Medibank has expanded its psychotherapy for post post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) program to Queensland, as part of its commitment to improve mental health access and affordability for customers.

Eligible Medibank customers will now be able to access the world-leading psychotherapy treatment at Avive Clinic Brisbane operated by Avive Health, an Australian-owned private mental health services provider.

Earlier this year, Medibank was the first insurer to launch a psychotherapy for PTSD program and a TRD program starting in Perth with Emyria’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Empax Centre.

Medibank Chief Medical Officer and practising psychiatrist, Dr Andrew Wilson, said today’s announcement demonstrates Medibank’s commitment to improve mental health care affordability and access for customers.

“We’re really proud to be expanding this program so that more customers who are living with PTSD and TRD can access this innovative treatment,” said Dr Wilson.

“This specialised treatment is quite costly and would be financially out-of-reach for most people, so we are improving access by funding this innovative model of mental health care.

“I encourage any of our customers with PTSD or TRD to speak to their health care professional about all types of treatment that may be clinically appropriate for them.”

Avive Health Co-CEO, Mark Sweeney, said Avive’s clinician-led model is focused on safe pathways for patients.

“We’re pleased to collaborate with Medibank on innovative treatments that improve access and affordability while keeping clinical quality at the centre.

“As we expand our capability, we’ll continue to invest in careful screening, informed consent and support so people feel safe, informed and supported at every stage. With the Brisbane program now live, our aim is to provide consistent clinical protocols, supported by training, measurement and multidisciplinary review – practical foundations that help translate innovation into dependable care for patients and referrers.

“Bringing this program to Brisbane means more people can access evidence-based care within a consistent, team-based setting. Our psychiatrists, nurses and allied-health clinicians work shoulder-to-shoulder with referring GPs and psychiatrists, so patients experience clear steps of care – from assessment and preparation through to therapy, integration and follow-up,” said Mr Sweeney.