Psychologist survey reveals that cost is a main barrier for patients accessing mental health services

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NewsPsychologist survey reveals that cost is a main barrier for patients accessing mental health servicesSBBy Shiarna BarnettDecember 1 2022 - 3:00amBy Shiarna BarnettDecember 1 2022 -

3:00amFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyCost barrier for services The cost of accessing mental health care in Australia is a big factor for individuals in need of support, executive director

of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) Tegan Carrison says., along with the Medicare rebates not increasing with the prices of professional help.

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50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue "Our recent survey

showed that standard consultation fees had increased considerably due to the cost of providing services and yet the Medicare rebates have not increased in line with these costs," she said.

"The rebate on a visit to a registered psychologist is just $89 which often leaves the client out of pocket anywhere between $90 and $140. AAPi is calling for a $150 rebate across the board

for the clients of all psychologists, which will make access so much easier."

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Eighty seven per cent of psychologists have reported cost as a top barrier to accessing mental services according to a peak psychology survey.

This survey consisted of nearly 1000 private practice psychologists and was conducted by AAPi. The results also demonstrated that more than a third of psychologists cannot take on new

clients.

The average fee for seeing a psychologist in Australia has increased 'dramatically' according to responses in the survey, which is due to the cost of providing services.

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Consults under one hundred dollars has decreased by forty per cent.

Consults ranging from $201-225 has increased by almost sixty per cent.

"And the two-tier rebate, with clients of registered psychologists receiving $89, while clients of clinical psychologists getting a $130 rebate for exactly the same kind of service -

continues to hurt thousands of people needing mental health support," Ms Carrison said.

"The current Medicare rebate is woefully inadequate, leaving vulnerable clients simply unable to afford care. As the cost of living increases in general, the ability of clients to access

mental health care diminishes."

Ninety five per cent of psychologists who participated in the survey believe rather than reverting back to 10 Medicare sessions for patients in 2023, that Federal Government should retain

the additional 10 Medicare sessions offered during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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"Before Covid, Medicare only allowed up to 10 sessions a year to a psychologist - that was increased to 20 during the pandemic - however, we believe retaining up to 20 sessions is essential,

given the concerning level of mental health need across the country. 95% of psychologists believe it is important that clients can access up to 20 Medicare subsidised sessions." Ms Carrison

said.

"We implore the Federal Government to listen to what the community is crying out for - which is simply more equitable access to mental health professionals."

Ms Carrison said that the AAPi is concerned about the wellbeing of the psychologists and other mental healthcare professionals in Australia.

Thirty eight per cent of responding psychologists reported a worsening of their own mental health compared with last year.

"The demands on the mental health system and on those who provide the care continue to be overwhelming," she said

"The reality is we need significant reforms urgently and realistic investment into all mental health services to ensure our community stays well. An investment in mental health is an

investment into a healthy economy.

"As the cost of living increases in general, the ability of clients to access mental health care diminishes."

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