The differences between Medicare’s Better Access initiative and PHN-commissioned mental health services are explained on this page to assist primary health professionals in referring patients for mental health treatment and supports.
Primary mental healthcare explained
Primary mental healthcare involves assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health problems or concerns
This is usually the first level of mental healthcare a person receives. It can be provided in the home, or in community-based settings such as:
- General practices
- Mental health professional practices
- Community health centres
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services
Primary mental healthcare is not provided in hospitals. This type of care is known as tertiary care and is usually for people with acute mental health problems.
The two main subsidised referral options for primary mental health treatment
Better Access and PHN-commissioned mental health services are the two main referral options available to people to access subsidised primary mental health services
Both referral options require the general practitioner (GP) to develop a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). A MHTP involves a GP conducting an assessment, a plan for treatment and a referral. A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a living document and may be reviewed (MHTP-Review) by a GP every three months.
Visit Healthdirect to find out more about MHTPs
Better Access/PHN comparison table
| Better Access initiative | PHN-commissioned mental health services | |
|---|---|---|
| Patient eligibility | People with a diagnosed mental disorder. This includes many conditions, such as depression and anxiety. | Individuals who experience barriers to accessing the Better Access initiative, such as cost and geography. |
| Treatment course | 10 individual and 10 groups sessions each calendar year. | Varies depending on the program. Flexibility for additional sessions available. |
| Costs | A gap payment may be charged | Free |
| Eligible clinicians |
|
Clinicians are registered with their relevant professional body |
| Mental Health Treatment plan needed? | YES | YES |
Better Access Initiative
The Better Access initiative provides Medicare rebates to help people with a MHTP to access mental health support from eligible mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists and eligible social workers and occupational therapists.
Session allocation: 10 individual and 10 groups sessions each calendar year.
Fee: A gap payment may be charged, speak to your mental health professional.
Find out more about the Better Access initiative on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Better Access initiative
PHN-commissioned services
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has tasked Primary Health Networks (PHNs) with implementing primary mental healthcare reform activities. This involves identifying gaps in primary mental healthcare at a local level, co-designing services with the input of people with lived experience, and funding, monitoring and evaluating these services.
South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) funds a number of free mental health programs targeted at individuals who experience barriers to accessing the Better Access initiative (explained above) – with the aim of ensuring individuals are linked with a service which best meets their needs.
Download document listing SWSPHN commissioned mental health services by care need
Like the Better Access Initiative, mental health supports are available from eligible mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists and eligible social workers and occupational therapists, in addition to other mental health professionals such as mental health nurses and peer workers, through these programs.
SWSPHN-commissioned mental health services