Examining Better Access use by Australian adults using data from two longitudinal studies (Ten to Men and the...

This study aimed to provide a picture of who uses Better Access treatment services, how they do so and what the benefits are.

We conducted an observational prospective study involving independent cohorts from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health (Ten to Men [TTM]) and the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health (ALSWH). We used data from two pairs of baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1) waves for those aged ⩾ 18 in TTM and those in the 1989-1995, 1973-1978 and 1946-1951 cohorts in ALSWH. Using survey data and linked Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) claims data, we identified participants with 'mental health need' at T0 who had and had not used Better Access treatment services between T0 and T1.

Proportions of Better Access users varied across study cohorts and analyses, with 45% being the highest. Those who used Better Access treatment services typically accessed 5-6 sessions, usually from clinical psychologists and/or psychologists. Between half and three-quarters paid out-of-pocket costs (usually $80-$100/session). Typically, around half of those who used Better Access had better mental health at T1 than T0. Severity of mental health problems at baseline was strongly predictive of both Better Access use and improvements in mental health.

Australian adults with mental health need make varying use of Better Access treatment services, but the programme appears to serve those with high levels of need relatively well.