Hello everyone,
Please do leave leave your comments on our last post about Medicare. We are really interested to read about what people think on these issues.
In response to several telephone calls - yes Richardson Support House counsellors bulk bill under the following circumstances:
You must have a referral from your GP and a Mental Health Care Plan (Form 2710). The plan covers you for six sessions.
Bulk billing is then available for pensioners, those with a Health Care Card, or those under 16 years. Other people will need to pay the gap - at the moment the gap is no more than $5 for counselling.
School holidays start this week in the ACT. Our children are very excited and will be joining us on the Heart Foundation ACT walks. Looking for a fun activity in Richardson? Come and join us on Mondays at 9.30am for a walk and morning tea.
This is also the start of NAIDOC Week. Here is the information:
NAIDOC WEEK: 5 - 12 July 2009
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities,but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunityto participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander community.More information about NAIDOC is available at the NAIDOC website http://www.naidoc.org.au
Happy Holidays!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Medicare
I’d like to open a discussion on Medicare.
First a little background! As of 1 November 2006 allied mental health Medicare items became available on the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Medicare rebates are available, on referral for up to 12 individual allied mental health services per patient per calendar year, generally provided in up to two groups of up to 6 services with the referring practitioner considering the need for further sessions after a course of treatment (which may comprise up to 6 services).
Allied mental health services that can be provided under this initiative include Psychological Therapy services provided by eligible clinical psychologists and Focussed Psychological Strategies services provided by eligible psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. This program is called “Better Access to Mental Health”.
At Richardson Support House we have a psychologist and a social worker. When we started Richardson Support House, we were keen to offer affordable and accessible counselling services to those in need. As such, we have become Medicare providers (Allied Health), providing services as described above.
Now all of this is not without controversy (both Nationally and at our local level).
First, the Better Access to Mental Health program has been far more popular than the Federal Government anticipated. This year the figures have increased even further (The Australian reported it might be due to current financial stress, May 2009). You can view the figures at www.health.gov.au/internet/mental health/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-ba-fig
Various concerns have been raised: Although collaboration between GP and Allied Health providers is encouraged, there is no monitoring or accountability to ensure this happens. There are no incentives for “co-location of services, effective geographical distribution of services, provision of early interventions for young people, or treatment of patients in greatest need at low cost” (The Australian, 19 May 2009). Some experts are concerned that people benefiting from the program are those already receiving treatment and who can afford large gap payments.
At our local level, Richardson Support House bulk bills patients with Health Care Cards or under 16 years. For other patients the payment gap varies depending on the type of service, but it is never more than $5. It has been said that we are setting our prices too low, that services will be undervalued to the detriment of both the service and other providers.
Well, we are pretty gung ho about our desire to have an “accessible and affordable” service. We accept various people’s concerns, and to some degree we can address those issues. We do want to ensure that we are open to collaboration with the referring Doctors and other mental health providers. We do wish to encourage those most in need to access our services. (Partly I think the onus is on us to promote the service locally). I realise that we can’t satisfy everyone’s concerns, nor can we have “all the people happy all the time”! But if we can just reach some people in need, then we’ll have achieved all we hoped for.
We've been operating for about 10 months now. Some of the patients are those "already accessing services". But some patients have had long term issues they have never before sought treatment for.
I’d really like to hear from others about their opinions on the new Medicare program?
First a little background! As of 1 November 2006 allied mental health Medicare items became available on the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Medicare rebates are available, on referral for up to 12 individual allied mental health services per patient per calendar year, generally provided in up to two groups of up to 6 services with the referring practitioner considering the need for further sessions after a course of treatment (which may comprise up to 6 services).
Allied mental health services that can be provided under this initiative include Psychological Therapy services provided by eligible clinical psychologists and Focussed Psychological Strategies services provided by eligible psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. This program is called “Better Access to Mental Health”.
At Richardson Support House we have a psychologist and a social worker. When we started Richardson Support House, we were keen to offer affordable and accessible counselling services to those in need. As such, we have become Medicare providers (Allied Health), providing services as described above.
Now all of this is not without controversy (both Nationally and at our local level).
