Anxiety and relationship issues persist amongst Aussies as Bupa grows mental health footprint

With Bupa expanding its mental health clinic footprint across Australia, initial data from its Mindplace clinics, which opened this year, has revealed 51 per cent of patients have presented with anxiety, with 40 per cent seeking support for relationship concerns.

Bupa plans to open seven more Mindplace clinics over the next three months to help address ballooning demand for mental health support in Australia.

This comes amidst data from the National Mental Health Commission’s Report Card, which suggests treatment rates are significantly below current targets. Bupa research also revealed that Aussies are more likely to seek mental health support from friends and family than from a psychologist, or to visit a GP to seek medication to manage a mental health issue.

Bupa Mental Health Director, Andrea Christie-David, said while it’s encouraging to see people leaning on their personal networks as well as seeking more clinical advice from their GPs for mental health support, specialist psychologist care can offer a greater scope to explore personal challenges, develop coping strategies and manage conditions.

“While anxiety, depression, and relationship problems are the most common reasons people seek support from a psychologist, these can be complex issues that require a personal approach where that connection becomes an ongoing source of guidance and can be revisited throughout various life stages. That’s why we’re investing in a growing and diverse network of psychologists who have the experience and expertise to cater to patients’ individual needs.   

“While our Mindplace clinics are in the early stages of growth, initial insights suggest patients are seeing the benefits of our unique mental health proposition, with 48% of our patients having never previously engaged with a mental health service. We believe this demonstrates that we’re making access to mental health support easier and more accessible, as opposed to a process that can be confusing and sometimes foreign.”

Ms Christie-David said the Mindplace teams are adopting an approach of ‘matching’ patients to the psychologist who is best suited to their needs and personality.

“This might mean we recommend a telehealth appointment over a face-to-face one, because the psychologist with the specialised skill set suited to their needs is located elsewhere.

“We know improving access and convenience is critical to addressing the barriers many face when seeking mental health support, particularly amongst young adults, where our research suggests 56 per cent feel that accessing healthcare is complicated.”

Bupa’s ambition through Mindplace is to work in partnership with existing public and private health services to make sure all Australians can access the right mental health support at the right time.

“By offering increased flexibility and the ability to work across Bupa’s healthcare network, we want to support the careers of mental health professionals and address the current shortfall of psychologists in Australia. That’s why we're looking to incorporate additional disciplines and practitioners to supplement our psychology workforce and provide greater options for a variety of therapeutic support that can better meet the community’s needs,” Ms Christie-David said. 

Bupa’s investment in the Mindplace network complements its long-standing commitment to mental health programs through digital services like ThisWayUp and via the Bupa Foundation, which funds mental health programs from our partners such as Kids Helpline and the Black Dog Institute.

Mindplace clinics are open to all Australians, not just Bupa customers, and can be accessed privately or through GP mental health plans.

ENDS

NOTE TO NEWS DESKS:

Additional Bupa mental health survey data available on request

For more information, please contact:
Eli Grynberg                                                    
External Communications Manager, Bupa                             
Email: [email protected]     

Mob: 0401 135 713