Medibank first major health insurer to fund innovative psychotherapy program
Medibank today launched an initiative to fund an innovative psychotherapy program as part of its commitment to improve mental health outcomes and access in Australia.
The initiative aims to make it easier for eligible Medibank customers to access world-leading psychotherapy treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Previously flagged in March as part of Medibank’s $50 million mental health commitment, the psychotherapy program is now live and available to be accessed by eligible customers.
The initial site that eligible customers will be able to access the treatment is at the Perth Clinic with Emyria’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Empax Centre, conducting the treatment. Medibank is working with a number of other providers in the eastern states so the treatment can become more widely available for eligible Medibank customers.
Medibank will also be supporting the Australian National University and leading psychotherapy researcher Professor Paul Fitzgerald to conduct research which will examine the clinical impacts of the psychotherapy program on individuals, as well as the broader health economic impacts on the health system.
Medibank Group Chief Medical Officer and practicing psychiatrist Dr Andrew Wilson said Medibank is leading the way by funding this new treatment and is committed to supporting improved access to innovative models of mental health care.
“We are committed to helping our customers with their mental health and making treatment more accessible and affordable. Poor mental health now ranks as one of the largest contributors to ill-health and loss of productivity worldwide,” said Dr Wilson.
“This specialised treatment is costly and would be financially out-of-reach for most people, so we are improving access by funding this innovative model of mental health care.
“We are also committed to support research in this field so that lessons and outcomes can be shared with the wider health community.”
Australian National University Head of the School of Medicine Professor Paul Fitzgerald said: “We are extremely happy to be supported by Medibank to undertake this important research. It is critical that we develop and provide new therapies, however we should also very carefully study the clinical application to make sure it is effective, safe and works well outside of clinical trials.”
Emyria Chairman Greg Hutchinson said that Medibank’s commitment to funding new mental health initiatives, including innovative psychotherapy programs, underscores the huge need for funding in this previously under-represented area of healthcare.
“Whilst we’ve seen great advances in many areas of medicine over the past 20 years, mental health incidence and prevalence have increased to unacceptable levels. It’s clear that mental health requires not just more resources, but a multi-faceted, multi-stakeholder and more innovative approach.”
“We commend Medibank for their leadership in funding new mental health initiatives, support that will expand access to promising therapies for more Australians suffering with complex and persistent mental health challenges”.
The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020–2022, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, estimated that 1 in 11 Australians have experienced PTSD in their lifetime. The rate was higher among women (14%) than men (8%).
