Anxiety and relationship issues persist amongst Aussies
Early data from Bupa’s Mindplace clinics shows 51% of patients report anxiety and 40% seek support for relationship issues.
As Bupa continues to expand its network of mental health clinics across Australia, initial data from its Mindplace clinics, which opened this year, indicate that 51 per cent of patients have presented with anxiety, with 40 per cent seeking support for relationship concerns.
With plans to open 10 Mindplace clinics in 2025, Bupa has already opened 5 clinics to help address ballooning demand for mental health support in Australia[1].
This comes amidst data from the National Mental Health Commission’s Report Card, which suggests treatment rates are significantly below current targets[2]. Bupa research also revealed that Aussies are more likely to seek mental health support from friends and family than from a psychologist, or to visit a GP to seek medication to manage a mental health issue[3].
Bupa Health Services Managing Director, Liz Curran said while it’s encouraging to see people leaning on their personal networks as well as seeking more clinical advice from their GPs for mental health support, specialist psychologist care can offer greater scope to explore personal challenges, develop coping strategies and manage conditions.
“Anxiety, depression, and relationship problems are often the most common reasons people seek support from a psychologist. These can be complex issues that require a personal approach where that connection becomes an ongoing source of guidance.
Anxiety, depression, and relationship problems are often the most common reasons people seek support from a psychologist. These can be complex issues that require a personal approach where that connection becomes an ongoing source of guidance.
“That’s why we’re investing in a diverse network of psychologists who have the expertise to cater to patients’ individual needs,” Ms Curran said.
In Mindplace’s early stages of growth, initial insights suggest patients are seeing the benefits of its mental health proposition.
Bupa Mental Health Director, Andrea Christie-David said 48 per cent of patients have never previously engaged with a mental health service, demonstrating that by simply establishing clinics in easy to access locations and through a straightforward booking process we’re making access to mental health support easier.
“Mindplace teams are adopting an approach of ‘matching’ patients to the psychologist who is best suited to their needs and personality. This might mean we recommend a telehealth appointment over a face-to-face one, because the psychologist with the specialised skill set suited to their needs is located elsewhere.
“We know improving access and convenience is critical to addressing the barriers many face when seeking mental health support. This is particularly relevant amongst young adults, where our research suggests 56 per cent feel that accessing healthcare is complicated[4],” Ms Christie-David said
Bupa’s ambition through Mindplace is to work in partnership with existing public and private health services to make sure all Australians can access the right mental health support at the right time.
“Another of our ambitions is to support the careers of mental health professionals and address the current shortfall of psychologists in Australia. That’s why we’re offering our psychologists increased flexibility and the ability to work across Bupa’s healthcare network.
Another of our ambitions is to support the careers of mental health professionals and address the current shortfall of psychologists in Australia. That’s why we’re offering our psychologists increased flexibility and the ability to work across Bupa’s healthcare network.
“In the future, we're looking to incorporate additional disciplines and practitioners to supplement our psychology workforce and provide greater options for a variety of therapeutic support that can better meet the community’s needs,” Ms Christie-David said.
Bupa’s investment in the Mindplace network complements its long-standing commitment to mental health programs through digital services like ThisWayUp and via the Bupa Foundation, which funds mental health programs from our partners such as Kids Helpline and the Black Dog Institute.
Mindplace clinics are open to all Australians, not just Bupa customers, can be accessed privately or through GP mental health plans, and are available for both face to face and telehealth appointments.
For more information about Mindplace, visit here.
[1] Sage Journals: Consultation with health professionals for mental health in Australia
[2] RACGP - Mental health decline creating ‘moral distress for GPs’
[3] 2025 Bupa Pulse Check
[4] 2025 Bupa Pulse Check
