In NSW many services and programs are available to people living with mental health conditions. This includes psychological and psychosocial rehabilitationPsychosocial rehabilitation (also known as psychiatric rehabilitation or PSR) promotes personal or individual recovery, successful community integration and an improved quality of life for persons living with mental health conditions. It is a defined intervention designed to target the specific difficulties that arise when people have a severe and enduring mental illness. Psychosocial rehabilitation services and supports are collaborative, person directed, and individualised, and an essential element of the human services spectrum. They focus on helping individuals develop skills and access resources needed to increase their capacity to be successful and satisfied in the living, working, learning and social environments of their choice and include a wide continuum of services and supports. More and support services as well as other types of clinical care. Services and programs are funded in some instances by the Commonwealth and sometimes by the NSW government. In a rapidly changing service delivery environment, particularly in connection with the National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Scheme (NDIS), models of service delivery reflect a much more accessible service delivery approach than was available in the past.
The following information provided in this opening section is more for people working in the sector than people living with mental health conditions who may want to move onto the next section, click here.
Services and programs provided by the community managed mental health service sector, can be loosely described as representing seven core functions. Ideally these should be accessible within each local area, and dependent on population-based needs, however, in some areas, especially rural and remote locations, generally have poorer access to the diversity of services available in metro and more populated regional areas.
Based on an accepted and standardised classification of service types, 18 service type options are identified as follows:
The public and primary health care services available to people living with mental health conditions, more usually fall into the category of clinical care and outreach services, including services for coexisting conditions and physical health care, a vital component of keeping people well in the community. Care coordination is particularly and services are ideally delivered in conjunction with other community-based support services such as those delivered by the community managed mental health sector, allied health care and other human support services.
In this chapter we provide an introduction to important sources of specialist community-based support that may be available to persons living with mental health conditions, coexisting conditions and psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More.
The following list of services available (in alphabetical order) in the community is by no means exhaustive, and many community managed organisationsThe term ‘Community Managed Organisations or CMOs represents the language used by the community managed mental health sector in preference to the term ‘non-government organisations (NGOs)’. It is preferred because it more closely describes the type of organisation, rather than just defining it as not being a government organisation. More offer a number of different services as part of the mix of services and programs available under their banner.
Where they do not offer a service, they will generally provide referral/s; and in many local health districts, relationships have built an integrated care approach across services to maximise effective service and care-coordination.
To find out more information and details about services and where they are located, follow this link to the NSW Mental Health Association’s (MHA) “Way Ahead ” directory of mental health services in NSW.
This directory provides information across the following categories (as listed by MHA):
To view subcategories under these headings, click here.
Services in NSW operate in an environment that is experiencing great change. MHCC provide information about what is happening in the sector on its webpage.
The Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) is designed to treat people with common mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety and depression) who have difficulty accessing Medicare-subsidised mental health services due to reasons such as the lack of services in some geographical locations, reduced ability to pay fees, and people at-risk of homelessness, children under the age of twelve (12) years, people at risk of suicide, and women with perinatal depression.
A range of health, social welfare and other professionals can refer people who have been assessed as having a mild to moderate mental health conditionThe term mental health condition is a broad term that refers to symptoms that may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. This condition can be temporary, episodic or lifelong. A mental health condition can include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. It includes, but is not limited to, those conditions and symptoms recognised as constituting mental illness under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). More to a mental health professional to provide short-term focused psychological services. For example, general practitioners (GPs), hospital emergency departments, nurses and school principals can all make referrals. A range of health professionals may deliver ATAPS, including psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, mental health workers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers with mental health qualifications.
Consumers are eligible for a maximum of ten (10) ATAPS funded sessions per calendar year. In exceptional circumstances, a consumerIn this manual, a consumer refers to a person with direct experience of a mental illness, and who has received, is receiving or is seeking mental health services from a mental health service provider. A consumer may be a patient in a mental health facility or unit and/or, is a client of a community mental health service (whether public or community managed) where they may be receiving mental health care and treatment and/or psychosocial support services. More may be referred for an additional ATAPS sessions.
To find out more please contact your local Primary Health Network, click here.
Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) Initiative is a Commonwealth Government program funded through Medicare. The initiative aims to provide coordinated care to people with mental health conditions and disorders. Medicare rebates are available to patients for selected mental health services provided by general practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists and eligible social workers and occupational therapists.
On 9 October 2020 until 30 June 2022, the 10 sessions already available are further enhanced by 10 additional individual psychological therapy sessions, now available each calendar year to all eligible patients under the existing Better Access program. These additional sessions are available nationally to eligible people whose mental health has been adversely impacted by COVID-19.
