Find Psychiatry Locum Jobs In Australia and New Zealand

Discover psychiatry locum roles that suit your lifestyle, career goals, and preferred locations. Search roles across Australia and New Zealand with flexible options, competitive pay, and expert support at every step.

✓ Access exclusive locum psychiatry roles across public and private healthcare

✓ Choose shifts and contracts that fit your schedule and experience

✓ Get guidance from consultants who understand your clinical career goals

Why Psychiatrists Choose Us for Locum Opportunities

Join a trusted network of psychiatry professionals who rely on our team to find rewarding locum roles across Australia and New Zealand. Whether you’re newly qualified or an experienced consultant, we provide access to leading hospitals, flexible contracts, and dedicated support, helping you focus on what matters most: patient care.

Tailored Roles for Every Career Stage

From early-career registrars to senior consultants, we work with psychiatrists at every stage. You’ll gain access to locum opportunities across diverse settings — public hospitals, private practices, and telehealth services — with flexible terms that fit your goals and lifestyle.

Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our recruitment team specialises exclusively in psychiatry. We handle paperwork, travel logistics, and compliance, making your registration and onboarding process fast and stress-free. You’ll be supported by consultants who understand your subspecialty and preferences.

Flexibility and Freedom to Choose

Enjoy full control over where, when, and how you work. Choose from short-term locum placements, ongoing contracts, or remote psychiatry options across metropolitan, regional, and rural locations in Australia and New Zealand.

Trusted by Psychiatrists Nationwide

We partner with leading hospitals and mental health services, giving you first access to new roles and high-demand psychiatry positions. Our goal is simple — to match you with locum opportunities that align with your expertise and lifestyle.

We work with an extensive network of hospitals and mental health services across Australia and New Zealand and offer an unrivalled service to help you secure the top psychiatry locum jobs available.

FREE REGISTRATION

Preferred Suppliers

NSW Government Health logo

NSW Government Health

Queensland Government - Queensland Health logo

Queensland Government - Queensland Health

Government of South Australia - SA Health logo

Government of South Australia - SA Health

Tasmania Government Health logo

Tasmania Government Health

Government of Western Australia WA Country Health Services logo

Government of Western Australia WA Country Health Services

Why We’re #1 for Psychiatrist Job Placements

As specialists in psychiatry recruitment, we understand the unique skills, pressures, and preferences of mental health professionals. Our team connects psychiatrists with leading hospitals, health networks, and telehealth services across Australia and New Zealand, matching you with locum opportunities that align with your expertise. We actively recruit across all psychiatry subspecialties and offer access to a wide range of locum and contract positions.


High Demand Job Placement Across Australia and New Zealand


  • Adult Psychiatrists — Help meet ongoing demand across inpatient, community, and consultation-liaison settings.
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists — Play a vital role supporting youth mental health programs in both city and regional areas.
  • Older Persons Psychiatrists — Work in aged-care, geriatric, and cognitive health services where experienced clinicians are highly valued.
  • Forensic Psychiatrists — Provide essential expertise in correctional and court-based mental health programs.
  • Addiction Psychiatrists — Join multidisciplinary teams addressing substance use and recovery services.
  • Consultation Liaison Psychiatrists — Support integrated care across hospital networks and emergency departments.
  • Emergency Department Psychiatrists — Contribute to acute care units managing crisis presentations and urgent assessments.

Working with you to build a satisfying psychiatry career

Trusted Provider

Medipeople is a trusted provider to public & private health institutions across Australia & NZ. Enjoy locum life with us in QLD, NSW, WA, TAS, VIC, SA, ACT, NT – the choice is yours!

Excellent Rates

We offer some of the highest rates in the industry. Our contracts & supplier agreements allow us to pay you top dollar – junior or senior, rural or urban, we’ve got you covered.

Dedicated Consultant

With Medipeople, you have your own dedicated consultant – we look after all the logistics and paperwork for you. Our doctors consistently reward us with 5-star ratings!

Meet our experts in Psychiatric recruitment Placement

Tailored Roles for Every Career Stage

From early-career registrars to senior consultants, we work with psychiatrists at every stage. You’ll gain access to locum opportunities across diverse settings, public hospitals, private practices, and telehealth services with flexible terms that fit your goals and lifestyle.

