David Littleproud
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has praised a new telehealth initiative introduced on November 1 and available to all South Burnett residents.
The new service aims to encourage residents suffering psychological issues to seek treatment by eliminating a significant part of the travel time normally involved in obtaining professional help.
“I often hear travel times and the fear of others knowing you’re receiving help stop people from putting up their hand for assistance. so that’s why we’ve introduced this new service to improve mental health access,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Under the new Better Access program, up to seven of the 10 sessions currently available through Medicare mental health plans will be available via telehealth.
“One of the first four sessions will be face-to-face to help build a personal connection with the treating mental health professional, but after that you can receive support in the comfort of your own home.”
The Federal government will invest $9.1 million over four years in the program to improve mental health support in rural and remote communities.
Medicare psychological services via telehealth will be available for patients living in Modified Monash Model regions four to seven, which cover the entire South Burnett and most other parts of Maranoa.
