A new online registry launched by the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) is now connecting Australian general practitioners (GPs) with psychologists trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi). This vital tool aims to streamline referrals for the recommended first-line insomnia treatment, providing a much-needed alternative to sleeping pills for millions of patients struggling with poor sleep.
A Direct Response to a Growing Healthcare Gap
For years, GPs have faced a significant challenge when treating patients with insomnia. While aware that medication is not the ideal long-term solution, finding qualified therapists to provide CBTi has been extremely difficult.
Dr. Alexander Sweetman, Senior Program Manager at the ASA, confirmed this struggle. He stated, “GPs are generally aware that sleeping pills are not the recommended first-line treatment for insomnia but have often reported that it’s extremely difficult to find psychologists who can deliver CBTi.”
The new CBTi provider registry directly addresses this gap by creating a centralized, easy-to-use database. Hosted on the ASA’s Sleep Central website, it lists psychologists who are not only trained in CBTi but are also specialist members of the association, ensuring a high standard of care.
Making Specialist Referrals Simple and Effective
The registry is designed with simplicity in mind, allowing doctors to quickly locate the right specialist for their patients. This removes the guesswork and administrative burden that previously hindered access to effective insomnia therapy.
Key features of the new system make it a powerful tool for primary care providers.
| Feature | Description |
| Provider Listings | A comprehensive list of psychologists trained in CBTi and recognized by the ASA. |
| Search Filters | Allows GPs to search by location, patient age group, and consultation type (in-person or telehealth). |
| Financial Support | Patients can access Medicare rebates for treatment costs via a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. |
This streamlined process is expected to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care, particularly benefiting those in rural and remote areas who can now access specialists through telehealth.
Tackling the Critical Shortage of CBTi Providers
Insomnia is a widespread issue in Australia, affecting an estimated three million people. However, a shocking audit revealed the scale of the provider shortage. The ASA found only 65 ‘sleep’ psychologists, equivalent to about 30 full-time positions, to serve this massive patient population.
“This is completely inadequate for the three million Australians with chronic insomnia,” Dr. Sweetman emphasized. The registry is a crucial first step in fixing this problem, effectively doubling the number of accessible CBTi providers available to GPs and their patients.
To further address the shortage, the ASA has been working with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to expand training opportunities. A recently launched six-hour education module has already attracted around 450 clinicians, boosting the number of professionals equipped to deliver this vital therapy.
A Push to Reduce Reliance on Sleeping Pills
Despite clinical guidelines recommending CBTi, sleeping pills remain a common treatment. In 2021–22, PBS data showed that 4.9 million benzodiazepine scripts were dispensed, with diazepam being the most prescribed. The new registry aims to reverse this trend by making a safer, more effective alternative readily available.
By increasing access to CBTi, healthcare providers hope to see significant benefits for patients, including:
- Improved Sleep Quality: CBTi targets the underlying causes of insomnia for long-term results.
- Reduced Medication Risks: It helps patients avoid the dependency and side effects associated with sleeping pills.
- Better Overall Mental Health: Quality sleep is closely linked to improved mental well-being and a lower risk of anxiety and depression.
The ultimate goal is to shift the standard of care towards non-pharmacological treatments. Dr. Sweetman expressed hope that the registry will “reduce waiting lists for CBTi, assist with sleeping pill de-prescribing, and gradually increase the use and accessibility of CBTi in primary care.” This initiative marks a significant step toward better sleep health for all Australians.
