How can we increase access to mental health care?

Summary: This study simulated the impact of allowing direct access to some Medicare-subsidised mental health care sessions and increasing the growth rate of mental health care capacity on population mental health indicators. The results showed that direct access increased the numbers of emergency department presentations, hospitalisations with self-harm, and deaths by suicide, while increased capacity growth reduced these adverse outcomes. The optimal combination was achieved by combining direct access and increased service capacity growth.