First, the Better Access to Mental Health program has been far more popular than the Federal Government anticipated. This year the figures have increased even further (The Australian reported it might be due to current financial stress, May 2009). You can view the figures at www.health.gov.au/internet/mental health/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-ba-fig
Various concerns have been raised: Although collaboration between GP and Allied Health providers is encouraged, there is no monitoring or accountability to ensure this happens. There are no incentives for “co-location of services, effective geographical distribution of services, provision of early interventions for young people, or treatment of patients in greatest need at low cost” (The Australian, 19 May 2009). Some experts are concerned that people benefiting from the program are those already receiving treatment and who can afford large gap payments.
At our local level, Richardson Support House bulk bills patients with Health Care Cards or under 16 years. For other patients the payment gap varies depending on the type of service, but it is never more than $5. It has been said that we are setting our prices too low, that services will be undervalued to the detriment of both the service and other providers.
Well, we are pretty gung ho about our desire to have an “accessible and affordable” service. We accept various people’s concerns, and to some degree we can address those issues. We do want to ensure that we are open to collaboration with the referring Doctors and other mental health providers. We do wish to encourage those most in need to access our services. (Partly I think the onus is on us to promote the service locally). I realise that we can’t satisfy everyone’s concerns, nor can we have “all the people happy all the time”! But if we can just reach some people in need, then we’ll have achieved all we hoped for.
We've been operating for about 10 months now. Some of the patients are those "already accessing services". But some patients have had long term issues they have never before sought treatment for.
I’d really like to hear from others about their opinions on the new Medicare program?
Friday, May 8, 2009
Workplace Walking Challenge
The ACT CISM Library is at Richardson Support House. The library has folders of articles on stress management, workplace stress management, critical incident management, peer support in different settings, some general mental health issues (from the perspective of providing support mainly).
ACT CISM is a not-for-profit community organisation that many of us volunteer for. They provide a free crisis employee assistance program for community organisations and small business, the library service (they mail out articles in Australia on request), training on these topics, and host several events over the year.
One of these events is the annual Workplace Walking Challenge held on the first Tuesday of May each year. Walkers are asked to donate a gold coin to the Heart Foundation ACT (it is Heart Week). There are prizes for the "Best dressed Teams". The 30 minute walk is held by Lake Burley Griffin. This year six teams entered (including the Richardson Support House Walking Group). ACT CISM hosts the challenge to promote exercise and team building (by walking as a 
workplace team) as great stress management strategies. AND it is a lot of fun. It was a terrific day - the weather was just perfect. Highlights were the St Vincent's Team that dressed up for the occasion in heart costumes, the Mental Health Foundation ACT Team with colourful hand knitted jumpers, and the Warehouse Circus Team. The Richardson Support House Team wore their Heart Foundation Walking Group Polo Shirts. Of course, Kylie is already plotting exciting costumes for next year....
Photo: Some of walking teams of 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Resources
The foyer of Richardson Support House is set up as an area for relaxation. There is a massage chair, other chairs, an exercise bike and reading materials. We also have a large pamphlet rack which is filled with pamphlets about organisations that support mental health as well as information brochures.
During March we received a new pamphlet from Beyond Blue - The National Depression Initiative - "Taking Care of Yourself after Retrenchment or Financial Loss". We have a range of excellent pamphlets about depression and anxiety from this organisation, they are very helpful. Their website is well worth a visit too - you can find them at www.beyondblue.org.au
Everyone is most welcome to visit Richardson Support House!
During March we received a new pamphlet from Beyond Blue - The National Depression Initiative - "Taking Care of Yourself after Retrenchment or Financial Loss". We have a range of excellent pamphlets about depression and anxiety from this organisation, they are very helpful. Their website is well worth a visit too - you can find them at www.beyondblue.org.au
Everyone is most welcome to visit Richardson Support House!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
School Anxiety
Well today the children of Richardson Support House started school again for the year! When we set Support House up, we wanted it to be a friendly place where visitors, staff and clients could bring their children. So over the school holidays we have had lots of children about. We moved a cubby house into the back yard and built a secure fence, so the children have enjoyed the back yard. But it has been very hot, so there have been a lot of quiet indoor games too.
