WIMMERA people could have access up to 10 Medicare-funded sessions with a psychologist without a mental health diagnosis.
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The Medicare Benefits Schedule Review's mental health reference group has recommended funding for people who are at risk of a mental health concern, in order for people to access rebates for psychological therapy services.
Currently, patients need a mental health plan from a general practitioner that identifies a mental health concern such as anxiety or depression. The plan is issued after the patient completes a questionnaire.
Horsham's Lister House Clinic nurse manager Amanda Wilson said the proposed changes could help destigmatize mental health concerns for patients who accessed a mental health plan.
She said a formal diagnosis could deter people from seeking assistance because they did not want a "label" attached to their name.
"I would think the change would destigmatize the process, because there is no formal diagnosis," she said. "I do not think people need to be labelled, because they might be worried about job prospects or long-term repercussion."
Mrs Wilson said there was already a "big uptake" of patients who requested mental health plans. However, she expected more people would seek assistance if the process to see a specialist changed.
"Early intervention is always better - be it a health or mental health concern," she said. "We are getting better at recognising mental health as a body system function that needs to be dealt with like any other function."
The WestVic Primary Health Network administers access to Psychological Therapy Services in the Grampians region on behalf of the federal government.
The network said up to 50 per cent of referred clients did not keep counselling appointments due to long wait times - currently between eight and 10 weeks - or lack of understanding regarding mental health-related counselling. It said poor attendance was also a consequence of general practitioners not accessing more basic options for mental health concerns and a tendency to refer patients because they received payment.
Grampians Community Health chief executive Greg Little welcomed the proposal but said it was important to have services in the region.
"We would ideally like to see that all people get the appropriate treatment they need at the time they need it –and in their local community," he said.
"This is only part of what is required to support mental health in our community, and Grampians Community Health will continue advocating for increased funding and services for our region.”
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