Firstly, we know that members of our telehealth community, and their families, have been affected by the bushfire crisis in Victoria. Our hearts go out to you and your families – and we hope that those of you who have been personally affected are safe now and have the support that you need.
Secondly, the federal Government has pledged funding to assist people affected by bushfires to access mental health treatment without a referral or mental health treatment plan, from 17 January.
This includes individuals or families who have been impacted, and responders or emergency management employees or volunteers who worked during the 2019-20 bushfires.
People affected by bushfires can get Medicare rebated counselling and psychological support, including through video telehealth services – from the following health professionals.
Please spread the word about these new item numbers, so that clinicians across Victoria and Australia can consider offering their services – including those that can offer services online.