Bupa has claimed to be the first private health insurer to offer renowned mental health treatment programs by This Way Up.
This Way Up provides evidence-based, internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programs.
Free to all eligible Bupa members, the programs were developed by mental health clinicians and researchers at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of New South Wales.
Chanel Nesci, registered psychologist and wellbeing and safety general manager at Bupa, said the programs will make it easier for members to get the support they need.
“With wait times to see a psychologist now stretching up to six months, these self-guided treatment programs offer an immediate and safe alternative that can be done in the comfort of their own home, in their own time,” Nesci said.
Mental health ranked as the top concern among young Australians when it come to fears about developing a chronic illness in the future, according to Bupa’s latest Pulse Check Survey.
The survey looked at Australians’ attitudes towards their health and wellbeing. It found that people aged between 18 and 39 suffered most from poor mental health, with two in three having sought mental health assistance in a 12-month period and one in four accessing multiple services.
“When it comes to mental health concerns, taking the first step and asking for help can often be the biggest challenge. But it’s OK to say you’re struggling with your mental health, and we all have a part to play in supporting each other and reducing the stigma,” Nesci said.
From September 1, eligible members have 24/7 free access for 12 months to the therapy-on-demand online platform, which provides access to mental health treatments to help with depression, anxiety, OCD, panic, stress, perinatal mental health, insomnia, mindfulness, and teen mental health.
“Sometimes we can go from feeling good to feeling bad quite quickly. Knowing how to maintain good mental health is a life skill and picking up the signs that our mental health, or that of a loved one, might be deteriorating as early as we can, is also important,” Nesci said.
Last month, Bupa extended its partnership with Healthscope, a national private hospital operation and healthcare provider, for three years.
