Medibank recently launched a Virtual Psychology Clinic which will be available to all customers, as part of its commitment to address mental health access and affordability.
With months-long psychologist waitlists and out-of-pocket costs for mental health support becoming unaffordable, Medibank aims to ensure its customers can access timely and affordable mental health support from registered psychologists.
A recent survey by the Australian Psychological Society found that more than 40 per cent of psychologists reported cost as the main barrier for patient access.
Medibank customers with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) will be able to see a psychologist with minimal wait time and no out-of-pocket costs for the first 50-minute appointment. Subsequent psychology sessions will be $60, which is cheaper than 90% of psychology claims that customers experience today.
Medibank Chief Medical Officer and practicing psychiatrist, Dr Andrew Wilson said the new services will make mental health support more accessible for Medibank customers.
“With 2 in 5 Australians experiencing a mental health condition in their lifetime, it’s important that health companies such as ours, do all we can to help people with their mental health,” said Dr Wilson.
It’s really concerning that mental health support is becoming less and less accessible, with long wait lists to see a psychologist and ballooning out-of-pocket costs preventing people from seeking help. As part of today’s announcement, we hope to make mental health support more accessible for our customers.
“Medibank customers across Australia will be able to talk to a registered psychologist through the Virtual Psychology Clinic typically within a week, and at much more affordable rates than the majority of claims that we are seeing at the moment, and in the comfort of their own home.
“The Virtual Psychology Clinic can be accessed anywhere around Australia, which is crucial for those living in rural and remote areas where health services are limited.”
Medibank customers can access the Virtual Psychology Clinic via the MyMedibank app and the Medibank website.
All psychologists are fully licensed and credentialed and can help to support a wide variety of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief and loss, stress and trauma.