Access to the Better Access Initiative is available via general practitioners. The general practitioner may either prepare the Mental Health Treatment Plan or refer the patient to a psychiatrist to prepare a psychiatrist assessment and management plan. Alternatively, the general practitioner may refer the patient to a psychiatrist or paediatrician who can directly refer the patient to allied mental health services. These services may be accessible via Tele-health.
You can learn more about Better Access by following this link.
The Brighter Futures program can help parents give their children a good start in life. Services include home visiting, parent groups, playgroups and child-care. Delivering Brighter Futures provides information for parents, about community referrals and updated Brighter Futures service provision guidelines. Resources for Brighter Futures includes working with fathers.
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice Brighter Futures program includes early intervention programs that support children’s age-appropriate development before they become involved with the child protection system.
Brighter Futures support services are for children, young people and their families experiencing issues such as domestic violence, parental drug and alcohol misuse and/or mental health issues, as well as child behaviour management problems.
For more information click here.
The Early Intervention and Placement Prevention (EIPP) program provides appropriately targeted child, youth and family support services to reduce the likelihood of children and young people entering or remaining in the child protection and out-of-home care systems.
For more information about these programs follow this link.
People with severe mental health conditions who are not funded through the National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can still access supports and services to increase their ability to do everyday activities. These supports and services provide a range of non-clinical community-based support, and include:
Primary Health Networks (PHNs) will support community mental health clients to transition to the NDIS or one of the three programs above.
Contact information for the PHNs can be found at PHN Contacts.
The National Psychosocial Support Measure
The purpose of the NPS-M is to provide psychosocial support services to assist people with severe mental illness who are not more appropriately supported through the NDIS and/or who are yet to test their eligibility for the NDIS.
For more information go to the National Psychosocial Support Measure.
Continuity of Support
Continuity of Support provides older clients who were previously supported under various different programs who are found ineligible for supports under the NDIS, with similar supports to those they received from their previous programs.
For more information, click here
Family Mental Health Support Service (FMHSS) aims to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people. FMHSS provide early intervention support to children and young people who are showing early signs of, or are at risk of developing, mental illness. FMHSS also
supports their families and carers.
FMHSS provides these flexible, responsive services:
Highest priority is given to vulnerable children, young people and their families. These groups include people from Aboriginal or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children and families in contact with the child protection system, and young people transitioning from out-of-home care.
FMHSS will accept referrals of children and young people from any source, including self-referrals. FMHSS conducts an initial brief screening process to ensure the services are appropriate. A formal diagnosis of mental illness is not required to access FMHSS. For more information, click here.
For Family Mental Health Support Services locations and contact details, click here.
Grow is a community-based organisation that has helped thousands of Australians recover from mental illness through mutual support and personal development. Grow was established in Sydney in 1957. The founders were drawn together by their first-hand lived experience of mental health conditions. The wisdom they gained in helping each other to overcome life’s challenges and recover forms the basis of the unique Grow Program.
Grow Groups meet weekly and vary in size from 3-10 members. They are run by seasoned ‘Growers’, who have taken a voluntary leadership role within the Group. Over the course of each meeting, the group engages in a series of group discussions, interactions, and readings that follow a structure and timetable to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate, and meetings finish on time.
There are also opportunities to develop new friends and interests and support each other in practical ways.
It is free to participate in Grow programs. There are no assessments, no need for a diagnosis and no strict eligibility criteria.
There are over 250 Grow Groups throughout Australia. Some programs are now available online.
To find out more about GROW programs, call 1800 558 268* or visit the website by following this link.
*Mobile phone calls to freecall numbers (numbers starting with 1800) are charged to the caller at the usual mobile rate.
The Housing and Support Program (HASI) provides housing linked to clinical and psychological rehabilitation services for over the age of sixteen (16) with a range of levels of psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More. HASI is now available to persons over the age of sixty- five (65).
HASI is a partnership program between NSW Health, Housing NSW and the NSW non-government sector. A lot of HASI participants live in social housing, but a person is not automatically eligible for public or community housing just because they are a HASI participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More. The normal application process and eligibility criteria for social housing apply.
HASI support helps people to achieve their own goals. The types of support people receive depends on their individual needs and what they want to achieve. As some examples, people in the program often get help with:
The amount of HASI support you can receive is flexible. Some people might need only a few hours of support a week while some HASI consumers might get more than five (5) hours support a day. The amount of support can change to meet your needs. When things are going well, you might only need a few hours of support a week but there might also be times when you are finding things difficult or distressing and it would be helpful to get more support.
