Funding needs for mental health

Before each federal Budget, the government takes submissions on what it should fund. In April 2024 we made one about three gaps in mental health care: Medicare funding for psychology sessions, university training places for psychologists, and the pathway to becoming a psychiatrist.

• More Medicare sessions. Ten sessions a year is not enough for chronic or severe conditions. We asked for at least 20, with a rebate closer to the real cost of care.
• More training places. There aren’t enough university training places for psychologists, which is felt most in rural and underserved areas. We asked for more federal funding to expand them.
• An easier path into psychiatry. Training is long and costly, which shuts out people without the means to support themselves while they qualify. We suggested more training positions and funded scholarships or loan forgiveness, without lowering the standard.
• Track the results. We asked for clear targets, such as shorter waits for mental health services and more psychologists and psychiatrists entering the workforce, with progress reported publicly.