MEDIA RELEASE
13 May 2021
The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) congratulated the Federal Government on the significant increase of expenditure on mental health with a $2.3 billion boost for mental health and suicide prevention.
‘Mental health care has long needed this type of attention’ said Dr Di Stow, President of PACFA.’
In particular the investment into suicide prevention measures, including the creation of a National Suicide Prevention Office, are welcomed.
‘This multi-layered investment in preventative services will increase access for people badly in need of help.
‘We’re also pleased to see $74.1 million for alcohol and drug services and $54.2 million for early intervention and wellbeing for children and their parents. Access to these services are key concerns for counsellors and psychotherapists working with families across Australia.
‘PACFA has already been engaged in the development of the workforce credentialling for eating disorders, and we are looking forward to supporting the roll out to our membership. The announcement of funding for a National Eating Disorder Research Centre and this credentialling continues this important work.
‘Counsellors and psychotherapists remain disappointed that their clients are unable to access the Better Access rebate despite the intense demand for counselling support, and the growing capacity of our expert workforce.
‘At a time of peak demand for mental health support, the continued exclusion of counsellors and psychotherapists from Better Access funding raises questions’ said Dr Stow.
‘However we remain committed to working collaboratively with other mental health workforce organisations and all levels of government, to ensure Australians have the best possible access to support for their mental health concerns’.
ENQUIRIES:
For more information, or to speak to Dr Di Stow,
please contact Johanna de Wever on (0487) 698 218
or [email protected]