With new government data revealing a 67 per cent increase in Australians saying they avoided seeing a mental health professional due to cost, Bupa is aiming to reduce financial barriers to care through the launch of its Mindplace low-cost offering.
Available to all Australians regardless of their health insurance or Medicare status, clients who visit a registered psychologist at one of Mindplace's mental health centres will pay no more than $129, less than half the rate suggested by the Australian Psychological Society Schedule of Suggested Fees. For clients engaging in a Medicare Mental Health Treatment plan, the offer results in an out-of-pocket cost of no more than $28 per session.
Government data suggests the highest rate of cost related mental health support avoidance was seen for people aged 25-34 (24 per cent) and females who avoided care at a rate 50 per cent higher than men (23 per cent vs 15 per cent). People living in areas of greater disadvantage are more likely to delay seeking care due to cost and use Medicare-subsidised mental health services at lower rates.
Glenn McPhee, Managing Director, Mindplace, Government and Corporate Health, said the Mindplace low-cost initiative is designed to help people get access to more affordable, ongoing mental health support at a time when too many are being forced to choose what they can and can't afford.
"We continue to hear from clients who cannot afford ongoing mental health care due to cost-of-living pressures. This offer is about reducing barriers to care for more Australians and helping those who need to start or continue with their mental health care.
"By expanding Mindplace's network of mental health centres throughout metropolitan and regional areas, Bupa intends to play a pivotal role in meeting the increasing demand for mental health support in our community," Mr McPhee said.
According to recent government data, in 2024-25, more than 1 in 5 people living in Major cities (21%) indicated cost as a reason for not seeing a mental health professional. Understandably, the problem is even worse for those living in the most disadvantaged areas of our community, with almost 1 in 4 people citing cost as a reason for not seeing a mental health professional.
"Through the provision of low-cost options and a growing mental health workforce, our ambition is to work in partnership with the services already provided by the public system to ensure all Australians can access the mental health support they need.
"As demand for mental health services continues to rise, it is critical that private providers work alongside government and public providers to advocate for and deliver better solutions that improve access to care and help address Australia's mental health crisis," Mr McPhee said.
Mindplace is open to all Australians, regardless of their health insurance status, and is focused on improving access to mental health support through a connected model of care.
The Mindplace low-cost offering is available until 28 February 2027. Visit the Mindplace website for full details and Terms & Conditions. Out of pocket costs based on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) billing rules for mental health services as of 1 July 2026. For a Medicare-eligible client with an appropriate referral under the Better Access initiative, a standard individual consultation of at least 50 minutes with an eligible registered psychologist is currently billed under MBS item 80110. At a consultation fee of $129, this results in an estimated $27.45 out-of-pocket cost. For a Medicare-eligible client with an appropriate referral, a standard individual consultation of at least 50 minutes with eligible clinical psychologist is currently billed under MBS item 80010. At a consultation fee of $175, this results in an estimated $25.95 out-of-pocket cost.
