An Australian-first free coaching program with an incredible success rate of almost 70 per cent in treating mild to moderate depression and anxiety \u2013 piloted by beyondblue \u2013 could be available to many Australians around the country.
\nBeyondblue has committed to working with Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to revolutionise delivery of early intervention mental healthcare to as many people as possible.
\nThe NewAccess program has been running in three trial sites \u2013 ACT, North-Coast New South Wales and Adelaide \u2013 since October 2013, with more than 3,500 people aged 18 and over taking part.
\nUp to six free sessions are available in the program (which was originally funded with donations from the Movember Foundation), for people experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression or anxiety.
\nBeyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett said an independent evaluation by Ernst and Young had proven NewAccess to be an accessible and effective way of treating people who are struggling with personal issues and need help getting back on track.
\n\u201cNewAccess was modelled on the successful UK program, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, yet the evaluation shows NewAccess has achieved a much better recovery rate, with almost 70 per cent of people treated successfully,\u201d Mr Kennett said.
\n\u201cMental healthcare in Australia is undergoing a revolution, and NewAccess fills a gap in services currently available to the public.
\n\u201cThe federal government recommended under its National Mental Health Reform plan that every Primary Health Network should have a low-intensity program such as NewAccess sitting alongside established services in its region.
\n\u201cThe figures from the evaluation speak for themselves, showing this program is as effective as more intensive approaches, but more cost-effective and it\u2019s able to be rolled out on a large scale to service entire communities in Primary Health Networks.
\n\u201cBeyondblue is reaching out to PHNs to present the impressive results of this program and work to investigate opportunities for the program to be implemented and expanded.
\n\u201cBased on the excellent results of NewAccess, we hope that PHNs introduce the program as widely as possible across Australia.\u201d
\nEach year, about 3.4 million Australians experience depression or anxiety and more than 50 per cent don\u2019t seek support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An Australian-first free coaching program with an incredible success rate of almost 70 per cent in treating mild to moderate depression and anxiety \u2013 piloted by beyondblue \u2013 could be available to many Australians around the country. Beyondblue has committed to working with Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to revolutionise delivery of early intervention mental healthcare […]<\/p>\n