Medicare-subsidised phone and video consultations will help psychiatrists reach more patients as they deal with the mental health consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

On Monday, the Federal Government introduced 14 Medicare items for psychiatrist telehealth consultations as part of a temporary measure to reduce peoples’ risk of exposure to COVID-19 while continuing to access essential health services.

The consultations can be with a patient anywhere in the country, with item descriptors and rebates that mirror those for regular psychiatrist attendances.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists welcomed the items, which were for non-admitted patients and must be bulk-billed, as a “much needed step”.