James Whitaker – Director, Psychiatry Recruitment at Medipeople

Meet James Whitaker

Director, Psychiatry Recruitment

Based in Byron Bay, James leads Medipeople’s Psychiatry Recruitment Division, connecting psychiatrists with locum and permanent roles across Australia and New Zealand. With over two decades in medical recruitment, James brings deep expertise in hospital staffing and international placement, helping psychiatry professionals access rewarding positions across public and private healthcare.


James began his career in the UK’s National Health Service before moving into senior recruitment roles with leading global agencies. His background in psychology and long-standing relationships with hospital networks give him unique insight into the needs of both clinicians and employers. Under his leadership, Medipeople continues to deliver trusted, results-driven recruitment solutions for psychiatrists at every career stage.

Linh Nguyen – Head of Psych Division at Medipeople

Meet Linh Nguyen

Head of Psych Division

Linh leads Medipeople’s Psych Juniors Division with energy and passion, helping early-career psychiatrists and mental health professionals find their ideal locum and permanent roles across Australia and New Zealand. She takes a personal, relationship-first approach — understanding each clinician’s goals to ensure every placement supports both career growth and work-life balance.


Dedicated to building genuine connections, Linh provides tailored guidance for psychiatry professionals beginning their locum journey. Her approachable style, industry knowledge, and focus on support make her a valued partner for psychiatrists taking their next step in mental health.

Luke Fumeaux – Head of Psych Division at Medipeople

Meet Luke Fumeaux

Recruitment Consultant – Psych Division

Hey, I’m Luke. I work with junior doctors to find locum opportunities all over Australia. My goal is to keep things easy and stress-free — more like a chat about what you’re looking for than a formal process.

Before recruitment, I worked in sales, customer service, and leadership, which taught me the value of listening properly, being upfront, and building real connections. That’s how I like to work with both doctors and hospitals: approachable, genuine, and always focused on making things simple.


Outside of work, I’m usually outdoors. I love surfing, swimming, running, and camping, and I’m always planning the next trip or adventure. Travel is a big part of my life, whether it’s exploring new corners of Australia or heading overseas with a backpack. I’m not great at sitting still, and I think that energy flows through into the way I work with people too.



For me, recruitment is all about people. I want every doctor I work with to feel comfortable reaching out, asking questions, and knowing I’ll do my best to help. So whether you’re ready to dive into locum work or just curious about your options, reach out anytime — I’d love to chat.

CANDIDATE TESTIMONIALS

Your next psychiatry job is here:

NEW TO Psych LOCUM WORK?

If you haven’t done locum job before – don’t worry! You’ll be in safe hands with us throughout the whole process. You’ll gain clinical experience, get to know different work environments and receive excellent pay rates.


We’ll find the right locum jobs for you, help you with the paperwork and support you during your locum placements. If you want to do locum work while travelling through Australia, have a look at some of our blog articles as well.


Whatever your dream locum life looks like – let us help you make it a reality!


Australian PSYCHIATRY LOCUM JOB FAQs

  • What are requirements to locum as a Psychiatrist in Australia?

    To locum as a Psychiatrist in Australia you must hold specialist registration with AHPRA, Fellowship of the Australian and Zealand College of Psychiatrists and hold some work rights. Either through citizenship, permanent residency or a specific visa.


  • When is a good stage in my career to locum as a Psychiatrist?

    Any time in your career is a good time to work as a locum Psychiatrist. We find that newly qualified that have just got their FRANZCP or those towards the end of their career are the most common times to locum. Although we have many locums that hold fulltime roles that like to complete a short locum each year almost as a working holiday.


  • What locations do Medipeople place Psychiatrists into?

    Medipeople holds state-wide agreements with the various Australia public hospitals. We place Psychiatrists into every state and territory. We work with lots of hospitals in city / metropolitan areas as well as regional centres. Locum Psychiatry roles are all over the country and in major cities not just in regional centres.

  • Do Locum Psychiatrists cover on-calls?

    Some locum Psychiatrist roles have an oncall requirement. Prior to accepting a role your recruitment consultant will advise you regarding the oncall details. They will also negotiate with the hospital on your behalf if you do not wish to cover any oncalls.




  • Are their locum Psychiatrist jobs in Private Practice?

    Medipeople has Locum Psychiatrist roles in Private Practice. We work with a number of large private hospital groups and small independent practices.

  • Which psychiatry sub-specialities locums are available?

    The majority of locum roles are in Adult Psychiatry. Inpatient, Community, Integrated roles are the most common. We also have locum jobs in Child Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, Older Persons, and Addictions.

