Spotlight on women and gender-responsive mental health care

It is widely accepted that gender is a key social determinant of mental health. However, gender is not routinely considered as part of mainstream mental health policy or practice, and there is limited evidence about effective gender-responsive interventions. Gender-responsive health care identifies gender differences and inequalities in women, men and non-binary people, and sets about addressing them. This Spotlight highlights the need for significant investment in building the evidence base for gender-responsive approaches to support the mental health of women and girls.

Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviours. The prevalence, risk factors and experience of poor mental health among women and girls are different from those among men and boys, which means they have different mental health needs, yet there are very few women-specific mental health programs and services in Australia or internationally.