Lexi Webster
Australia has a mixed public-private healthcare system, with the public system including a government-run insurance scheme called Medicare, which aids mental health schemes. The country has a range of mental health services available, including emergency support, hospital care, and community services, which can be offered face-to-face, online, or by telephone. However, despite the existence of these services, Australia has been criticised for lacking an overarching mental health 'architecture', with no agreed-upon national design or structure to facilitate prevention or proper care for those with mental illness.
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What You'll Learn
Australia's mental health system
Public Mental Health Services
The public system includes a government-run insurance scheme called Medicare, which provides support for mental health issues. Medicare Mental Health Centres offer free and confidential mental health services, with no appointment or referral needed. The government also funds a range of mental health services through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The Better Access initiative, for example, provides Medicare rebates for mental health support for those with a mental health care plan. This initiative has been found to have positive outcomes for those who utilise it.
Private Mental Health Services
Private mental health services are funded by private health insurers and/or out-of-pocket payments. These services are provided by private psychiatric hospitals, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other allied health professionals. Non-government organisations, both not-for-profit and for-profit, also receive funding to provide support and assistance to people living with mental illness.
Community Support Services
In addition to government and private services, community support services like Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and Kids Helpline also play a crucial role in Australia's mental health system. These services offer crisis support and counselling to individuals in need.
Initiatives and Challenges
Australia has seen a significant shift in mental health awareness and treatment over the last few decades. The government has worked to develop mental health programs and services to address the needs of its citizens. However, critics have pointed out the need for increased funding, as the mental health budget is considered too small. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has also noted that while youth mental health care is relatively successful, adult mental health treatment is severely lacking a structural plan.
Accessing Mental Health Support
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Accessing mental health care
Australia has a complex mental health system, with services provided by both the government and the private sector. These services can be offered face-to-face, online, or by telephone. In the case of an emergency, anyone in Australia can call 000 or go to a hospital emergency department.
If you are in crisis and need support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Other helplines include Beyond Blue, which can be reached at 1300 224 636, and Kids Helpline.
If you are not in an emergency situation but feel you need help, it is recommended that you see your doctor. They will assess what help you need, which may include referring you to a psychiatrist or another eligible mental health professional, such as a clinical or registered psychologist, occupational therapist, or social worker. Your doctor can also prescribe medications to treat mental health issues, if required.
If you are unable to see a mental health professional in person, you may be able to do a video or telephone consultation, which may be covered by Medicare. You can search for mental health telehealth services using the "find a health service" tool on the healthdirect website. The healthdirect website also provides information on the different types of mental health professionals and how to find them.
The Australian government also funds a range of mental health-related services through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The Better Access initiative provides Medicare rebates for mental health support for Australians with mental health care plans.
In rural or remote areas of Australia, mental health services may be more limited. Community mental health services are not standardized across the country, and they generally involve different mental health professionals working together in teams. These teams may include peer workers—individuals who have experienced mental health problems and recovery.
Online mental health services have become an integral part of mental health support in Australia. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards to ensure that online services are accurate, safe, and of high quality.
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Mental health statistics
Mental illness is a prevalent issue in Australia, affecting many Australians directly or indirectly. One in five Australians experience mental illness each year, and almost half of all Australians will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lifetime. The most common types of mental illness in Australia include mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety, and drug use.
Mental health conditions and substance use disorders are a significant burden on the country, accounting for approximately 15% of the overall disease burden in Australia, second only to cancer. The impact of mental illness varies, with most cases being mild (7%) or moderate (9%), and an estimated 7% experiencing severe mental illness.
The mental health of young Australians is a particular area of concern, with a surge in need, workforce shortages, and the collapse of bulk-billing creating challenges for GPs and headspace centres. Early intervention for potentially disabling illnesses is crucial, and Australia has made strides with the implementation of headspace centres in over 150 communities. However, young people with severe and persistent illnesses often require a more specialized tier of care, which is currently only available in a limited number of regions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the mental health of Australians, with an increase in feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. The rising cost of living is another factor impacting the mental health of Australians, with one in five individuals facing barriers to accessing mental health support due to financial constraints. Despite these challenges, there has been a positive shift towards destigmatizing mental health issues, and an increase in Australians seeking professional mental health support, including through digital mental health services.
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Crisis and support services
Australia has a complex mental health system, with services provided by the government, community sector organisations, and private for-profit sector services. Crisis and support services are available for those experiencing a mental health crisis, which is when stress, emotions, or trauma may lead to harmful thoughts or actions. These services include 24/7 helplines, counselling, support groups, and suicide prevention services.
Government-funded services
The Australian Government funds a range of mental health services through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)/Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS), and Primary Health Networks. The Better Access initiative provides Medicare rebates for mental health support for Australians with mental health care plans. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Transition Support Project works with Primary Health Networks and community mental health providers to streamline their NDIS processes and support clients.
Community sector services
Community sector organisations provide crisis and support services such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and Kids Helpline. These organisations offer 24/7 helplines, counselling, support groups, and suicide prevention services. Online mental health services have become an integral part of mental health support, with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care developing the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards to ensure these services are accurate, safe, and of high quality.
Private sector services
Private for-profit sector services include admitted patient care in private psychiatric hospitals and private services provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, and other allied health professionals. Treatment costs in these settings are typically funded by private health insurance and/or out-of-pocket payments. Non-government organisations, both not-for-profit and for-profit, generally focus on providing well-being programs, support, and assistance to people living with mental illness rather than clinical services.
Crisis support
In an emergency, individuals can call triple zero (000) to reach emergency services. Crisis and support services are available through various organisations, including Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Suicide Call Back Service, and MensLine Australia. These services offer 24/7 helplines, counselling, support groups, and suicide prevention services. If an individual refuses help, their local Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) or Psychiatric Emergency Team (PET) can be contacted through the public hospital system.
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Mental health treatment plans
Australia has a complex mental health system in place, offering a variety of services for people with mental health concerns and their loved ones. These services include emergency support, hospital care, and community services, delivered face-to-face, online, or by telephone.
To access a mental health treatment plan, one must first be diagnosed with a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. This can take a few visits to a doctor or specialist, who will assess the patient's needs. The plan is part of the Better Access initiative, which provides Medicare rebates for mental health support for those with a clinically diagnosed mental health condition.
The Australian government funds a range of mental health-related services through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and Primary Health Networks. The MBS is a list of fees for health services set by the government for treatment as a private patient. Medicare may only cover some of the cost of sessions, as health professionals set their own fees. However, bulk-billing options are available, where patients do not have to pay anything out of pocket.
In addition to government-funded services, private for-profit sector services are also available, including admitted patient care in private psychiatric hospitals and private services provided by psychiatrists and psychologists. These services are funded by private health insurance and/or out-of-pocket payments. Non-government organisations also provide support, focusing on well-being programs for people living with mental illness.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian government recommends that the first point of contact should be a visit to a general practitioner (GP). The GP can then refer the patient to a psychiatrist or other eligible mental health professional such as a clinical or registered psychologist, occupational therapist or social worker.
There are many different types of mental health services available in Australia, including emergency support, hospital care, community services, crisis and support services, and online and hotline services. These services can be offered face-to-face, online or by telephone.
The Australian government funds a range of mental health-related services through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)/Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) and Primary Health Networks. The government also provides Medicare rebates to those with diagnosed mental illnesses to facilitate access to mental health services.
