Programs

Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas program

The Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas program provides allied and nursing mental health services, including those provided by social workers, psychologists, mental health nurses, occupational therapists, Aboriginal health workers, and Aboriginal mental health workers in rural and remote communities throughout Australia.

The program is part of the Commonwealth component of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) national action plan on mental health 2006-2011. It complements the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the (MBS Better Access) program by increasing access to mental health services in rural and remote areas where access to services subsidised by Medicare is low. The program builds on the Access to Allied Psychological Services component of the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care program and the More Allied Health Services program.

The program consists of two stages. Under stage one (implemented in June 2007), funding has been provided for identified geographical areas-of-need through 15 selected non-government organisations that have capacity to deliver mental health services. Non-government organisations include divisions of general practice, Aboriginal medical services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Stage two builds on stage one and will increase mental health services in rural and remote areas of high need. Stage two was implemented in June 2008, with funding provided to 24 organisations in 25 rural and remote areas.

Page last reviewed: 18 October 2010