Australian teenagers are waiting months on average for critical mental health support and experts agree it’s too long.

Recent studies indicate that long waiting periods are linked to heightened psychological distress and unhealthy coping mechanisms, increasing the vulnerability of young Australians as they await assistance.

“We don’t accept delayed response times for physical injuries, so why do we still tolerate it for mental health?” Bannister said.

Via ALLKND, she champions early intervention and financial support directed at mental health services tailored for the youth, along with community-focused, integrated care that includes peer support, educational programs, and initiatives led by young people.

“Everyone needs someone safe to talk to. If we can lighten the load at the crisis end, the whole system becomes more sustainable,” she said.

Despite the 2025-26 federal budget unveiled this week pledging billions for Australia’s healthcare system, Black Dog Institute highlights that the mental health sector is still significantly underfunded.

The budget included an $8.4 billion investment over four years to boost bulk billing for GP appointments, which are usually the first port of call for young people seeking mental health treatment.

More than $784 million will go towards capping PBS medication costs over the next four years, including mental health medications.

A further $46 million will go towards delivering free digital mental health tools over four years, which young Australians are already looking to for support during wait times.

WATCH: Chris Kohler’s two-minute guide to the 2025 federal budget

Bannister says that while the figures sound promising, the current budget measures will have a limited impact on the youth mental health crisis.

“This is a national emergency and we cannot solve it with small-scale, long-term gestures,” she said.

Without long-term investment into accessible services, youth mental health literacy programs, and culturally safe care for marginalised youth, Bannister fears young Australians struggling with mental health will continue to fall through the cracks.

”Mental health support needs to meet young people where they are, not ask them to climb mountains to access it.”

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636. Under-25s can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.