You may be eligible for HASI support if you:
There are priority groups for HASI Plus. People referred to HASI are assessed according to their need and, when there are limited vacancies, priority will be given to people who meet the eligibility criteria and:
Your local HASI providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More can provide you with more information about HASI, including how to access or refer someone into the program.
You can contact your local HASI providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More using the below contact information. If you are unsure about which local health district you are in, further information can be found at the Local Health Districts and Specialty Networks.
Housing Accommodation Support Initiative Plus is a residential program that aims to assist people with a severe mental illness leaving long-term psychiatric facilities. HASI Plus facilitates consumers to participate in their community, maintain a successful tenancy, reduce hospitalisation rates and improve their quality of life.
The program includes the provision of sixteen (16) and twenty-four (24) hour per day coordinated housing, clinical and accommodation support services for people with severe or persistent mental illness. The aim is to support people transition to living in the community from long term institutional care, such as mental health facilities, correctional facilities or long-term care in hospitals.
HASI Plus is located in Northern Sydney, Hunter New England and Western Sydney Local Health Districts. The program is a state-wide service and takes referrals to support people from all NSW Local Health Districts.
To read a fact sheet and find out more, click here.
Community Living Supports (CLS) is a state-wide program which supports people with a severe mental illness to live and participate in the community in the way they want to. CLS was established to help more people live in the community with the type of support provided under the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI).
Like HASI, people in the CLS program work with a support worker from a community organisation, a clinician from the local mental health service and their family or other important people in their life to develop their own unique support plan.
Everyone’s supports are different and depend on the person’s needs and wants. As examples, the type of things that people in the program often get help with are:
The amount of CLS support you can receive is flexible. Some people might need only a few hours of support a week while some HASI consumers might get more than five (5) hours support a day. The amount of support can change to meet your needs. When things are going well, you may only need a few hours of support a week, but there may be times when you are finding things difficult or distressing and it would be helpful to get more support.
Supported people with a severe mental illness who live in social housing is a priority for the CLS program. But a person is not automatically eligible for social or community housing just because they are a CLS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More. If you need housing, the normal application process and eligibility criteria for social housing apply.
You may be eligible for CLS support if you:
Like with HASI, people referred to CLS are assessed according to their need and, when there are limited vacancies, priority will be given to people who meet the eligibility criteria and:
Your local CLS providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More is able to provide you with more information about CLS, including how to access or refer someone into the program.
If you are unsure about which local health district you are in, further information can be found at the Local Health Districts and Specialty Networks.
The Pathways to Community Living Initiative (PCLI) supports people in NSW who have ‘severe and persistent mental illness’, who have had a long stay in hospital for more than twelve (12) months, to re-establish their lives in the community. PCLI works with the consumerIn this manual, a consumer refers to a person with direct experience of a mental illness, and who has received, is receiving or is seeking mental health services from a mental health service provider. A consumer may be a patient in a mental health facility or unit and/or, is a client of a community mental health service (whether public or community managed) where they may be receiving mental health care and treatment and/or psychosocial support services. More, their family or carer to find the best option for community-based living.
The PCLI initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to strengthen mental health care in NSW by developing effective community-based residential care and support options for people experiencing long stays (over a year) in mental health inpatient units. It is a key program under the Government’s Mental Health Reform 2014-2024.
The PCLI works with two main groups of consumers all with severe and persistent mental illness, comprising:
1: older people who are inpatients with long admissions and who have mental health age-related issues. (Generally 65+ and 55+ for people of Aboriginal background, but also based on clinical assessment of functionality).
2: people aged over eighteen (18) years old, who are long-stay inpatients, without significant age-related issues but who have very complex needs due to their mental illness and major co-occurring disorders such as alcohol and other drug use/ vulnerability, trauma related issues, intellectual disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More and physical health problems.
If you are a consumer or carer, to read more about PCLI, click here.
To read a fact sheet, click here.
LikeMind brings together existing community services to one accessible and engaging community space or ‘hub’. LikeMind aims to provide support for adults with mental health concerns, as well as their families and carers.
Trained healthcare professionals will work with you to understand your specific needs, listening to your goals, and helping you develop a Coordinated Care Plan to achieve them. You will then be connected to the services you need, such as:
You can phone them, get a referral from a general practitioner or other healthcare professional, or just come in and see LikeMind. LikeMind services are free but bring your Medicare card when you attend.
To find out where LikeMind Centres are located, click here.
Carers NSW has a Mental Health Respite: Carer Support program that supports carers of people living with mental illness. This program provides one on one support and opportunities to take a break from caring. It aims to assist carers to sustain their caring roles and maintain connection with their communities, by increasing access to flexible, innovative carer support services.
