The Better Access Scheme also known as the "Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners initiative" is a program of the Australian Government that provides subsidised mental health care to Australian residents. Under the scheme, General Practitioners (GPs), Paediatricians and Psychiatrists with a Medicare provider number are able to refer patients to eligible allied health practitioners for treatment of mental health conditions under Medicare. The scheme is a key component of health care in Australia and aims to improve the treatment and management of mental illness within the Australian community. The introduction of the Better Access scheme has provided over 30 million individual treatment services for Australians with mental health disorders since its inception.
History
There were a number of events that raised the profile of mental health in Australia and culminated with the introduction of the Better Access initiative. Public interest in mental health was heightened in late 2005 by the publicity surrounding the inquiry into the wrongful detention of psychiatric patient Cornelia Rau as an illegal immigrant, and the release of the Mental Health Council of Australia's 'Not for Service' report.
A 2006 Senate inquiry into Australia's mental health system called for sweeping changes to mental health services. The Productivity Commission's report on Australia's health workforce was also released in January 2006 and identified a number of systemic problems relating to community access to mental health services as part of a National Action Plan for Mental Health. The commission's report recommended reforms in mental health service delivery and an extension of Medicare rebates to allied health professionals. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) raised the issue of mental health as an issue of national significance in February 2006, resulting in the Australian Government announcing a $1.9 billion increase in funding for mental health services. As part of these COAG mental health reforms, the government announced the Better Access initiative for people with mental health disorders to access services from eligible allied health professionals.
The scheme built on some of the strengths of an earlier program, Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care, that was established in 2001. This program allowed GPs to claim for using psychological services after completing training in psychoeducation, interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavior therapy.
Better Access was launched in November 2006 by then Minister for Health and Ageing Tony Abbott after extensive consultation with the Australian Psychological Society and other mental health groups. The scheme initially provided 12 sessions per calendar year, delivered in two sets of 6 sessions, with 18 sessions available in exceptional circumstances. Additionally the scheme allowed for 12 group treatment sessions per calendar year for those in a group with 6 to 10 patients. However this was subsequently reduced to 10 individual and 10 group treatment sessions per calendar year in November 2011. The reduction in the number of sessions available under the scheme was strongly opposed by psychologists and community members.
Telehealth services
In November 2017, the Australian Government announced $9.1 million in funding to improve access to mental health treatment services for people in regional, rural and remote areas. Eligible patients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan or valid referral from a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist are able to claim rebates for psychological treatment via video consultations through the Better Access initiative. Telehealth services can be delivered by psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers.
Eating disorders
In December 2018, the Australian government announced expanded mental health treatment for patients with eating disorders. People with eligible eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia will have access to a comprehensive plan through Medicare, including up to 40 subsidised psychological services and 20 dietetic services in a 12 month period. The Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that $110 million in funding would be rolled out over four years as part of the Medicare package.