The Latin saying mens sana in corpore sano refers to a sound mind in a sound body and it is that matter I seek to address. Many people with physical symptoms have undiagnosed psychiatric illnesses. Stress is a causative and exacerbating factor in illnesses as diverse as arthritis, hypertension, cardiac problems, infertility, etc. However, one can have a medical consultation for the Nutron diet and it is tax deductible but a consultation with a psychologist or counselling therapist must be paid for in full by the patient.
It is unfair that holders of private medical insurance, whether with BUPA or the VHI, if referred to a psychologist for a consultation must pay the full cost of such services. The psychological services in Ireland are fully professional and the practitioners generally have a university training to masters level. I do not refer to psychics or people with limited counselling training, but to those with third level qualifications.
Some health boards provide a service with resident psychologists, therapists and counsellors for medical card holders. However, those not holding medical cards may not avail of the psychological services without paying in full. I do not decry the fact that such people are outside the medical card scheme, rather the unfairness of the arrangements.
A doctor will often prescribe medication for a patient. However, if an issue of mental health or stress is involved the patient may be referred to a psychiatrist. In many cases the services of a psychologist would be equally valuable and in some cases even more so. Society and people have become so busy that nobody is available to listen anymore. The religious tradition of confession seems to be dying out and, for all its shortcomings, it provided many people with an outlet to express their difficulties to a receptive source.
If one is referred to a psychiatrist by their doctor medical insurance will cover the consultation but if one is referred to a psychologist one is not covered. I am aware that there is a good counselling and psychological service available to those suffering from cancer related illnesses and it is to be applauded.
With regard to BUPA health insurance in particular, full cover for psychological services was introduced for its customers in the UK. Much has been made of the great service BUPA offers to its Irish customers but I do not understand why there is a discrimination between the Irish and the British subscribers.
I have taken trouble to research this matter and there is a body of research evidence which shows that a proper psychological service results in reduced medical costs. It would seem not only fair but desirable if it reduces costs to change the arrangements for medical insurance subscribers. Our European neighbours Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, Italy, the UK and the Netherlands provide that holders of insurance can avail of psychological services, in some cases on an in-patient basis but in many cases on an outpatient basis. However, no such allowance is made for people in Ireland.
It does not appear that all citizens are being treated equally in this matter. It cannot be right to separate mind and body in a healing process, particularly when highly qualified professional services are available. All citizens should have access to such services. For once it is the people who have some means who are being excluded rather than those who have none. I applaud the health boards for their services. I ask the Minister of State to take my request on board. It would be a positive step for mental health. The private health insurers must be taken to task on this matter.