Programs

Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas

The Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas (MHSRRA) program provides rural and remote areas with more allied and nursing mental health services.

MHSRRA provides funding to non-government health organisations such as Medicare Locals, Aboriginal Medical Services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service to deliver mental health services by social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, mental health nurses, Aboriginal health workers and Aboriginal mental health workers.

MHSRRA funds the provision of mental health services in rural and remote communities that would otherwise have little or no access to mental health services, including in areas where access to Medicare-subsidised mental health services is low. As a consequence, it enables more people with diagnosable mild to moderate mental illness to access mental health services in rural and remote areas.

MHSRRA complements other programs such as the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative, the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program, the More Allied Health Services program, and the Rural Primary Health Services Program.

Page last reviewed: 23 April 2013