BETTER ACCESS

Patients with mental health problems can be helped using a government funded programme called Better Access.  This is available to patients with a mental health condition.

Under the Better Access patients can receive 6 Medicare rebates for visits to allied health professionals once a mental health treatment plan has been developed and a Medicare item number claimed.

Please ask the mental health professional about fees and a Medicare rebate can be claimed after the visit. It varies depending on whom the patient sees.

After a review by the doctor another 4 visits may be made which are subsidised by Medicare.

 BETTER OUTCOMES

Another source of assistance is through Better Outcomes which is funded through Koombana Health Network. When funding is available and the patient has a health care card six fully funded visits can be accessed. A GP Mental Health Treatment plan needs to be developed.

HEADSPACE

If you are aged 12 to 25 and are going through a tough time, they are there to help. Headspace Bunbury have a variety of FREE services that are all available at their friendly centre and are easily accessible for young people in that age group. No referral is required.  Click here for further information.

If you suffer with a mental illness ask your GP at your next visit about the suitability of a Mental Health Treatment plan for yourself.