Channel Nine reporter Davina Smith reveals her mental health battle

Davina Smith has spoken up on how mental health counselling ‘saved her life’. 

The Channel Nine reporter, 41, was filling in on the Today show on Saturday, where she was critical of the decision to pull back on Medicare-subsidised psychology visits from 20 a year to just 10. 

‘If you break the numbers down, 10 is less than one a month. That’s not enough for someone who is critically ill with a mental health problem,’ she said. 

Davina Smith (pictured) has spoken up on how mental health counselling ‘saved her life’

Davina then added that it was a very personal issue for her, too. 

‘I know, from my own situation as well, I see a psychologist, I accessed more than 10 services in the last 12 months, it saved my life in the last 12 months too,’ she said.  

From January 1, patients have only been able to claim Medicare rebates for 10 visits to a mental health professional.

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Davina was filling in on the Today show on Saturday, where she was critical of the decision to pull back on Medicare-subsidised psychology visits from 20 a year to just 10

Davina is an ambassador for the Gidget Foundation, who raise awareness of perinatal anxiety and depression.

It’s not the first time the television presenter has discussed her mental health battle.   

‘I ask that question and not just as a journalist but someone who has suffered mental health problems before,’ she said last year. 

‘If you break the numbers down, 10 is less than one a month. That’s not enough for someone who is critically ill with a mental health problem,’ she said

‘And I know in my darkest most terrible moments, when you have the courage to pick up the phone and ask for help though, sometimes it’s not always there.

‘Lifeline is always there but the call to the GP, the psychologist, the psychiatrist – you could be waiting three to four months to get access to someone and when you need help and you need help right now’ she added. 

For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on: 13 11 14

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

‘I know, from my own situation as well, I see a psychologist, I accessed more than 10 services in the last 12 months, it saved my life in the last 12 months too,’ she added