Psychologists fear Medicare therapy cuts

[Divine Moments]

I know this isn't 'drug discussion' per se, but it may be relevant to a number of people who read this forum:

Psychologists fear Medicare therapy cuts

A group representing psychologists is predicting a major fallout from cuts to government-funded therapy sessions.

The Federal Government is reducing the number of psychology sessions patients can claim on Medicare from 12 to six per year.

But the Association of Counselling and Psychology says six hours is not enough time for a psychologist to adequately treat someone suffering from mental illness.

Spokesman and Perth-based practitioner Ben Munnings says many patients who cannot afford to pay the full price for treatment will not bother seeking help if they know they will have to discontinue treatment after six sessions.

"What we're really concerned about is that clients are going to get lost in that process, and we don't want to see consumers who are reaching out for help, really falling through these little bureaucratic gaps in the system," he said.

Definitely a move in the wrong direction in my books

 

[88brenno]

What the fuck is wrong with the GAYvernment.

I called the psychiatrist my GP reffered me to, and asked them how much it would cost and she said $750 with a 6 month waiting period.

Nice way to reach out.....JESUS i fear what my future holds seriously.

How about you stop spending so much money on these ILLEGAL immigrants and spend it on your own citizens for fucks sake...

 

[ziggaz]

That's bullshit, i need my 12 free sessions a year :/

 

[opi8]

I think mental health needs to be much higher on the governments agenda. It's been basically ignored for far too long, and they want to cut costs to an already underfunded area that is so important to the well being of an enormous group of people.

Why does living in a "democracy" feel like you have no options or choice on any matters at all? Tthere isn't even a better of two evils, both parties are completely shit, taking our country in the wrong direction every single term, and there's seemingly nothing that can be done about it. Fuck I hate politics.

 

[psytaco]

I think mental health needs to be much higher on the governments agenda. It's been basically ignored for far too long, and they want to cut costs to an already underfunded area that is so important to the well being of an enormous group of people.

Why does living in a "democracy" feel like you have no options or choice on any matters at all? Tthere isn't even a better of two evils, both parties are completely shit, taking our country in the wrong direction every single term, and there's seemingly nothing that can be done about it. Fuck I hate politics.

Agree with you whole heartedly. Sessions with psychologists are well beyond the means of many people. A 45 minute session with psychologist I used to see would of been $190 full price. For alot of people that is half their wage.

Mental illness is a huge issue in society and effects a significant portion of the population. For alot of people (I would go so far to say most), 6 sessions is not enough to lead to things like CBT to be adequately implemented. particularly considering the first session is often just get the patients history and finding out about the problem, the real work comes in the subsequent sessions.

Governments fail to see the impact mental illness can have on soceity in terms of loss of productivity (missed days of work), distress, not to mention death (suicide).

I too am fucking sick of both parties. I have never voted Liberal, and never will. I used to vote for Labour. but to me they are now almost indistinguisable. both pander to the conserative and often bigoted side of Australia (just look at the current issue with asylum seekers). This has only furthered my resolve to continue to voting for the greens.

 

[yagecero]

This is truly disgusting - but it's also strange being that they want more people to work in mental health. There has been a general pay rise for those working in Social Work, and a push similar, but not to as large an extent, to the national drive for more teachers.

A bit contradictory isn't it?

I too am fucking sick of both parties. I have never voted Liberal, and never will. I used to vote for Labour. but to me they are now almost indistinguisable. both pander to the conserative and often bigoted side of Australia (just look at the current issue with asylum seekers). This has only furthered my resolve to continue to voting for the greens.

There is no choice in Australia - labour and liberal are exactly the same - right wing conservatives - that is the illusion of Australian politics. Democracy my arse!

 

[Mr Blonde]

This is terrible news. As someone who improved a lot with the help that these sessions provided, I know that these cuts are going to leave a lot of disadvantaged people out in the cold when it comes to improving their mental health and functioning.

What the fuck is wrong with the GAYvernment.

What is wrong with gay people?

 

[88brenno]

dont get me started

 

[Jabberwocky]

don't even think about starting with the homophobic remarks, they won't be tolerated here.

 

[88brenno]

That is why I was suggesting mr blonde to not question my opinion in this thread which does sound a little OT. I would like to disscuss it with him in a PM however.