This story is featured in ABC News and is republished with permission.
At the age of 60, Donna Edwards is so close to fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a qualified psychologist.
She's just about to finish her four-year bachelor's degree with honours and has an excellent grade point average (GPA) of above 6.
But to become registered she needs to complete an additional two-year master's degree — a course that is "almost impossible" to get into because of limited spaces.
"I've really made sure that my GPA is high enough to be able to apply, and I've got all my referees sorted out and organised," she said.
"But I know already — from past experience, from others that I've spoken to in my class — that it's just about impossible to get in.
"I think it's easier to win lotto."
Ms Edwards lives in Brisbane and has been studying by distance through Charles Sturt University in New South Wales.
However, most universities require in-person study for her master's, which limits her options.
"There are over 40 universities in Australia, but I can't apply to every one because it's just not practical," she said.
"Luckily, I'm a dual citizen of Australia and New Zealand, so I may have to go to New Zealand to get a placement."
Ms Edwards said psychology students are constantly told their skills are in great demand and they'll be highly employable once qualified.
But because of how hard it is to finalise those qualifications, many within her cohort are considering changing fields.
"I'm considering other options — even getting into medicine — and that's going to be easier for me than psychology, which is kind of crazy," Ms Edwards said.
"They acknowledge that we've got a huge mental health crisis out there, but what are the people in power doing?"
A 'terrible waste' and 'tragedy'
Dr Zena Burgess is the chief executive of the Australian Psychology Society (APS), the peak body representing the profession.
She said Donna Edwards is far from alone.
"We have a situation where, for every one that gets in, there's maybe another 100 that are turned away," she said.
"So, it's just an incredible waste of effort by the students, a waste of money by the government, and a terrible tragedy in terms of community service."
Dr Burgess said Australia is only meeting about 35 per cent of the total workforce requirements for psychologists, meaning existing professionals are overworked, and people are waiting months or even years for help.
"Without funding for these placements, which is government funding, the universities won't expand the [number of] places," she said.
In September last year, Health Minister Mark Butler announced the Albanese government would create 500 new postgraduate university positions over four years.
Mr Butler also said the government had funded an additional 146 places the previous financial year.
But Dr Burgess believes it's not nearly enough.
"If you're looking at 35 per cent of the workforce requirements being met, 500 places is not going to make a huge difference," she said.
"It needs to be more like a few thousand places each year, until we get up to 80, 90 per cent of workforce requirements."
Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston said the Coalition would invest $1 billion in mental health if elected and establish a National Youth Mental Health Institute.
"[It] will look at world's best practice, ensure a no wrong door approach to mental health support in Australia, and focus as a matter of urgent priority on how we can best develop and train additional mental health workforce into the sector," she said.
A desire to help
Ms Edwards has just a few short months to find a place.
She's desperate to be part of the solution to Australia's mental health crisis.
"It's kind of like my last chance to actually make a difference," Ms Edwards said.
"I'm at that point in my life where I think I can contribute. I've got experience … I've got all these skills; I just need the piece of paper."