With that in mind, there are a number of initiatives that have been introduced by the government to assist people’s mental health. 

I have provided some information about the Bushfire Recovery Access Program below as well as links to helpful factsheets.

Bushfire Recovery Access Program

(From: Australian Psychological Society https://www.psychology.org.au) 

Following the bushfires of 2019-20, the Government has introduced 10 Medicare rebatable services available in each calendar year for two years (2020 and 2021), referred to as the Bushfire Recovery Access Initiative.

The maximum number of sessions in each calendar year is 10, which can be offered face-to-face or by video conference for those living in a rural or remote area. 

People who have accessed these 10 ‘bushfire services’ may also access the 10 Better Access sessions if they meet eligibility criteria for that initiative.

The Government has removed the necessity for a GP referral to access the ‘bushfire services’ in order to ensure easy access to mental health services for those affected - requiring the health professional to determine eligibility.

Eligibility

People presenting for bushfire services do not need to have a GP referral or to be diagnosed as having a mental health disorder.

An eligible client is anyone who has had an adverse change in their mental health as a result of  a bushfire which occurred in the 2019-20 financial year. This includes emergency services workers who have been affected by the bushfires.

The health professional is responsible for determining eligibility and whether the individual would benefit from the services.

Further information on mental health support for those affected by the bushfires can be reviewed at 

How to get mental health support - Services Australia

Other useful factsheets:

Helping children who have been affected by bushfires

Promoting safety, comfort and help after the recent fires

Useful skills for disaster recovery  - helpful thinking

Useful skills for disaster recovery - emotional distress

Useful contacts:

Lifeline - 131114 - 24 hour crisis line

Mental Health Access Line - 1800 011 511 - 24 hour triage line from NSW Health - available for carers as well as people with a mental health issue to access the best service for them

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 - free, private and confidential 24 hour phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25

Kelly Russell
School Counsellor