In a bid to fight the upsurge in people dealing with mental health challenges the Federal Budget has appointed $5.7 billion towards the cause.
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The extra funding will see the available medicare-funded psychological services under the Better Access initiative double.
Medicare rebates under the initiative are currently only available for patients with a mental disorder for up to 10 individual, or 10 group allied, mental health services per calendar year. This will now be increased to 20.
Marathon Health Central Wester group manager of commercial services Rowena McCauley said the announcement of an additional 10 Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions is a significant win.
"People in the community with mental health concerns have been at risk of falling through the gaps when they could no longer access subsidised mental health care, or affordable psychological intervention," Mrs McCauley said.
"We hope the next step will be a continuation of subsidised telehealth mental health support beyond 2021.
"Everyone manages and copes in different ways, but it has been a very difficult year for a lot of people, so the announcement does come at a crucial time.
"There are also plenty of local services available including our NewAccess mental health coaching service.
"This program, designed by Beyond Blue, is unique in that you can just call us and make an appointment, you don't need a mental health treatment and our coaches are trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - meaning they can help you make a plan, and work through what is concerning you.
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"We strongly encourage anyone who needs support to make an appointment with their GP, reach out to online support options via sources like Beyond Blue and visit marathonhealth.com.au to see what services we can provide to help you get back on track."
Lifeline Central West CEO Stephanie Robinson said any investment in mental health is a 'wise investment'.
"Services like ours have never been as busy as they are right now," Ms Robinson said.
"Three weeks ago we took the largest number of calls in Lifeline's 57-year-history."
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Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
