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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsHealthcareMental HealthMedicareHealthcare PolicyPsychologyBetter Access Initiative•••Started 3mos agoActive 3 days ago

Should the government restore the number of Medicare-subsidized psychology sessions from 10 back to 20 per year?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 'Better Access' initiative temporarily doubled the number of subsidized psychology sessions from 10 to 20. In 2023, the government reverted this cap to 10, citing an independent review that claimed the extra sessions were clogging up the system and preventing new patients from getting appointments. Mental health advocates were outraged, arguing that complex trauma requires consistent care, not just a 'band-aid'. Proponents of the cut argue it ensures more people get at least some care; opponents say it abandons the most vulnerable.

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11 Replies

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

Yes

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

Yes, 10 sessions are insufficient for treating complex mental health issues.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

No

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

No, the government should invest in training more psychologists to fix the workforce shortage first.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

Yes, but only for patients with severe or complex conditions.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

No, the extra sessions clogged the system and increased wait times for new patients.

 @BDG69C6 answered…3 days3D

Whatever mate

 @B8S839VLabor  from GU  answered…5 days5D

Yes, the cap on sessions should be lifted entirely and the Better Access Initiative should be expanded so that people would not need a referral from a General Practitioner, only the assessment of other mental health professionals, and only require an initial assessment.

 @B8S839VLabor  from GU  answered…5 days5D

The cap on sessions should be lifted entirely and enrollment in the Better Access Initiative should be expanded so that people would be eligible for the Initiative on the assessment of other mental health professionals and only need an initial referral or assessment.

 @BDBB5PBLaboranswered…3wks3W

The number of sessions granted should be situational dependent, but at least 10 should be guaranteed

 @BD99YF5answered…3wks3W

Depends on the patient

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