Public psychology services could soon become more stretched as Australia's largest private hospital operator says it will close the majority of its mental health clinics.
The announcement comes as new government data shows more people are delaying treatment for mental illness due to financial pressures.
Ramsay Health Care will shut 17 of its 20 psychology clinics across the nation by the end of August to create a "more flexible and sustainable model" of mental health care.
The largest private provider of psychology services, Ramsay says there will be no change to inpatient mental health services at their facilities.
"We are working closely with our psychologists to ensure every client is supported and has continuity of care," the company said in a statement.
Clinics in Cairns, Charlestown in NSW and Joondalup in WA will remain open.
The mass closures come as the government mental health body reveals more patients are putting off mental health treatment because of financial concerns.
The National Mental Health Commission Report Card for 2024, released on Thursday, says 24.6 per cent of people either delayed or did not see a psychologist or psychiatrist due to cost, up from 12 per cent in 2020/21.
Financial stress is also an increasing cause of mental illness, with the report showing the rate of people finding it "difficult to cope" on their income doubling to 34 per cent from November 2020.
The rising rates of people struggling with their mental health as a result of cost-of-living pressures has led to opposition calls for the federal government to make mental health a "national priority".
"This government has cut Medicare mental health funding in half," opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston said in a statement.
"The Albanese government has completely neglected mental health and suicide prevention over the last three years."
Health Minister Mark Butler and Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride have been contacted for comment.
