AAPi Director Carly Dober, writing in an opinion piece published in the Canberra Times, asked why mental health care was being devalued by the Federal Government.
"We know the pandemic, and now the cost-of-living crisis has significantly impacted the mental health of many Australians, and those who were already doing it tough are not faring any better, including those living in the regions.
The cuts did not magically create more psychologists for people to be able to access. Psychologists in the regions who already had waitlists, still have waitlists. The decision to halve the number of subsidised sessions immediately reduced access and affordability to those who needed these services the most.
"The minister stated he did not believe the Better Access program was the right program to assess and treat those with complex mental health needs.
"Many clients of psychologists seek help for what appears on the surface to be something of lower need, however by taking their history, building a relationship and properly assessing their needs - we come to understand there are often deeper issues, like family violence, sexual assault, mood disorders or chronic stress, to name a few common presentations.
"It is these people who now have rationed services, and 19 months on from the federal government's Better Access review, no new supports have been created or announced."
Calling for a rebate of $150 for all psychology appointments, Carly said: "People in need are missing out on vital mental health care. We don't force people to ration the care they receive for their physical health. In 2024, why is there such a devaluing of people's mental health and wellbeing?
The piece was also published in The Bendigo Advertiser, Newcastle Herald and 12 other regional newspapers.
Read the full article here, or download as a PDF here.