Government to improve access to mental health services in the bush

Accessing mental health support is about to get a lot easier for people based in rural and remote areas. As of November 1 this year psychology sessions conducted over Skype will be included in the Medicare rebate scheme, significantly reducing the cost of sessions as well as improving accessibility and convenience.

Psychology sessions weren't previously covered by Medicare unless conducted face to face; nor did private health insurers cover any psychology support accessed over phone or Skype. There is still no sign of any support for people in the bush who prefer to access psychological support over phone sessions. 

The change comes as a new study by SANE Australia, a leading mental health organisation, highlights the increased risk of mental health issues and suicide that comes with living in the bush. The report found that suicide rates in rural areas are consistently 40 per cent higher than the rates in metropolitan areas. The organisation pointed to factors such as high travel times to access support in the bush and stigma surrounding mental health issues as reasons for the increased risk.

The changes to the Medicare scheme offering significant rebates on the cost of accessing psychology sessions over Skype will directly improve some of the factors currently affecting access to mental health support in the bush. It allows people to access support in their own home at a time that suits them. 

To access the Medicare rebate for psychology sessions conducted face to face or over Skype you must request a mental health plan and referral from your GP. Under the new arrangements, up to seven of the ten sessions currently available under Medicare rebatable mental health plans will be available via telehealth. 


Contacts for mental health support include:

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

 

 

Posted on Wednesday, 18 October 2017
in Latest News
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