By Australian Psychological Society
In Australia, there are millions of people living with mental health issues who need more care and cannot improve with the current 10 Medicare-rebated session limit. It's time for the government to act.
The APS has joined psychology and consumer agencies across the country to call for the government to increase the 10-session limit and improve access to psychological services.
In collaboration with Lived Experience Australia, the Australian Clinical Psychology Association, Institute for Clinical Psychologists, Association of Counselling Psychologists, the Heads of Departments and Schools of Psychology Association and other national organisations, we have signed a petition calling for an immediate increase on the limit of Medicare-rebated psychology sessions.
An overdue change
Cost remains the number one barrier faced by Australians accessing psychological services. Financial pressures and slow progress in mental health system reform means that an increasing number of Australians cannot afford psychological care.
People with complex mental health conditions and people who have survived trauma are among those most likely to need than 10 sessions to improve – and yet most people cannot afford to continue care as a full fee-paying patient.
Each year, thousands of people reach breaking point in the second half of the year as their 10 Medicare-rebated sessions are used. Young people in particular are falling through the cracks of our mental health system and need support, now.
The APS has consistently advocated for reinstating 20 sessions for people who are at risk or experiencing complex mental health issues since Medicare-rebated psychology sessions were cut from 20 to 10 by the Federal Government in 2022.
We are proud to be a leader in the sector and will continue to advocate for a nationally consistent and equitable mental health system that promotes access and affordability for all Australians.
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