSW Government’s consultation on the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is pleased to acknowledge recent correspondence from the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, confirming that the concerns of vocationally trained counsellors and psychotherapists are being actively considered as part of the review of the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has lodged a submission to the NSW Government’s Art of Tax Reform consultation, urging policymakers to recognise the vital connection between cultural participation and community mental health.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has today lodged a submission to the Australian Heritage Council in strong support of recognising the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Route on the National Heritage List.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed a successful meeting with Senator Jacqui Lambie, during which the Senator expressed strong support for vocationally trained counsellors and their vital role in Australia’s mental health system.

Today on International Youth Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA)reaffirms its commitment to supporting the mental wellbeing of young people across the country.

Today on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) stands in recognition of the rich cultures, contributions, and enduring wisdom of First Nations and Indigenous communities around the world.

Recent commentary from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reignited debate on the growing trend of using AI chatbots for therapeutic support. Surveys suggest that nearly half of people experiencing mental health challenges who also use AI are turning to large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT for help. While these tools are attractive, always available, cost-free, and accessible, serious concerns remain about privacy, safety, and efficacy.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) proudly joins the nation in recognising Aged Care Employee Day, a time to honour the dedicated professionals who provide compassionate care and dignity to our elders each and every day.

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed correspondence from the Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts, the Hon. John-Paul Langbroek MP, in response to concerns raised about the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.