What do patients, healthcare providers and experts think of the Government’s decision to cut subsidised therapy sessions?

This week, the Federal Government announced it would return to subsidising 10 psychological therapy sessions next year instead of 20.

The Government claimed the mental health system was “failing” and that the extra sessions were “aggravating” wait times and not targeting those in greatest need.

TDA sought a range of perspectives on this announcement, including from patients, psychologists, and health policy experts.

First, background

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The Government has subsidised therapy sessions under a program called ‘Better Access’ since 2006. The subsidy is provided through Medicare and providers can charge a fee on top of the subsidy amount (a ‘gap fee’).

During COVID, the Coalition Government increased the number of subsidised sessions a year from 10 to 20. The Federal Government has now announced it will return to 10 subsidised sessions.

Here’s what TDA heard from patients, psychologists, and health policy experts.