Reduced-fee psychology service targets cost barriers to 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."

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 ^[4] .

"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.

For more information about Mindplace visit here.

^{[1] National Mental Health Commission, National Report Card 2025 , national-report-card-2025_0.pdf
[2] 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.
[3] For richer, but not for poorer: How Australia's mental health system fails those most in need - MCHRI}