Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG) FAQs

Why Mental Health Reform Is Also a Gender Equity Issue

Australia is facing a mental health crisis. We hear about workforce shortages, rising demand, and long waiting lists. What we hear less often is that this is also a gender equity issue.

As part of PACFA's ongoing advocacy, CEO Johanna De Wever recently featured in Women's Agenda discussing why Australia's mental health crisis is also a gender equity issue.

The article also explores what the exclusion of counsellors and psychotherapists from Medicare reveals about the value placed on female-dominated care professions.

With counsellors and psychotherapists now recognised through the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, PACFA continues to advocate for:

• Inclusion in Medicare’s Better Access Scheme
• Greater recognition of the profession's contribution to Australia's mental health system
• Improved access to affordable mental health care for all Australians.

You are encouraged to read the article and help amplify PACFA's advocacy as we continue working towards a stronger future for counsellors, and psychotherapists.