Service demand for psychological interventions among Australian adults: a population perspective

Abstract Background Psychological interventions (PIs) are good practice treatment for both subthreshold and diagnosed mental disorders. Australia has implemented major reforms to expand the provision of subsidised psychological services individuals with a disorder. But there gaps in knowledge about demand PIs (i.e., use perceived need PIs) across population. This study uses nationally representative survey data from 2007 Australian National Survey Mental Health Wellbeing analyse PIs. It also provides method analysing estimate when new becomes available, along suggestions inform future development. Methods Nationally community respondents ( n = 8841, 16–85 years) indicated their nine types help health problems past 12 months, including three (cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, counselling), whether these needs were unmet, partially met, or fully met. Types grouped as: only; plus other; other only. Chi-square analyses used examine association between type intervention, sociodemographic clinical factors, professional consulted; multinomial logistic regression models predictors intervention(s) received. Results 7.9% (95%CI: 7.2–8.6) received Receipt was positively associated higher education consulting specialist. Twice as many medication compared only (4.2% vs. 2.0%). Almost half (45.4, 95%CI 36.5–54.6) incurred out-of-pocket costs treatment. The most common reason met cost (24.8, 17.2–34.3); unmet need, it preference self-management (33.9, 21.2–49.5). Perceived (3.1, 2.1–4.6) (5.2, 3.9–6.9%) lower than (22.8, 18.7–27.6). Conclusions Continued means that on-going monitoring PIs, using data, is required. baseline comparison long-term effects reforms; this may be undertaken third iteration Australia’s NSMHWB, due completion 2021–22.