Psychological Support for Rural and Remote Residents
Are you living in a Rural and Remote Community and need to access psychological support? Did you know that you can access Medicare-funded psychological support via Telehealth? Psychological support is now available and more accessible and affordable than you may realise.
Access to evidence-based psychological support is very limited for people living in rural communities. Unfortunately, logistical and financial barriers prevent many people from accessing much-needed support.
Medicare is now funding psychological services via Telehealth making access to professional support easier and more convenient. Telehealth is as simple as using Skype or Facetime to connect with family and friends, instead you connect via your internet connection with your psychologist, either from home or a location that has supported internet access.
Are you Eligible for Medicare Funding?
To be eligible to receive these services under Medicare, you must:
- have an eligible mental health condition and a referral from a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician. Make an appointment with your GP and discuss with them your mental health concerns.
- be located at least 15 kilometres by road from a mental health professional
- not be a patient of an emergency department or admitted to hospital at the time of the service.
- If you are eligible for a Medicare rebate you would need to see your GP first so they could complete a Mental Health Care Plan.
- Ask your GP to refer you to a Psychologist of your choice.
What if I’m not eligible for a Medicare Rebate?
If you are not eligible but would like to access psychological support, you can still access our services via telehealth. As you would not be able to access a Medicare rebate, you would be required to pay the full fee. However, if you have a private health fund please contact them to find if you would be eligible for a rebate.
In this case you may self-refer.