Integrating psychologists into the Canadian health care system: the example of Australia.
Canada and Australia share many similarities in terms of demographics and the structure of their health systems; however, there has been a divergence in policy approaches to public funding of psychological care. Recent policy reforms in Australia have substantially increased community access to psychologists for evidence-based treatment for high prevalence disorders. In Canada, access remains limited with the vast majority of consultations occurring in the private sector, which is beyond the reach of many individuals due to cost considerations. With the recent launch of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, it is timely to reflect on the context of the current Canadian and Australian systems of psychological care. We argue that integrating psychologists into the publicly-funded primary care system in Canada would be feasible, beneficial for consumers, and cost-effective.
Moulding
Richard
R
Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Grenier
Jean
J
Blashki
Grant
G
Ritchie
Pierre
P
Pirkis
Jane
J
Chomienne
Marie-Hélène
MH
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D001315:Australia; D002170:Canada; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011584:Psychology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011613:Psychotherapy