St Vincent’s is partnering with the federal government to help Australians access fast, free digital mental health support through the new Medicare Mental Health Check In service, launching on January 1.
After a competitive tendering process, St Vincent’s was selected to design and deliver this Australian-first service, which will improve access for any Australian seeking mental health support, regardless of where they live.
Medicare Mental Health Check In will target Australians experiencing stress, distress, or anxiety and provide fast access to programs and qualified mental health practitioners.
The service will empower people seeking support to improve their own mental wellbeing as soon as they experience symptoms. It will help people get well more quickly and reduce the risk of longer-term care being required.
For more than two decades, St Vincent’s has been running its own highly-regarded and clinically-proven digital mental health service, THIS WAY UP.
THIS WAY UP is Australia’s most popular digital mental health treatment service with more than 37,000 registered clinicians (including one-third of all GPs and psychologists in Australia), and 300,000 help seekers.
Medicare Mental Health Check In will offer free digital mental health care – including self-guided, proven digital tools to improve mental wellbeing – and fast access to mental health practitioners via telehealth, SMS, and chat.
The service will be rolled out progressively, with a variety of digital resources available from January 1, followed by access to telehealth and online therapy delivered by trained practitioners beginning from March.
St Vincent’s chief executive Chris Blake said Medicare Mental Health Check In would become a key platform in Australia’s mental health system, helping tens of thousands of people a year access the quality support and care they needed.
“Medicare Mental Health Check In has the potential to be a gamechanger for mental health care in Australia, and St Vincent’s is proud to partner with the Australian Government to make it happen,” Mr Blake said.
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St Vincent’s to deliver Australia’s new free digital mental health service (St Vincent’s)
