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.

See also our letter on proposed changes to Better Access, our submission to the Senate inquiry into ADHD services and our submission on redesigning psychology training.

• 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.

The 2024–25 Budget, handed down on 14 May 2024, provided $888.1 million over eight years to respond to the Better Access evaluation. That included a free national digital mental health service that doesn’t need a referral, and more free community mental health services through Head to Health.

• Medicare sessions. The Budget didn’t increase the number of rebated sessions. In August 2024 the Government said it did not support reinstating the extra 10 sessions for people with more complex needs.
• Psychology workforce. The Budget included $7.1 million for workforce measures, including exploring a new psychology assistant role.