Mental health and wellbeing support during COVID-19

The outbreak of coronavirus has impacted people in varying ways. It is understandable that during times like this, people may be feeling afraid, worried, anxious and overwhelmed by the constantly changing alerts and media coverage regarding the spread of the virus. Many people are now facing financial hardship and struggling with loneliness and isolation.

It is important to seek out professional help if you are finding it difficult to cope at this time. Please book in with your GP as you may be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan. Once you have a Mental Health Care Plan you can be referred by your doctor to a mental health professional.

For further support and coping strategies please click on the button below to have a look at some resources.

UPDATED ADDITIONAL SESSIONS

From 9 October 2020 until 30 June 2022, 10 additional individual psychological therapy sessions are now available each calendar year to all eligible patients under the existing Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) initiative.

To be eligible, a patient must have:

• an approved treatment plan (either a Mental Health Treatment Plan, shared care plan, psychiatrist assessment and management plan or approved written record) developed by their medical practitioner (GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician);

• used their initial 10 individual Better Access sessions before they seek a referral for additional sessions; and

• a referral from their reviewing practitioner (a referral is not required when the GP developing a Mental Health Treatment Plan also delivers the psychological therapy sessions).