Sometimes our children worry about starting school again. School anxiety is a common issue. There are many websites set up to address this.
How To Relieve School Anxiety http://specialchildren.about.com/od/specialeducation/ht/anxiety.htm
Social Causes of School Anxiety http://stress.about.com/od/studentstress/a/school_anxiety.htm
May the start of school be a time of great joy to your children.
Best wishes from the Richardson Support House Team
Sometimes our children worry about starting school again. School anxiety is a common issue. There are many websites set up to address this.
How To Relieve School Anxiety http://specialchildren.about.com/od/specialeducation/ht/anxiety.htm
Social Causes of School Anxiety http://stress.about.com/od/studentstress/a/school_anxiety.htm
May the start of school be a time of great joy to your children.
Best wishes from the Richardson Support House Team
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Counselling and Local Walks
The Richardson Support House Team are very pleased to welcome a new tenant in the building - Robyn, a social worker, started here last week. Robyn has many years experience particularly with children, chronic conditions, family and relationship counselling. She will also be available for general counselling. So now there is a Psychologist, Psychologist Intern, and Social Worker available for community counselling needs. Please don't hesitate to contact us for further details on 02 62918009.
The Walking Group is going well, now meeting on Monday mornings at 9.30am. The group walks 15 minutes out and 15 minutes back. Everyone can then join us for a cuppa or cool drink at Richardson Support House (RSH). There are some very pleasant walks in Richardson. The Bike path from Isabella Plains to Calwell is only a short distance from RSH. Much to the children's delight, there is a playground just before the road underpass to Calwell.
We have talked to people about what interesting walks are available locally. The local Girl Guide Unit recently visited the Indigenous Axe Grinding Grooves at Theodore. The access is via Christmas Street in Theodore. A short walk along the reserve road (access through large gate) brings you to an access gap in the fence. The fence protects the grasslands on the hill. If you walk towards to large trees on the top of the rise (eastward) the grooves are easily found in several rock banks along the ground. It is a special place.
The children have several favourite walks locally - particularly in the school holidays! The walks and excellent playground at Tidbinbilla are always worth visiting. Then a short drive to Burra provides some interesting walks to "London Bridge" - a rock arch over the River there.
Apart from that there are bike paths throughout the local suburbs. The children always enjoy ending up at the Fadden Pines Reserve which has a skate area and terrific playground.
Happy walking in the holidays!
The Richardson Support House Team
The Walking Group is going well, now meeting on Monday mornings at 9.30am. The group walks 15 minutes out and 15 minutes back. Everyone can then join us for a cuppa or cool drink at Richardson Support House (RSH). There are some very pleasant walks in Richardson. The Bike path from Isabella Plains to Calwell is only a short distance from RSH. Much to the children's delight, there is a playground just before the road underpass to Calwell.
We have talked to people about what interesting walks are available locally. The local Girl Guide Unit recently visited the Indigenous Axe Grinding Grooves at Theodore. The access is via Christmas Street in Theodore. A short walk along the reserve road (access through large gate) brings you to an access gap in the fence. The fence protects the grasslands on the hill. If you walk towards to large trees on the top of the rise (eastward) the grooves are easily found in several rock banks along the ground. It is a special place.
The children have several favourite walks locally - particularly in the school holidays! The walks and excellent playground at Tidbinbilla are always worth visiting. Then a short drive to Burra provides some interesting walks to "London Bridge" - a rock arch over the River there.
Apart from that there are bike paths throughout the local suburbs. The children always enjoy ending up at the Fadden Pines Reserve which has a skate area and terrific playground.
Happy walking in the holidays!
The Richardson Support House Team
Friday, January 9, 2009
A Surprise
The Richardson Support House Team was delighted to have a visit from the Richardson Primary School Choir in the last week of school 2008. They sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for us. Thank you very much indeed!
This time of year brings many celebrations: Chanukkah, Christmas, Yule, Rohatsu, and Kwanzaa. Not to mention Australian New Year celebrations... Of course, we celebrated various events with family and friends over the last couple of weeks.
