The APS has continued to vigorously campaign against the reduction in the number of allowable sessions of psychological treatment under the Better Access initiative, which was announced in the 2011 Federal Budget in May. The maximum number of sessions of psychological treatment a client can receive in a calendar year will be cut from 18 to 10 sessions. The APS campaign will continue, but members need to be aware that these changes are due to be implemented from 1 November this year and will affect existing clients. Members should therefore plan for these changes and ensure their clients are informed.
What the changes entail
The Department of Health and Ageing has provided the following details on the reduction in the number of allowable sessions of psychological treatment under Better Access.
The cap of 10 allowable sessions (6 + 4) per calendar year is applicable from 1 November this year. Following the first six sessions, the additional four sessions can be accessed after review by the referring medical practitioner, as per existing arrangements. There are no ‘exceptional circumstances’ that allow additional sessions on top of the 10 allowable sessions per calendar year.
The cap of 10 allowable sessions also applies to group sessions delivered under the Better Access initiative. From 1 November 2011, clients are eligible for a total of 10 group sessions per calendar year in addition to their 10 individual sessions.
Impact on existing clients
Clients who are currently receiving psychological services under Better Access will be able to access their annual allowance of up to 12 individual sessions and/or up to 12 group sessions, plus six additional individual services under exceptional circumstances, if services are provided before 1 November 2011.
From 1 November 2011, a client who has already accessed 10 or more individual sessions and/or 10 or more group sessions in this calendar year will not be eligible for any further psychological services under Better Access until 1 January 2012. As per existing arrangements, a new referral would be required for the client to access psychological services in the new calendar year. The client would be eligible for a maximum of 10 individual sessions and/or 10 group sessions in the 2012 calendar year.
Members will be informed of any developments or changes to these arrangements through APS Matters.
Disclaimer: Published in InPsych on October 2011. The APS aims to ensure that information published in InPsych is current and accurate at the time of publication. Changes after publication may affect the accuracy of this information. Readers are responsible for ascertaining the currency and completeness of information they rely on, which is particularly important for government initiatives, legislation or best-practice principles which are open to amendment. The information provided in InPsych does not replace obtaining appropriate professional and/or legal advice.