COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in March 2020, on the 5th May 2023 WHO declared that it is no longer a global emergency. During this time many people started seeking counselling for the first time, returned to counselling or increased the frequency of their appointments for counselling.
The Australian Government introduced new COVID-19 Medicare Telehealth items in 2021 and 2022. This allowed your Psychologist to conduct sessions via telephone or video-call, rather than in person. Many GP's also used Telehealth to complete the GP Mental Health Care Plans. An additional ten sessions were also given during these years. The Australian Government has unfortunately not extended the provision for an additional 10 Medicare sessions in 2023 or 2024. Therefore, a total of only ten sessions can be accessed each calendar year under the Medicare/Mental Health Plan/Better Health Access scheme. Your existing plans are still valid for 12 months from date of issue.
The Medicare limit of ten session per calendar year now applies.
Please call or email us if you want to arrange a face to face, phone or video-call consultation. Please also let us know if you are currently suffering from financial hardship.
RESOURCES
Accessing Telehealth Psychological services.
Tips for Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety.
Use of Alcohol and other drugs.
Helping explain COVID-19 to Children.
Supporting Children with Autism during COVID-19
Further information can also be found by visiting the Department of Health's website.
The National Coronavirus Health Information Line can be reached by calling 1800 020 080.