Better Access to Mental Health Services

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, said access to mental health services has improved according to a post-implementation review of a new initiative designed to improve access to psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners. The Better access to psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) program was introduced to improve support for patients with mental disorders. It covers 23 MBS items relating to mental health services provided by general practitioners, psychiatrists, clinical and general psychologists and appropriately trained social workers and occupational therapists. You can download the media release here.
The Department of Health and Aging gives an Overview of Medicare rebates available under the Better Access initiative as well as fact sheets on mental health skills training to download.