Nutrition and Mental Health: Insights from Australasian Mental Health Practitioners in Clinical Practice

While nutritional psychiatry offers a compelling evidence base for improving mental health outcomes, its translation into routine clinical care remains fragmented. This qualitative study explored how mental health practitioners in Australia and New Zealand perceive and integrate nutritional knowledge and practices into psychological care. A qualitative study utilizing ten online focus groups and one online interview was conducted with 31 practitioners, including psychologists, counsellors, and social workers. Data were analysed using Kuckartz content analysis. Five overarching domains were identified: (i) knowledge, awareness, and confidence, (ii) practitioners’ experiences discussing nutrition with clients, (iii) drivers and barriers to implementation, (iv) scepticism and critical perspectives, and (v) future directions and perceived impact. While participants expressed strong motivation to deliver holistic, person-centred care, they were inhibited by systemic deficits, including lack of formal training, unclear professional scope, and insufficient system-level support. Regional contrasts revealed more flexible practice in New Zealand and greater regulatory caution in Australia. Findings highlight widespread practitioner interest in nutritional psychiatry and underscore the need for structured education, clear ethical guidance, and interdisciplinary collaboration to embed nutrition within routine mental health care. Integrating dietetic expertise and evidence-based nutrition discussions into mental health services may enhance clinical practice implementation and client outcomes. • First qualitative study exploring Australasian mental health practitioners’ perspectives on nutrition and nutritional psychiatry in clinical practice. • Mental health practitioners expressed strong interest in integrating nutrition but reported limited training, unclear scope of practice, and systemic barriers. • Clear regional contrasts emerged, with greater regulatory confidence reported by practitioners in New Zealand compared with Australia. • Diet discussions were typically brief, client-led, and educational, with practitioners emphasising ethical boundaries and referral to dietitians. • Findings highlight the need for structured education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy support to embed nutrition within routine mental health care.