The Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative in Australia is a government program designed to improve access to mental health professionals and services. It allows individuals with a mental disorder to receive significant rebates from Medicare for services provided by psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and psychiatrists. Here are key elements of the Better Access initiative:
- Referral Required: To access the scheme, individuals need a referral, usually from a GP, but it can also come from a psychiatrist or pediatrician. The referral is part of a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which the referring doctor prepares.
- Mental Health Treatment Plan: This plan involves an assessment of the individual’s mental health, goals for treatment, and strategies to achieve these goals. It’s a prerequisite for accessing the Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative.
- Services Covered: The scheme covers several types of mental health services, including individual and group therapy sessions with registered mental health professionals like psychologists, social workers, or occupational therapists. It also covers psychiatric consultations and services.
- Number of Sessions: Initially, patients can be referred for up to six sessions. After these sessions, they can return to their referring doctor for a review, and if needed, can get a referral for an additional four sessions. The total number of sessions covered by Medicare in a calendar year is typically 10, but there have been temporary increases in this cap in response to specific events or needs, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Rebates: The program offers Medicare rebates for these sessions, significantly reducing the out-of-pocket cost for patients. The exact amount of the rebate depends on the service provided and the professional delivering the service.
- Aim of the Program: The Better Access initiative is intended to provide more affordable mental health care for Australians who might otherwise be unable to afford psychological treatment. It aims to address a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions.
- Telehealth Services: The scheme includes provisions for telehealth, allowing patients in remote areas or with mobility issues to access services via phone or video conferencing.
The Better Access initiative has been a crucial step in making mental health care more accessible and affordable for many Australians, contributing to the broader goal of improving mental health outcomes across the country.