Mental Health Financial Assistance: Top 6 Ways to Get Help
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, it is estimated that of Australians, aged 16–85, 8.6 million have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life (44% of the population). It’s also estimated 4.2 million have experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months. The most common mental illnesses in Australia are Anxiety Disorders, Affective Disorders (such as Depression) and Substance use disorders.
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues, know there are many resources that provide mental health financial assistance—so you can get back to the life of well-being you deserve.
The true cost of mental illness
Mental illness manifests itself in several ways, and it doesn’t have to be completely debilitating to become a problem. When mental health issues begin to affect your ability to function and cause you recurring stress, it may be time to seek help.
In Australia, 5% or 800,000 people are estimated to have a severe mental illness, of which 500,000 people have episodic mental illness and 300,000 have persistent mental illness.
Poor mental health can have an impact on us emotionally, physically but also financially.
- According to BeyondBlue, poor mental health costs the Australian economy from $12.2 to 22.5 billion each year (according to the Australian Government Productivity Commission).
- Feeling good mentally and working in a place that promotes good mental health can have a very positive impact in the workplace. Research has shown that investment in mental health has a positive return on investment. This can range from an average of $2.30 upwards for each dollar invested.
Financial assistance for mental health treatment
Positive mental health and well-being not only feels good, but helps you cope with everyday stresses, work more productively, and contribute more to your community and personal relationships.
For most—even for those with private health insurance—struggling with a mental health issue can mean high out of pocket medical expenses. Fortunately, there are several ways you can get financial assistance for therapy.
1. Government assistance for mental health
In Australia, there are some government benefit options for those who need help accessing mental health services. Keep in mind that government assistance for mental health treatment does come with certain eligibility requirements, typically related to income.
The Department of Social Services has outlined these services which are available:
As part of the support package for the Cashless Debit Card program, A Better Life (ABLe) services will support people with mental illness that includes drug and alcohol use disorders and/or gambling disorders.
ABLe provides increased opportunities for recovery for people aged 16 years and over, whose lives are affected by mental illness, by helping them to overcome social isolation and increase their connections to the community. Participants are supported through a recovery-focused and strengths-based approach that recognises recovery as a personal journey driven by the participant.
With the support of family and carers, Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS) provide early intervention support to children and young people up to age 18 years who are showing early signs of, or are at risk of developing, mental illness.
The Department of Social Services (the department) funds the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program and the Digital Work and Study Service (DWSS). These programs help people with mental health challenges achieve their work or study goals.
2. Charities that offer mental health resources
In addition to government aid, several charities also provide financial assistance for people needing mental health care.
There are several charities in Australia offering free or cost-effective assistance:
- Beyond Blue – Beyond Blue works to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression and suicide in Australia through the provision of information and support online and via dedicated programs for families, schools, workplaces and community organisations.
- Butterfly Foundation Butterfly Foundation is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them.
- Mental Health Legal Centre – The Mental Health Legal Centre (MHLC) provides a free and confidential legal service to anyone who has experienced mental illness in Victoria where their legal problem relates to their mental illness.
- SANE Australia SANE Australia has almost thirty years of experience in improving mental health services for, and attitudes towards, people affected by mental illness.
- The Man Cave The key focus of this charity is creating long-term sustainable behaviour change in young men and their communities.
- Backtrack Youthworks – BackTrack helps young people aged 12 and 19 years who are having a hard time, get back on track. England region and beyond.
3. Online fundraising for mental health
Wondering how to pay for therapy without breaking the bank? Financial assistance for mental health patients is easily accessible through mental health fundraising on GoFundMe. Starting a fundraiser is easy to set up—and with crowdfunding, there are no applications, eligibility requirements, or long waiting periods to receive funds.
- If you’re looking to use the power of social sharing to increase donations, these fundraiser sharing tips will help you spread the word about your fundraiser to more potential donors.
4. Sliding-scale therapists
Many people may opt to see a private therapist as well as making use of free care. They may choose to do this alongside this care, or instead of it.
It can be expensive to receive private mental health care, though. But there are many counselors available who provide mental health financial assistance through a sliding scale-based payment system.
The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia offer practical advice on this.
It said: “In a PACFA survey conducted in May 2021, the most commonly reported (46%) counselling and psychotherapy fees were between $100-$160 per hour. Around 24% of those surveyed offer fees lower than $100, and only 11% had fees higher than $160.
Many members also reported being happy to offer a ‘sliding scale’ style of fees, where depending on your individual and financial circumstances, you and your counsellor may be able to negotiate a lower fee that meets your needs.
“Counsellors are also very accessible across Australia – in 2021 63% of respondents reported they could see a new client within 7 days and 23% could accommodate an urgent request within 48 hours.
“You can find a PACFA-registered counsellor or psychotherapist on the therapist directory.”
5. University mental health services
The demands of university are often stressful, which—if left unchecked—can lead to mental health challenges. Fortunately, lots of universities offer low-cost mental health services to students, in addition to the organizations below.
- 54 Reasons – works to improve wellbeing and equips students to process life’s challenges
6. Online therapy
Quite a few online sites offer low-cost programs and helplines to help people struggling with mental health issues.
- Better Help can match you to one of 33,000 therapists based upon your location, preferences, and therapist availability.
- Breathe Counselling – offers online therapy on Microsoft’s Teams
You deserve to take care of your mental health
We all deserve to live a life full of happiness and well-being, and finances should never stand in the way of getting the mental health treatment you need. Through medical fundraising, the funds you need to take care of your mental health are quickly and easily within reach. Sign up today and start your own fundraiser, so you can get back to living a life you truly enjoy.