Dealing first hand with getting help for mental health is incredibly hard. The current limitation of 10 sessions per calendar year on mental health care plans in Australia is insufficient for those who are vulnerable and in need of long-term therapy. It barely accounts to even one session per month, leaving many without the comprehensive help they require.

Without adequate sessions, individuals must either pay out of pocket for private practice therapy, which is not affordable for everyone, or turn to clinics offering only short-term solutions. Long-term therapy has been proven to produce better outcomes for many mental health conditions, providing the necessary consistency and support needed for recovery and stability.

Statistics show that around 20% of Australians experience a mental health issue in any given year. The demand for ongoing and accessible treatment is clear, and yet the existing framework falls short of providing this necessity. Expanding the availability of funded sessions would ensure more Australians receive the support they so desperately need.

We urge the Australian government to reconsider their stance on mental health care session limits and increase the allocation. This change would be a positive step towards recognizably supporting mental health as a legitimate and essential health concern, equal to physical health needs.

Please sign this petition to help make mental health a priority and to support those who need ongoing care to live healthier lives.