Depressed Aussies helped by coaches

Almost 70 per cent of people with mild depression and anxiety were successfully treated through an Australian-first coaching program.

Piloted by beyondblue, the NewAccess program was trialled in Canberra, Adelaide and the NSW north coast.

The organisation is now investigating ways to have the program introduced across Australia, says beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett.

Since October 2013, more than 3500 people aged 18 and over have taken part in the early-intervention mental healthcare program.

It involves up to six free sessions with a trained NewAccess coach, either face-to-face or on the phone.

Ernst and Young evaluated the program, finding it to be an accessible and effective way of treating people who are struggling with personal issues and need help getting back on track.

"NewAccess was modelled on the successful UK program Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, yet the evaluation shows NewAccess has achieved a much better recovery rate, with almost 70 per cent of people treated successfully," Mr Kennett said.

It found 67.5 per cent of the participants were below the clinical threshold for anxiety and depression when they finished treatment.

Men, who are traditionally harder to reach for mental health programs, accounted for 39 per cent of all referrals and almost half of those in the rural pilot site.

Beyondblue's Associate Professor Michael Baigent said people used to be treated for depression and anxiety only when symptoms were severe and disabling.

"Treatment would be administered by highly qualified medical practitioners and there was often a one size fits all approach to treat different mental health conditions," he said.

"... we now know that preventing mental illness in its early stages is one of the most effective ways to reduce depression and anxiety in Australia.

"NewAccess reduces strain on the services for more severe mental health problems, and is easy to access because people can either refer themselves or be referred by their doctor."

Each year, about 3.4 million Australians experience depression or anxiety and more than 50 per cent don't seek support.