Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing therapy added to MBS
There has been a change made to the treatments that can be provided under Focussed Psychological Strategies for Better Access and Bushfire Recovery Items.
Commencing Friday 1 May, an additional treatment approach has been included - Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).
Any Psychologist with adequate training and experience in providing EMDR can now do so and their services will attract a Medicare rebate with a valid Better Access Mental Health Care Plan or for a client utilising the Bushfire Recovery Access Initiative (no GP referral required).
Focussed Psychological Strategies now contains:
Psycho-education (including motivational interviewing)
Cognitive-behavioural therapy including:
- Behavioural interventions
- Behaviour modification
- Exposure techniques
- Activity scheduling
- Cognitive interventions
- Cognitive therapy
Relaxation strategies
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Controlled breathing
Skills training
- Problem solving skills and training
- Anger management
- Social skills training
- Communication training
- Stress management
- Parent management training
Interpersonal therapy (especially for depression)
There is also flexibility to include narrative therapy for clients of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy
AAPi welcomes this news and we know that many of our members will appreciate this update to the MBS.