Coronavirus: Where to get mental health support

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the government has announced a range of measures to support the mental health of Australians right across the country.

One of the most significant developments came on 30 March, when bulk-billing became available for online and over-the-phone appointments with eligible mental health services. Now, telehealth services are available to all Australians, allowing many to receive support and treatment from a mental health professional remotely. Private health insurance will also cover one-on-one psychology teleconsultations.

Further, on 15 May, the government announced an additional $48 million package for mental health. The funds will be channeled into real-time research, outreach to vulnerable communities, and national communication.

As well as this, there are a number of other ways that you can seek support during the coronavirus lockdown.

Telehealth: What services can you access and how?

Telehealth services or teleconsultations use audio or video services to discuss symptoms, advice and diagnoses so that you don't have to visit your GP or go to hospital. They're intended to help clinics and hospitals avoid being overwhelmed with patients who can be treated remotely and to help minimise the spread of coronavirus.

Both the government and private health funds have expanded telehealth coverage to include mental health services. You can get support from the following:

Medicare

The Australian government has announced that $669 million will be provided to help expand Medicare subsidies for telehealth services. This lets GPs and other health professionals consult with patients over the phone or via video calls rather than face-to-face.

Under the Better Access initiative, anyone with a mental health issue is covered for up to 10 sessions with a qualified psychiatrist, psychologist or other appropriately trained mental health professional. To be eligible, you need to consult with your GP and get a mental health treatment plan and referral. Like the sessions themselves, this will now be done over the phone or via telehealth. Remember that you'll still be covered for just 10 sessions.

Currently, counsellors are not part of the Medicare scheme. You can only obtain a Medicare rebate for services provided by psychologists, occupational therapists or social workers (with a GP referral).

Private health insurance

A number of health funds will cover Australians' access to teleconsultations for psychology services. You don't need to see a GP first or have a mental health treatment plan. You also won't be limited to 10 sessions, but your plan will have a set dollar limit, which you are allowed to claim throughout the year.

Mental health services are included with extras policies. With extras or packaged cover, your health fund can pay towards the cost of psychology, counselling and online CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) under its mental health category.

Mental Health hotlines

• Beyond blue: You can contact Beyond Blue's dedicated Coronavirus wellbeing helpline on 1300 22 4636 or explore their digital guides on looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.
• Lifeline: Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or or speak with them via their Crisis Support Chat service.
• Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 to access confidential phone counselling for children and young people from 5 to 25 years. The Kids Helpline website also contains resources for stress management during self-isolation.
• QLife: Anonymous peer support for the LGBTIQ+ community on 1800 184 427 or via their webchat.

How private health insurance is covering telehealth services

Many Private health funds have now expanded their mental health coverage to include telehealth consultations. There are a couple of caveats though. These include:

• The patient must be undergoing an existing course of treatment and must have seen the psychologist providing the telehealth consultation sometime over the past six months.
• For new patients, the telepsychology service must have been recommended by their GP.
• The service must be delivered before 30 September 2020.
• The service must be undertaken in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society guidelines.
• As always, you might have to serve a waiting period. Usually, this is around two months long.

Health funds offering telehealth for mental health services

The table below lists some of the private health insurance providers covering you for a number of telehealth mental health services. Speak directly to your health fund about telehealth services for more information.

Where else can I seek mental health support?

As most of us have had to dramatically alter the way we live, it's important that we know where we can seek mental health support. Here are some of the places that you can find help:

• Beyond Blue: Help for depression, anxiety and suicide.
• The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: This government website provides information on mental health services available throughout Australia.
• Black Dog Institute: Help for mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder.
• Gambling Helpline: If you're struggling with online gambling, there is support available.
• Mindframe-Media: Help and support for those suffering from suicidal emotions.
• SANE Australia: A national charity that helps people affected by mental illness lead a better life.
• PANDA - National Perinatal Depression Helpline: A helpline for parents struggling during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby.

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