Shelving of 35 Victorian mental health hubs another blow to community wellbeing

7 May 2024 

Peak body for all psychologists, the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi), says the Victorian Government's shelving of the 35 planned walk-in mental health clinics is another blow to community wellbeing in an ongoing mental health crisis. 

AAPi Executive Director Tegan Carrison said the fact that the additional workforce of 2,500 could not be found to support the services was entirely predictable and was further justification for bringing in paid placements for psychology students and the return of the 4 + 2 university pathway. 

"The Victorian Government saw these clinics as a solution for improved access but the reality is that until the Medicare rebate is lifted to $150 per session, access to adequate mental healthcare will still be impossible. The immediate solution is to appropriately fund Medicare and provide additional funding incentives to the target areas.

“AAPi provided a 6-point roadmap for Governments in our pivotal Under Pressure: Australia’s Mental Health Emergency report. Until these recommendations are implemented programs such as the “Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals” are doomed to fail. 

“We urge the Victorian and Federal Government to listen to those on the front line of the mental health crisis and take immediate action.”

ENDS

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