November 27, 2015
Gippsland’s Primary Health Network (PHN) will oversee major improvements to the way mental health care is delivered across the region, according to Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
The Federal Government has announced a new model of mental health care that will see a move away from the current “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Mr Chester said new integrated care packages would be commissioned by the Gippsland Primary Health Network, which would allow local services to be tailored to specific regional needs.
“The Federal Government recognises there are additional challenges for people living in rural and regional areas when it comes to accessing mental health psychological services,” Mr Chester said.
“Often, locals don’t have ready access to the help they need, or are forced to travel long distances to seek assistance.
“This new model will see people eligible to access a package of care, including care-coordinated support, psychological services, mental health nursing, drug and alcohol services, vocational assistance and peer support.”
Under the current system, a person with a mental illness on a GP mental health care plan can access 10 taxpayer-subsidised psychology sessions per year.
The new “stepped care model” is designed to be more flexible depending on the severity of the illness, and for people who are battling with more than one mental health related issue.
For example, a person who is experiencing panic attacks and can no longer leave the house for work, requires a different type of intervention than a person experiencing mild anxiety and has difficulty concentrating.
People will be able to move up and down the stepped care system as their condition improves or worsens.
The changes will start from the second half of 2016 with initial trial sites to be identified in the current financial 2015-16 year. Mental health is ranked as the third-largest chronic disease in Australia, behind only cancer and heart disease.