Expansion of Better Access mental health support for COVID-19
Eligible patients can now access 10 additional Medicare-subsidised psychological therapy sessions in areas impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This follows AMA advocacy to address the rise in suicide and self-harm since COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns.
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The Government announced that new MBS items will be available under the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS initiative (Better Access) from 7 August 2020 until 31 March 2021.
The additional 10 sessions will be available to:
- patients in areas with public health orders in place that restrict movement within the state or territory at any time from 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021 (e.g. lockdown or stay at home orders); and
- patients that are required to isolate or quarantine under public health orders.
To access these sessions, patients will be required to:
- have a Mental Health Treatment Plan;
- have used all of their 10 sessions in the calendar year; and
- undertake a review with their GP after their 10th session.
An information factsheet and FAQs are available from the Department of Health here.
An MBS factsheet is available on MBS Online here.