Related PSYCHIATRY Job Articles

Fast-Track Pathway for UK Psychiatrists to Work in Australia

March 13, 2025
UK-based psychiatrists now have an exciting opportunity to fast-track their career in Australia through a new Expedited Specialist Pathway, designed to reduce barriers and help internationally trained specialists transition seamlessly into the Australian healthcare system. Medipeople is on hand to secure your job in Australia and guide you through the registration, visa and relocation process. From 23 December 2024, psychiatrists with UK qualifications will be able to apply directly for specialist registration with Ahpra (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Medical Board of Australia, enabling them to begin practicing sooner and contribute their expertise to Australian patients. Eligibility for Psychiatrists UK psychiatrists are eligible if they hold the following qualifications: Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Psychiatry Awarded under an approved RCPsych curriculum (from August 2007 onwards) after satisfactory completion of a GMC- or Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board-approved psychiatry training program in the UK. This pathway allows highly skilled psychiatrists to transition quickly into Australia's healthcare workforce, ensuring access to critical mental health services for patients across the country. Why Consider Australia? Australia offers: A world-class healthcare system with excellent professional development opportunities. Competitive remuneration packages and benefits. The chance to live and work in vibrant cities or picturesque regional areas, with a lifestyle renowned for its balance of work, leisure, and outdoor living. The Application Process The Expedited Specialist Pathway builds on the success of the October launch for general practitioners, which saw 96 UK-based GPs apply within two months, with 80% of applicants already progressing through the system. Similar efficiency is anticipated for psychiatrists, making this pathway a reliable and attractive option.  What’s Next? The Expedited Specialist Pathway will soon expand to include other specialties such as general medicine, general paediatrics, and diagnostic radiology, providing more opportunities for UK specialists to join the Australian medical workforce. This initiative reflects the commitment to making it easier for professionals from comparable healthcare systems, such as the UK, to relocate and practice in Australia. Start your journey today and be part of a healthcare system that values your expertise. Applications open 23 December 2024.

Why are UK Psychiatrists moving to Australia

By Default Author • October 24, 2023
Are you a Psychiatrist with dreams of advancing your career in Australia? Look no further. Medipeople are your experts in Psychiatry recruitment, backed by years of experience and a vast network in the healthcare industry. But what sets us apart is our genuine understanding and embrace of the unique needs and challenges that Psychiatrists face when they aspire to make their mark in Australia. We work with hospitals in the major capital cities, regional centers and coastal towns. Our mission is to offer you a world of opportunities. We're not just connecting you with any job; we're unlocking doors to prestigious positions that span the entire continent. Our close ties with top-tier hospitals and mental health facilities ensure that we can seamlessly match you with positions that align perfectly with your skills, experience, and career ambitions. Our approach is all about you. We believe in personalised service crafted exclusively for your needs. We take the time to understand your preferences, career goals, and lifestyle requirements. Our dedicated team is committed to guiding you every step of the way, ensuring that your journey to Australia is smooth and tailored to your individual needs. Moving to a new country is an adventure, but it can also be challenging. With Medipeople by your side, your never alone. Our comprehensive support extends from visa applications to finding the perfect housing solution for you and your family. We're here to ensure that your transition is as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus wholeheartedly on your career. Connecting with your peers is crucial when venturing into a new chapter of your career. As part of our services, we introduce you to a network of Psychiatrists who've successfully made the transition to Australia. You can draw upon their insights, guidance, and invaluable advice as you embark on your new career journey. Our success stories speak volumes about our commitment to excellence. Medipeople has empowered numerous Psychiatrists from around the world to secure fulfilling roles in Australia. We take immense pride in our track record and the profoundly positive impact we've had on the lives and careers of our candidates. So, if your ready to unlock the doors to an exciting future as a Psychiatrist in Australia, contact us today. Let's transform your dream of practicing as a Psychiatrist in Australia. Your journey begins here. The Medipeople Way Forget government job boards. Speak to the real decision makers and unlock roles currently advertised and those not advertised. Feel confident with your RANZCP application. We will have your application assessed by a college expert making sure you get the best college outcome possible. Don’t risk a visa delay. We use only professional migration agents making sure you and your families visas are handled quickly and professionally. Register with Medipeople today to talk with our expert Psychiatry team.

Psychiatrist salaries in New Zealand

By Medipeople • June 13, 2018
In New Zealand, a nation-wide salary arrangement regulates the salaries of medical consultants working in the public service. Call Medipeople for any psychiatry job.