Bupa teams up with new Tasmania-based mental health clinic

Bupa teams up with new Tasmania-based mental health clinic | Insurance Business Australia

Life & Health

Bupa teams up with new Tasmania-based mental health clinic

Program aims to tackle state’s shortage of mental health services

Life & Health

By
Roxanne Libatique

Bupa Health Insurance (Bupa) has teamed up with Clarity Health Care, which launched a new mental health clinic in Battery Point, Tasmania.

The partnership aims to tackle the state’s shortage of mental health services. As part of the deal, Bupa will deliver its Mind Care Choices program.

Clarity Health Care chief medical officer Dr Matthew Warden said the new clinic will improve access to mental health care in Tasmania to up to 350 patients annually.

“Unlike many other clinics, we have all the clinical support people in the one clinic, and we know this multidisciplinary team-based approach leads to stronger recovery outcomes for patients and helps prevent them being readmitted to hospital,” Dr Warden said. “I’m thrilled we’re expanding our services to better support Tasmanians.”

Mind Care Choices program

Bupa healthcare professionals developed the Mind Care Choices program to help members access mental health care in the community and reduce high re-admission rates for inpatient psychiatric care.

As part of the program, patients receive up to 30 sessions of multidisciplinary care, including with a psychologist, occupational therapist, social worker, and registered nurse. Sessions can be individual or in groups and delivered virtually or face-to-face.

“Hospitals do a great job caring for our members with serious mental health issues – but we know the setting is not always right or accessible for everyone and many are after an alternative to hospitalisation, including in the community or in the comfort of their own home,” said Adam Simson, customer health and care director at Bupa.

“Community-based care options can be limited, so we’re proud that through our partnership with Clarity Healthcare, we’ll be expanding the offering of our innovative, integrated treatment programs and care through face-to-face appointments, telehealth, and in-home outreach.”