Chris Mackey and Associates released the following information as a press release to numerous media outlets throughout Australia on September 1st, 2010.

New study supports clinical and cost effectiveness of psychological treatment under the Better Access Scheme

The Better Access (Medicare rebate) scheme funds psychologists and other mental health practitioners to offer treatment in private practice settings. The scheme has already been accessed by two million Australians, rendering it the most widely used form of mental health service provision in Australia, however it has not been without controversy. A number of prominent individuals within the mental health field have strongly asserted that the scheme is too expensive, of questionable effectiveness and targets the wrong people. However, such claims have been made ahead of any released evidence of the effectiveness or otherwise of the scheme and are in stark contrast to new findings released by Chris Mackey and Associates, an award-winning specialist psychology practice in Geelong.

Statistics suggest that approximately one in five adults suffers from an anxiety-based condition of which a prominent feature is some form of worry. Approximately twice that number of people would worry on a regular basis. Therefore, worry is one of the most common forms of psychological distress. Some level of worry may be normal and productive. For example, worry can be productive if we are considering a very important issue where a potentially negative outcome is likely to happen if we do not take action and there is something which we can do about the situation.  By this definition of productive worry it may be healthy to reflect on concerns about our environment or our children’s safety or our health if there are signs that these things are under immediate threat. We may then be constructively motivated to do something to improve the situation. It helps if we are focused on a specific situation and are willing to accept imperfect solutions, taking into account what we can and cannot control. By contrast, worry will commonly not be helpful if we are ruminating about relatively minor matters or about situations which are not likely to occur or when facing circumstances which we can do little about. Worry may also be unproductive if we continue to ruminate excessively and expect ourselves to have an unrealistic level of control over our circumstances or expect ourselves to find an ideal solution to complex problems.

Panic attacks are not such a problem. That may seem a ridiculous statement when panic reactions can be so exceedingly uncomfortable and disruptive. However, it is commonly not panic symptoms themselves which are the most unsettling aspect of panic attacks. The main problem is panic about the panic. A key goal of dealing with panic attacks is to allow some of the distress to be there. Panic reactions are not dangerous. Panic attacks will pass, usually within a matter of minutes. It may feel as though one is losing ones mind or might have a heart attack, but panic is not dangerous. Panic attacks may be very, very unpleasant, but panic is not dangerous. The goal is to help get this message through to the back of ones mind, even when one is experiencing panic symptoms. That is not easy, and takes practice. Commonly it takes months and months of practice before a person can experience repeated panic reactions and yet feel some confidence that the distressing feelings will soon pass.

It is common for people to suffer from a range of psychological reactions after a traumatic experience such as a motor vehicle accident or any other life-threatening incident. In the first instance, individuals may feel anxious and apprehensive. They may suffer from such symptoms as sleep disturbance, poor concentration, irritability, and loss of interest in activities.  They may experience intrusive thoughts or images related to the traumatic experience. Such recollections are commonly distressing and individuals will often make efforts to block such thoughts or recollections from their mind. People affected by traumatic accidents may feel sad and withdrawn and may be more detached from others. Having an understanding of such reactions can assist people's psychological recovery. The support of other people including friends and family members can be especially important in aiding psychological recovery from accidents.

Many people find it very difficult to make a decision to see a psychologist. Often when they do so, this has already started a process of turning a bigger problem into a lesser one. Because commonly when people see a psychologist for the first time, they have two problems, or layers of problems. The first problem is what they are seeking help for, perhaps a panic or anxiety reaction, a depressive condition, an anger or behavioural problem, or perhaps a relationship issue or a life adjustment problem. But in addition to that, people commonly have a second problem which relates to their reaction to the first - commonly in the form of non-acceptance or shame. And it is this non-acceptance of the first problem which is the bigger stumbling block, or at least a significant barrier to progress. Reactions to the original problem can also include feeling very anxious about having panic reactions, feeling helpless about one's relationship problem, or even being depressed about being depressed.