A quick, validated screening tool for psychological distress. Used by Australian GPs to support Mental Health Care Plans.
The K10 asks about how you've been feeling over the past 4 weeks. There are no right or wrong answers. Answer each question with the option that best describes your experience. Your responses are completely private — nothing is stored or sent anywhere.
The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a 10-item questionnaire developed by Professor Ronald Kessler at Harvard University. It measures non-specific psychological distress over the past 4 weeks.
In Australia, the K10 is widely used by GPs as part of the assessment for Mental Health Care Plans (Better Access). It helps clinicians gauge the level of distress you're experiencing and monitor changes over time.
Scores range from 10 (no distress) to 50 (severe distress). The K10 is not a diagnostic tool — it's a screening measure that helps guide clinical decisions.
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is prepared by your GP and gives you access to Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist, social worker, or occupational therapist under the Better Access initiative.
How it works: Book a long appointment with your GP. They'll assess your mental health (often using the K10), discuss your goals, and create a care plan. You'll then receive a referral for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
Medicare rebates apply, and many practitioners offer gap-free or low-gap sessions. Ask your GP to help you find a suitable provider.
If you or someone you know needs support:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention
13YARN: 13 92 76 — crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 — counselling for young people aged 5–25
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 — support for men
In an emergency, call 000.
For a full directory of Australian helplines, visit AskMyGP helplines directory.