In recent weeks, the Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Tasforce’s Mental Health Reference Group published its report and recommendations, part of a wide-ranging review of services subsidized by Medicare.

Axar.az reports that they recommended a massive expansion of the $1.5 billion Better Access program, which enables Medicare-subsidized visits to psychologists and other health professionals.

But simply striving to get more people into face-to-face care with health professionals is a limited and expensive strategy.

If we’re serious about improving access to mental health care, we need to look to online therapies. The evidence says they can be effective instead of, or as well as, seeing someone face-to-face.

Digital approaches to mental health care

Some studies have found online therapy to be as effective in reducing symptoms as therapy delivered face-to-face by a clinician. This evidence is strongest in relation to depression, stress and anxiety.

One meta-analysis of data from 3,876 adults found those who underwent internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy to treat symptoms of depression had better outcomes than those who didn’t use online therapies. They were also more likely to stick to their treatment.

So self-guided Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy is a viable alternative to current first-step treatment approaches for symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Online approaches vary, but they commonly present a course of psychological therapy structured so the participant can track their progress over time and seek further assistance if their situation deteriorates.

As an example, Mindspot offers a three-step online process of therapy, beginning with information, followed by assessment, and finally, treatment.

Treatment consists of online courses across several areas, depending on the user’s needs. These courses might cover mood issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

People can elect to do a course independently or could be referred by a health care professional, such as their GP. When health practitioners refer their patients into Mindspot they receive patient progress reports.

These online therapies can be critical for reaching traditionally under-serviced groups, such as young people and people living in rural areas.

Other key advantages of these stand-alone digital approaches include 24/7 availability of care and the absence of the fees that would otherwise be paid out-of-pocket for a face-to-face consultation.