Bupa has announced plans to open 60 dedicated mental health clinics by 2027 as part of its expanding health service offerings.
The first Mindplace clinic is scheduled to open this month. The company aims to launch nine more clinics by the end of the year, offering both in-person and telehealth consultations.
Nick Stone, Bupa’s Asia Pacific CEO, described the move as timely. He said private providers must work closely with the government and public services to meet the growing demand for mental health care.
“By launching a wide network of Mindplace clinics, Bupa wants to help address the rising need for mental health support in our community,” Stone said. He emphasized the goal of complementing public health services to ensure all Australians can get the help they need. He added that mental health challenges and limited access to care are urgent issues, making it necessary to offer more choices through in-person and virtual services.
However, some experts worry that Bupa’s plan could increase inequality in access to care. Dr Cathy Andronis, Chair of the RACGP Specific Interests Psychological Medicine, said the move reflects a serious mental health crisis in Australia, especially among young people. She pointed out that social factors largely cause mental illness and that increasing corporatization and consumerism may worsen the problem over time.
Statistics show that two in five Australians will experience a mental health disorder during their lifetime, and one in five within the next year. Yet, cost remains a major barrier. Nearly 20% of people reported delaying mental health care in 2022–23 due to cost, up from 12% in 2020–21.
Dr Rashmi Sharma, Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee on Funding and Health System Reform, also raised concerns about affordability. She said Bupa’s clinics would likely involve out-of-pocket costs, similar to most psychological services now, just under a Bupa brand. Sharma stressed the importance of affordable, high-quality care and supported calls for increased Medicare rebates for mental health services.
A Bupa spokesperson confirmed that a consultation with a clinical psychologist at Mindplace centers will cost \$245. Those with eligible health insurance can claim part of this cost, but out-of-pocket expenses vary by policy.
Bupa stated its mental health clinics would be open to all Australians, including those without Bupa insurance. These clinics will expand Bupa’s current network of over 20 medical centers, which provide GP and allied health services, some urgent care clinics, telehealth, and pharmacy delivery.
More medical centers are planned to open over the next year.
Dr Sharma highlighted the need for private providers like Bupa to work closely with general practitioners (GPs). She said mental health services already offered by GPs should not be duplicated, as this could fragment care and waste resources.
Dr Andronis agreed, stressing that continuous care from a trusted GP who understands the patient is the best way to deliver personalized mental health support. This approach helps patients feel empowered and more resilient.
Bupa said it plans to gradually grow the Mindplace network while partnering with general practice and primary care services. A spokesperson emphasized that GPs would remain central in managing patients, similar to other clinics. They stressed the importance of continuity of care, with clear communication and shared medical records between GPs and psychologists to provide consistent support.
Despite this, Dr Sharma urged Bupa to engage more deeply with the primary care sector and patient groups to assess current programs and improve services. She warned against creating duplicated services that could confuse patients and risk developing a two-tiered health system.
“It’s essential that Bupa works closely with the RACGP to avoid fragmented funding and services that make healthcare more complicated and less fair for patients,” Sharma said.
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