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Most
of us muddle along pretty well but diabetes can make us more susceptible
to depression and/or anxiety and then the conditions can exacerbate
each other creating a vicious cycle. Here is some information about the recent government policy that makes mental health care more affordable (well, there’s one less excuse to avoid seeking help!) and some links to more information. Medicare subsidies for psychology services The Australian Government has introduced some measures to make looking after your mental health more affordable.New Medicare mental health items and support services have now come into effect from 1st November 2006. The new MBS items for mental health will make Medicare rebates available for GPs as part of a GP Mental Health Care Plan and also provide rebates for psychological assessment and therapy services provided by clinical psychologists and other allied mental health professionals. How much help? How much money? If you qualify for the subsidised care, you will generally be able to access:
The cost to you and the rebate from Medicare will depend on the:
If the psychologist decides to bulk bill then you will not have to pay anything. However if the psychologist does not use the bulk billing method then you would pay the difference between what the psychologist charges you (which may be the schedule fee or a fee set by the psychologist) and the Medicare Rebate. This will vary and you must check this out with the psychologist before commencing your treatment. If you
think these Medicare changes might benefit you, have a chat to your
GP as he or she will need to do some paperwork to make you eligible
and also make the referral to a psychologist.
More general information For general information about mental health and counselling, some of the following websites may be useful: www.diabetescounselling.org.au This internet based service is funded by the Australian Government and is run by Helen Edwards, a social worker who is also a type 1 diabetic. Helen provides counselling over the net and by telephone and also organises appropriate referrals. www.beyondblue.org.au is the website of the national depression initiative. It has comprehensive lists of Doctors and Psychologists with experience in with expertise in the recognition and treatment of depression, anxiety and related substance-use disorders. It also has an interactive checklist to help you identify if you may be suffering a depressive illness and links to many other resources and information providers. www.moodygym.anu.edu.au is an Australian National University initiative that aims to help users overcome problem emotions and develop coping skills to protect their mental health. It has fun surveys and quizzes. www.reachout.com.au is an Australian run website aimed at helping young people improve and maintain their wellbeing and it has sections focusing on living with chronic illness. Published November 11, 2006
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Coping
with the demands of the big D can be mentally challenging especially
if you’re newly-diagnosed or start encountering complications
or if you find diabetes is one amongst a myriad of insurmountable challenges.
More
information about Medicare and Mental Health
