How we help

Supporting doctors and their families since 1896

MBA NSW-ACT supports doctors, and their families, who live or work in NSW or the ACT.

You can be practicing, non-practicing, retired, or a final year medical student. We also help family members of all the above and members of a deceased doctor's family.

How we help

Social Work and Counselling

Our social workers provide practical, emotional and therapeutic support, tailored to the unique needs of doctors and their families.
Learn More

Financial Assistance

We provide short-term financial relief, connect doctors with other support services, and offer financial counselling during complex or challenging times.
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Advocacy

We advocate for doctors individually in difficult situations, and at a broader level to promote doctor wellbeing across the system
Learn More

Career Resilience & Wellbeing

We collaborate with specialists to offer career guidance, legal and insurance advice, and conduct workshops that enhance resilience and promote doctors' wellbeing.
Learn More

Contact Us

To enquire about any of our services please contact us via your preferred method below and we'll get back to you soon. We offer support between 9am-5pm Monday - Friday, and can offer afterhours appointments by pre-arrangement only.

Do you need urgent support?

We are NOT a crisis centre.
If you are in need of URGENT CRISIS SUPPORT please contact the organisations below.

Doctors Health NSW

DRS4DRS ACT

Doctors Health Advisory Service ACT
24/7 Helpline
1300 374 377
Website
www.ama.com.au/drs4drs/act

Child Protection Helpline

24/7 Helpline
132 111

Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

24/7 Helpline
1800 737 732

Beyond Blue

Doctors Health Advisory Service ACT
24/7 Counsellors
1300 224 636

Testimonials

Advocacy by MBA NSW-ACT was totally unexpected. It changed the trajectory of my career. It has been a journey filled with anxiety and challenges. The only support I had was from MBA NSW-ACT. I am grateful to all of you for your kindness and generosity.

Thank you especially for all your emotional support. It helped me feel like someone had my back & understood how stressful getting out of domestic violence can be.

It has been harrowing year with an unexpected job loss and serious health problems and receiving MBA NSW-ACT support has helped me to gain the strength, courage and tenacity to apply for and get on the GP Training Program twice in one year. I am so grateful for your compassion, help and advocacy.

Now I have moved into fixed housing, I am focusing on stabilising and improving my mental health. Once I am on top of that I will reach out to engage in the medical professional development that has been offered and start putting together the pieces of whatever may be left of my career.

I really do appreciate all of your help. I don’t say this lightly, but if it wasn’t for what you and the board have done for me, I would not be alive today. I will forever be grateful for your compassion and support.

To have my financial pressures eased, even a little, has been incredibly helpful….. Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to the Council for this and previous assistance provided. I am determined to work through my ongoing challenges in as constructive a way as I possibly can. I remain convinced that relief and a time of less stress is in my destiny. I just hope it is not too far off.

Thank you so much for your generous assistance this year. Financial stress is obviously just one aspect of severe illness and some relief undoubtedly aids in improved wellbeing and hopefully recovery, I am profoundly grateful to your organisation.

I would like to thank the board for the generous and continued support that you provided for me over the period of my two operations and time away from work. Your support and the contact with the Social Worker were wonderful at a time of financial distress. I am now back on my feet - literally - and working full time and am very appreciative of the role you played in my recovery.

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the help and support that I received earlier this year, during a very difficult period. The financial gift was very helpful in meeting my bills at that time. I am pleased to say that my husband is much better and I have been able to keep our house. Thank you for your emotional support. Words cannot express my gratitude.

This is a particularly difficult time for me and my husband and our young children. We thank you sincerely in your assistance you have made these time a little lighter. We live in love and hope.

Can I say how much I appreciate the time and space you have given me to talk and debrief. Talking openly about myself and my problems is not easy for me … I thank you for it extensively!

I found myself in a very difficult situation a few months ago and I’m so thankful for your support. During a period of financial hardship, the rental payments you made on my behalf reduced my stress levels considerably and allowed me to undertake treatment for my medical condition.

We are so incredibly grateful for all MBA NSW-ACT have done for us already. It’s allowed me to take the time off I needed so I could fully recover from being burnt out, without the additional stress of wondering how I would pay the household bills.

I am incredibly grateful for this support to assist with living expenses at this challenging time. Having less financial worry helps me focus on resting and recovering in order that I can give back to my profession, family and patients again in the future. Thank you for your advocacy and care.

Thank you for all you have done. I am sitting right now on the top of a mountain with a stunning view. I can’t believe my life might actually turn around to this new start. I am forever grateful!

