Out of the Wilderness – Australian Social Workers Embrace Their Campaigning Roots

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Notes

1. Better Access to Mental Health care is a universal program established in 2006 which enables those with mental health issues to access Medicare funded focussed psychological strategies. The target group is those with high prevalence mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and trauma disorders. It is an early intervention program through which (via referral from a GP) a member of the community can access subsidised brief private mental health care. Under the 2006 Act of Parliament, focussed psychological strategies could be delivered by social workers, occupational therapists and psychologists. General practitioners are required to write a care plan and the consumer can receive six (6) sessions with an accredited mental health social worker, an occupational therapist or a psychologist. With GP agreement, they can receive another six sessions and in exceptional circumstances a final six sessions. All of these sessions are eligible for a Medicare rebate meaning the consumer has to pay only the gap between the Medicare rebate and the amount charged by the provider. Clients of social workers are entitled to a Medicare rebate of $70.10 and 68% bulk bill some or all of their clients. Most only charge a small amount above the rebate, if any.