Allianz Care said that it launched the network in response to a surge in demand for mental health services as international students return to Australia. The network has over 200 practitioners, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health social workers across Australia.
“Students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are at a greater risk of experiencing mental health issues and are often affected by a variety of stressors while studying abroad – living in another country, losing support networks, financial difficulties, and finding housing, and accommodation,” said Miranda Fennell, executive head of health, at Allianz Partners Australia.
“Under the new model, providers directly bill Allianz Care Australia for the MBS component of their fees. The network also gives Allianz Care Australia OSHC members access to reduced ‘gap fees’ to make seeking care for mental health treatment as affordable as possible.”
Allianz Care teamed up with Lysn and New View Psychology to deliver services on the mental health network.
Lysn is an Australian award-winning online mental health service designed to provide access to various mental health practitioners that members can access personal care from anywhere via video and phone consultations.
“The partnership will make mental health treatment even more affordable and accessible for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) members, providing access to Lysn's award winning telehealth services,” said Lysn CEO Tahnee Clark.
New View Psychology is Australia's largest psychology provider, with over 150 clinicians across 60 locations in Australia. Consultations are available either face-to-face or via telehealth.
“We are thrilled to be able to support students Australia-wide and provide high-quality mental health support to Allianz Care Australia OSHC policy holders. The NVP team is well positioned to empower and work in partnership with international students so they can succeed academically and in life here in Australia,” said Maria Mercuri, director/principal psychologist at New View Psychology.
Bupa's latest Pulse Check report revealed that one in 10 Australians described their quality of life as poor, with mental health and developing chronic illnesses among their key concerns. Moreover, two in three Australians aged 18 to 38 sought mental health assistance over the recent months, with one in four accessing three or more services.
Meanwhile, experts from the icare mobile engagement team (MET) recently warned that psychological claims have significantly increased over the last five years in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region.