We lost our GP clinic in the NSW floods. Amid the trauma and the devastation, hope came from the kindness of MBA NSW-ACT. They offered support, sympathy and much needed financial help. …We hope you never need them, but it is a relief to know they have your back if you do!

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Social Work & Councelling Services

Facing personal or professional challenges? Talking to someone who understands can make all the difference.

Our Senior Social Workers are highly qualified counsellors with extensive health sector experience. They provide compassionate, confidential support tailored to the unique pressures doctors and their families face.
How We Help
  • Free & Confidential Counselling – Whether you need a one-off conversation or ongoing support, our services are free and strictly confidential. You can also remain anonymous if financial assistance isn’t required.
  • Independent & Non-Judgemental – We are completely independent of any regulatory body and provide a safe, supportive space.
  • Holistic, Person-Centred Support – Our strengths-based approach ensures care tailored to your individual needs.
Additional Services
We can also connect you with specialised support for:
  • Financial & Medical Career Counselling
  • Legal Advice
  • Addiction & Mental Health Support
  • Domestic & Family Violence Assistance
  • Grief Counselling
Get in Touch
Your privacy is our priority. To speak with us confidentially, contact us by phone, email, or through our website.

Facing Financial Stress?? We're Here To Help

Unexpected challenges can impact your financial and emotional wellbeing. At MBA NSW-ACT, we’re here to support you and your family when you need it most.
We encourage all doctors to have Income Protection Insurance and essential professional cover. However, if you're facing financial hardship, our team can provide guidance, professional advice, and connections to resources that can help.
How We Support You
After assessing your situation, our Social Worker may:
  • Invite you to apply for financial assistance.
  • Connect you with professional advisors.
  • Refer you to government or NGO support services.
Our financial aid aims to relieve immediate stress, helping you regain stability.
Financial Assistance – What to Expect
Due to limited funds, all applications are reviewed against specific criteria. You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as bank statements, rental agreements, or unpaid bills.

We assist with essential costs like accommodation, groceries, utilities, medications, and medical registrations. However, we cannot fund legal or tax expenses. Assistance is typically short-term, but we can help explore other financial support options.
Emergency Assistance
For urgent situations like domestic violence, accidents, or natural disasters, emergency funding may be available within days. In non0urgentsituations, your request will be submitted to our next monthly Council meeting, which normally occurs on the 3rd Monday of any month.
Apply Early
If you’re struggling financially, reach out as soon as possible. Acting early can prevent further stress and ensure timely support.

Advocacy

At MBA NSW-ACT, our social workers are dedicated advocates for doctors, both at an individual level and for the profession as a whole.

We are here to support you, raise awareness of the unique challenges you face, and make a tangible difference in your life. With expertise in assessment and extensive knowledge of community resources, we can:
  • Connect you with specialised services tailored to your needs.
  • Provide information and guidance to support you and your family.
  • Facilitate introductions to legal, government, or other specialised agencies.
  • Assist in navigating complex systems and processes.
With your consent, we can advocate on your behalf with organisations such as employers, government agencies, insurance companies, medical colleges, landlords, or others to help achieve the best possible outcomes.
Advocating for Systemic Change
We recognise the systemic pressures faced by medical practitioners. That’s why we work collaboratively with like-minded partners to:
  • Reduce the stigma doctors may feel when seeking help.
  • Advocate to the government, media, and employers for meaningful cultural change that safeguards doctors’ health and wellbeing.
By addressing both individual and systemic issues, we strive to create a healthier, more supportive environment for all doctors.

To talk more about our advocacy work please call, email or contact us via our Contact Page as below.

Preventative Services For Doctors' Health

As Desmond Tutu famously said, "There comes a point where we need to stop pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they're falling in."

Inspired by this wisdom, MBA NSW-ACT has been gradually expanding into preventative services since 2021 to help improve doctors’ health and wellbeing.

While supporting doctors and their families during times of adversity remains our core focus, we believe that providing preventative services can help people avoid the trauma and financial strain that often accompany significant life challenges.
Our Preventative Services
We currently offer the following services to support doctors in maintaining their health and professional stability:
  • Workshops and Seminars – Covering a range of topics designed to enhance wellbeing and resilience.
  • Financial Counselling – Tailored advice to help you manage your finances effectively.
  • Medical Career Planning – Offered in partnership with Dr Ashe Coxon to guide your professional journey.
  • Legal Advice – Delivered through our partner, Holman Webb, to assist with professional legal matters.
  • Medical Insurance Advice – Provided by partner Medical Insurers to ensure you’re adequately covered.
Get in Touch
If you are interested in any of these, please contact our social work team for a confidential discussion by phone (preferred), email or through the Contact US page as below.