Holiday celebrations can have positive and negative effects on people. Positive in the creation and maintenance of social bonds (family and community), the opportunity to 'look forward' (completely different to worry about the past or anxiety about the future). But it also brings pressures - like unrealised expectations of happy family, or accentuating loneliness, or financial pressures to provide special food / drinks / gifts.
There are some websites that offer ideas and suggestions for how to cope with holiday stress:
www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Holiday_stress?open
We do hope that your holiday provides much enjoyment and little stress!
Best wishes and Happy New Year from the Richardson Support House Team
This time of year brings many celebrations: Chanukkah, Christmas, Yule, Rohatsu, and Kwanzaa. Not to mention Australian New Year celebrations... Of course, we celebrated various events with family and friends over the last couple of weeks.
Holiday celebrations can have positive and negative effects on people. Positive in the creation and maintenance of social bonds (family and community), the opportunity to 'look forward' (completely different to worry about the past or anxiety about the future). But it also brings pressures - like unrealised expectations of happy family, or accentuating loneliness, or financial pressures to provide special food / drinks / gifts.
There are some websites that offer ideas and suggestions for how to cope with holiday stress:
www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Holiday_stress?open
We do hope that your holiday provides much enjoyment and little stress!
Best wishes and Happy New Year from the Richardson Support House Team
Volunteers
Friday the 5th of December 2008 was International Volunteers’ Day (established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985.) So the Richardson Support House decided to hold a special celebration dinner to thank all those who volunteered this year. Since we opened in August, several people have offered assistance - people have helped us move in, worked in the yard, painted the building, did library or administration work, worked on community development, provided counselling to the community and much more. We are so very grateful for their support.
ACT Critical Incident Stress Management Information Service Inc. is staffed entirely by volunteers. They have a room at Richardson Support House for their public research library. The library has articles and books on stress, stress management, trauma and disaster recovery.
So, there are many organisations in Australia that benefit from the good will and hard work of volunteers. The Australian Bureau of Statistics survey of Voluntary Work in 2006 indicated that 5.4 million Australian adults (34% of the population) do voluntary work each year.
Many newspaper articles note that volunteering has a positive effect on stress and depression. Many general Stress Management books also recommend volunteering for this reason. For example Coping with Stress by Gwen K. Packard (Coping with Stress 1999) writes that volunteer work has many advantages. It gives volunteers a chance to think about something other than events causing them stress, it builds self esteem because they are helping the community and/or people in need, it can keep people from getting bored, they can meet new friends, or learn new things.
There are several studies that support this idea that volunteering has positive benefits for people. A survey conducted by the UK organisation Community Service Volunteers of over 600 volunteers found that 71% thought volunteering helped combat depression (CSV and Barclay’s 29 September 2004). Over half the respondents also indicated it alleviated personal stress.
Best wishes from the Richardson Support House Team.
ACT Critical Incident Stress Management Information Service Inc. is staffed entirely by volunteers. They have a room at Richardson Support House for their public research library. The library has articles and books on stress, stress management, trauma and disaster recovery.
So, there are many organisations in Australia that benefit from the good will and hard work of volunteers. The Australian Bureau of Statistics survey of Voluntary Work in 2006 indicated that 5.4 million Australian adults (34% of the population) do voluntary work each year.
Many newspaper articles note that volunteering has a positive effect on stress and depression. Many general Stress Management books also recommend volunteering for this reason. For example Coping with Stress by Gwen K. Packard (Coping with Stress 1999) writes that volunteer work has many advantages. It gives volunteers a chance to think about something other than events causing them stress, it builds self esteem because they are helping the community and/or people in need, it can keep people from getting bored, they can meet new friends, or learn new things.
There are several studies that support this idea that volunteering has positive benefits for people. A survey conducted by the UK organisation Community Service Volunteers of over 600 volunteers found that 71% thought volunteering helped combat depression (CSV and Barclay’s 29 September 2004). Over half the respondents also indicated it alleviated personal stress.
Best wishes from the Richardson Support House Team.
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