Confidential Support for Doctors and Medical Students in WA.
DHASWA provides a confidential, anonymous 24/7 advice line and referral system for health and personal problems.
Calls are exempt from the mandatory reporting requirements of the Medical Board of Australia.
24/7 DHASWA Advice Line
If You Are in an Emergency
Immediate crisis support is available. Please contact the appropriate emergency service:
Lifeline
Australia’s national charity providing crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Suicide Call-back Service
Provides professional counseling for people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone else, or bereaved.
Emergency Department
For urgent medical or psychiatric assessment in person.
Attend Your Local ED
DHASWA Doctors Access List
Finding a GP is vital. We aim to simplify the process by listing practitioners committed to supporting doctors’ health.
Your privacy and confidentiality
Confidentiality is a key concern for doctors and medical students seeking care. Whether you are accessing care through a GP or contacting the DHASWA phone support line, your information is treated with care, respect, and in line with professional and legal standards.
Your GP consultation is private, and your health information is kept confidential. When you contact the DHASWA phone line, you are not required to identify yourself, and your call is confidential and handled sensitively.
When information may need to be shared
There are some limited circumstances where a clinician may be required to share information—for example, if there is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of others, or where mandatory reporting obligations apply.
Mandatory reporting in Australia
In Australia, mandatory reporting for health practitioners relates to specific concerns about current, active serious impairment that is placing patients at risk of harm. These thresholds are high, and mandatory reporting is not triggered by simply seeking care for mental health concerns, burnout, or other health issues.
The WA exemption
In Western Australia, there is no mandatory reporting requirement for treating practitioners in relation to their doctor-patients, helping to support confidential access to care.
Our approach to your care
Your GP or the DHASWA doctor will discuss any concerns with you openly and respectfully, and work with you to support your health and safe practice. Seeking care is viewed as a protective step and is strongly encouraged.
Search for a GP
Access a trusted list of general practitioners who understand doctors’ health needs and prioritise appointments for
doctors and medical students.
Priority access • Confidential care • WA-based
Search for a Clinical Psychologist
Connect with clinical psychologists experienced in
supporting doctors and medical students with mental
health and wellbeing concerns.
Confidential support • Professional distance • WA-based
We do not provide a public psychiatrist list due to generalized access issues. Please work with your GP for a referral.
For rapid assessment, contact the 24/7 Advice Line (08 6388 4904 ).
Join Our Network
Interested GPs and Clinical Psychologists willing to prioritize appointments for doctors and students in WA are encouraged to register.
Join Our Network
Interested GPs and Clinical Psychologists willing to prioritize appointments for doctors and students in WA are encouraged to register.
Who We Are
DHASWA provides a confidential, anonymous, 24/7 advice line for doctors and medical students needing support with health, emotional, or personal challenges. Calls are taken by experienced GPs and psychologists, and a DHASWA doctor will respond within 4 hours. All calls are exempt from mandatory reporting requirements.
- Confidential & Anonymous
- For Doctors & Medical Students
- Available 24/7, 365 Days
What We Do
24/7 Advice Line
Immediate support from trained GPs and psychologists.
Learn More
Health and Wellbeing Guidance
Support for stress, mental health, burnout, personal challenges.
Learn More
Referral to Doctors Experienced in Treating Doctors
For life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate assistance.
Learn More
Support for Medical Students
Tailored assistance for training- related pressures.
Learn More
Resources for Doctors & Medical Students
Access practical tools, wellbeing guides, and support networks created specifically for doctors and medical students in Western Australia.
Personal Health Resources
A collection of tools, checklists, and self-care strategies designed to help doctors protect their wellbeing, manage stress, and seek support early.
Doctors Welfare Guidelines
Evidence-based guidelines developed to support doctors across all stages of
their career.
Support Groups
Connect with peer-led and specialist groups that provide emotional, psychological, and professional support for doctors and medical students.
