2026/04/28 by Luke S-C Woon, Luke S.-C. Woon, Tarun Bastiampillai +7
Medicine · Psychology · #Digital Mental Health Interventions #Mental Health Treatment and Access #Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
paper · doi:10.1177/10398562261446467
openalex publication_date 2026/04/28 · openalex created_date 2026/04/30 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
The permanent consolidation of Medicare-reimbursed telepsychiatry in Australia has profoundly transformed mental healthcare delivery, successfully widening access for historically underserved populations. However, this rapid shift has precipitated unintended consequences, including a proliferation of one-off video assessments - particularly for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among younger people - and soaring out-of-pocket costs disproportionately affecting rural populations. Under-regulated market forces may threaten health equity and continuity of care. To safeguard long-term sustainability, policymakers should consider appropriate clinical frameworks, regulation of telehealth-only providers, and the restructuring of financial incentives to support a balanced, hybrid approach to psychiatric care.