Better Access to Mental Health program: Influence of mental health occupational therapy

Abstract

The results of this study demonstrate effectiveness of occupational therapy services for adolescents and provide support for the ongoing participation of occupational therapists in this scheme.

Identifying educational priorities for occupational therapy students to prepare for mental health practice in Australia and New Zealand: Opinions of practising occupational therapists

“…Finally, changes within the mental health system have led to a stronger focus on promotion, prevention and early intervention and the social and economic participation of individuals living with serious mental illness (National Mental Health Strategy, 2013;O'Hagan, 2001). Programs such as Personal Helpers and Mentors, Disability Employment Services, Better Access to Mental Health Care, Headspace and Beyondblue have increased the involvement of the private and non-government sectors in mental health service provision, which presents new opportunities for occupational therapists (Kohn, Hitch & Stagnitti, 2012;Waghorn, Lloyd & Clune, 2009). These new and changing roles require graduating occupational therapists have knowledge and skills for generic mental health practice, along with a strong sense of what it is to be and practice as an occupational therapist to reduce the risk of graduates becoming overwhelmed or burnt out (Lloyd, King & Bassett, 2002;Scanlan, Still, Stewart & Croaker, 2010).…”

Mental health service use: Is there a difference between rural and non-rural women in service uptake?

“…Government mental health initiatives such as the Better Access Scheme (BAS) have contributed to addressing the increasing rates of mental illness in Australia by improving the availability of services. [30][31][32][33] Previous evaluations of the BAS have examined its ability to correctly service unmet needs. [30][31][32][33] Previous evaluations of the BAS have examined its ability to correctly service unmet needs.…”

“…15 The BAS, introduced under Medicare in November 2006, encourages a multi-disciplinary approach by allowing GPs to refer patients to psychologists, allied health care workers or psychiatrists and by providing a Medicare rebate for these services. [30][31][32][33] Previous evaluations of the BAS have examined its ability to correctly service unmet needs. [34][35][36][37][38] The current paper extends on this research by examining the uptake of BAS services in relation to area of residence.…”

2020 Vision: Promoting participation, mental health and wellbeing through occupational therapy - What are we doing and where are we heading?

“…Promising results are reported in two recently published intervention studies: one is a play based intervention to support optimal social development in children with ADHD (Wilkes‐Gillan, Bundy, Cordier & Lincoln, ) and another focuses supporting individuals to reflect on their occupational narratives and develop a vision for their occupational future (Gunnarsson & Björklund, ). Other studies have explored supports for individuals living with mental illness to engage in education and employment; demonstrated positive effects on return to work among women with stress‐related disorders through an intervention focussed on Redesigning Daily Occupations (Eklund, Wästberg & Erlandsson, ); and reported the positive outcomes achieved by adolescents accessing occupational therapy services through the Better Access to Mental Health Initiative in Australia (Kohn, Hitch & Stagnitti, ).…”