Push for Medicare telehealth extension for mental health support

Psychiatrist and former Australian of the Year Patrick McGorry has backed calls for the federal government to extend access to Medicare rebates for telehealth support for mental health.

Professor Patrick McGorry said telehealth for psychology and psychiatry was a good option for people unable to travel to appointments and"it would be terrible to take it away".Greg Hunt has signalled a desire for telehealth to remain a feature of the nation's post-pandemic healthcare system Professor McGorry said telehealth for psychology and psychiatry was a good option for people unable to travel to appointments and "it would be terrible to take it away"."It doesn't replace face-to-face but it's been great to have it as a safety net so you can keep people engaged, keep seeing people," he said. "And it does actually suit some people better [such as those in] rural and regional [areas] or people who can't get in to appointments.

Official data released by the federal Health Department shows 1.3 million, or 44 per cent, of the 3 million mental health consultations funded through Medicare in April, May and June were delivered through telehealth.

Dana_Adele All mental health issues are related to unexpressed anger, repressed grief; and internalised guilt. We need to learn how to be comfortable with being depressed and experiencing sadness. We need to teach people how to talk to people grieving the loss of a loved one.

LindaDHoward Dana_Adele That would make mental health services too accessible which is how they prefer it.

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