Mental Health Financial Assistance! Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, yet it remains a challenge for many Australians. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, a significant portion of the population, approximately 44%, has experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives. The most common mental illnesses in Australia include Anxiety Disorders, Affective Disorders like Depression, and substance use disorders. However, it’s important to note that mental health issues can impact not only our emotional and physical well-being but also our financial stability. In this blog, we will explore various avenues for obtaining financial assistance for mental health treatment in Australia, helping individuals and their loved ones access the support they need.

The True Cost of Mental Illness and Why Mental Health Financial Assistance is important

Mental illness can manifest in various ways, and it doesn’t always need to be completely debilitating to become a problem. When mental health issues start affecting an individual’s ability to function and cause recurring stress, it’s crucial to seek help. Poor mental health can have a significant impact on individuals emotionally, physically, and financially.

According to BeyondBlue, poor mental health costs the Australian economy between $12.2 to $22.5 billion annually, according to the Australian Government Productivity Commission. Additionally, research has shown that investing in mental health has a positive return on investment, ranging from an average of $2.30 upwards for each dollar invested.

Mental Health Financial Assistance

Accessing mental health treatment, even for those with private health insurance, can result in high out-of-pocket expenses. Fortunately, several avenues offer financial assistance for therapy:

Government Assistance for Mental Health

Australia provides government benefit options for individuals in need of mental health services, typically with eligibility requirements related to income. Some of the available services include:

• A Better Life (ABLe): ABLe supports people with mental illness, including drug and alcohol use disorders and/or gambling disorders. It aims to help individuals overcome social isolation and connect with their community.
• Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS): FMHSS provides early intervention support to children and young people up to age 18 who are showing early signs of, or are at risk of developing, mental illness.
• Individual Placement and Support Program and the Digital Work and Study Service: These programs help people with mental health challenges achieve their work or study goals.

Charities Offering Mental Health Resources

In addition to government aid, several charities in Australia offer free or cost-effective assistance to individuals in need of mental health care:

• Beyond Blue: Beyond Blue works to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression, and suicide in Australia by providing information and support online and through dedicated programs.
• Butterfly Foundation: The Butterfly Foundation is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues.
• Mental Health Legal Centre: This organization offers a free and confidential legal service to anyone who has experienced mental illness in Victoria where their legal problem relates to their mental illness.
• SANE Australia: With almost thirty years of experience, SANE Australia aims to improve mental health services for people affected by mental illness.
• The Man Cave: This charity focuses on creating long-term sustainable behaviour change in young men and their communities.
• Backtrack Youthworks: BackTrack helps young people aged 12 to 19 who are experiencing challenges to get back on track in the New England region and beyond.

Online Fundraising and Mental Health Financial Assistance

Raising funds for mental health treatment can be achieved through online platforms like Oktion. Starting a fundraiser is simple and allows individuals to access financial assistance without the need for applications, eligibility requirements, or long waiting periods. Sharing fundraising efforts on social media can increase donations and reach more potential donors.

Sliding-Scale Therapists and Mental Health Financial Assistance

Private mental health care can be expensive, but many counsellors offer mental health financial assistance through a sliding scale-based payment system. The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia reports that fees for counselling and psychotherapy can vary, with some counsellors willing to negotiate lower fees based on individual and financial circumstances.

University Mental Health Services

Many universities in Australia offer low-cost mental health services to students. These services aim to support students dealing with stress and mental health challenges during their academic journey.

Mental Health Financial Assistance: Online Therapy

Numerous online platforms offer low-cost programs and helplines for individuals struggling with mental health issues. These platforms connect individuals with qualified therapists and counsellors, providing convenient and affordable access to mental health support:

• Better Help: This platform matches individuals to qualified therapists based on location, preferences, and therapist availability.
• Breathe Counselling: Breathe Counselling offers online therapy through Microsoft’s Teams platform.

Conclusion

Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, and financial constraints should never hinder access to the necessary treatment and support. In Australia, there are various avenues to obtain financial assistance for mental health treatment, ranging from government programs and charities to online fundraising and sliding-scale therapists or using an online platform like Oktion for creating an event . It’s essential for individuals and their loved ones to be aware of these resources and seek help when needed, as a healthy mind is crucial for leading a fulfilling life.