Carers might be supporting a son or daughter, partner, parent, sibling, or someone else close to them. Anyone can be a carer; including children and young people. The Carers NSW Mental Health Respite: Carer Support service provides carers of people living with a mental illness with:
Mental Health Respite: Carer Support can help carers to deal with some of the challenges of their caring role and be better supported in their caring role now and into the future. It is for anyone who supports a family member or friend with a mental illness, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed.
Carer Support and Programs
There are a range of carer support services and programs available to help you get the practical, financial and emotional support you need.
To read about all the different programs and services available, click here.
To find out where Carer Support programs are located, click here.
For more information or to join the program, please call the Carer Line on 1800 242 636*.
Carers who do not live in the areas listed above can also call the Carer Line on 1800 242 636* to find out more about similar supports across NSW and Australia.
You can call the Mental Health Carer Counselling Service from anywhere in Australia on 1800 242 636*.
*Mobile phone calls to freecall numbers (numbers starting with 1800) are charged to the caller at the usual mobile rate.
NDIS Support Coordination
Carers NSW is a registered NDIS providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More of Support Coordination. Carers NSW can assist you if the person you are caring for is eligible, or has received, an approved NDIS plan with a budget for Support Coordination.
Through Support Coordination services, Carers NSW staff can work with you to ensure the person you care for gets the most from their NDIS plan.
To read more about NDIS support coordination, click here.
NDIS gives people who have a permanent and significant disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More the reasonable and necessary supportsReasonable means something that is fair, and necessary means that it is strongly needed. In the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the National Disability Insurance Authority will only give participants funding for things that are fair and really needed to live a meaningful life and participate equally in the community. More they need to live “an ordinary life”. Chapter 12 of this Manual provides information about many aspects of the NDIS, to read more please, click here.
You can find out more out about the NDIS, and how it can support Carers here.
If you want to visit an NDIS customer service centre, click here.
These centres are open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
If you require help or a translator, please contact 1800 800 110*.
If you are a TTY user, phone 1800 555 677, then ask for 1800 800 110*.
If you are a Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) user, phone 1800 555 727* then ask for 1800 800 110*.
If you are an internet relay user, visit the National Relay Service website and ask for 1800 800 110*.
*Mobile phone calls to freecall numbers (numbers starting with 1800) are charged to the caller at the usual mobile rate.
Supported Independent Living or ‘SIL’ is a program supporting people with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More so that they can live the way they want to, either on their own or with other people. This can include support twenty four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week if needed, or more significant day-to-day assistance if required. Funding for Supported Independent Living is available through the National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
SIL can also provide supports in your own home or in a private rental where you live independently. If you live in shared accommodation, SIL can offer support to a number of people with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More living together. Wherever a person chooses to live, SIL will assist you develop a plan that works towards your goals.
A personalised plan will include supporting you with:
To read more about SIL services, click here.
To speak to someone about SIL, call the National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Scheme on 1800 800 110*.
*Mobile phone calls to freecall numbers (numbers starting with 1800) are charged to the caller at the usual mobile rate.
PHNs support general practitioners, nurses and allied health practitioners to improve patient care. PHNs also improve coordination between different parts of the health system for example, between the hospital and general practitioner when a patient is discharged.
PHNs can commission external healthcare providers to meet the needs in the region. For example, PHNs fund or provide:
To find out where the PHNs are situated, follow this link.
As at late 2020, Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI) is a national initiative which is continuing to merge with Emerging Minds, National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health. This website is the primary way for information to be accessed. They work with health care providers, community support groups, educators, service organisations and the media. The information is designed to foster better mental health outcomes for children of parents with a mental illness, reduce stigma associated with parental mental illness and help friends, family and workers in a range of settings identify and respond to the needs of the children and their families where parental mental illness exists.
Emerging Minds develops the policy, services, interventions, training, programs and resources in response to the needs of professionals, children and their families.
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. Getting help early is the key to resolving mental health problems quickly, and headspace is making a difference where it is needed particularly for young people. headspace provides free online and telephone information, emotional support and referral services for children and young people twelve (12) to twenty five (25) years old who are experiencing mental health problems or who are at risk of self-harmSelf-harm refers to any behaviour which involves the deliberate causing of pain or injury to oneself. This behaviour is generally used by people as an extreme coping strategy to manage distressing or painful emotions and feelings. Whilst the behaviour may be deliberate, it can be driven by a strong impulse that is uncontrollable. More. Young people can log onto the website to email or chat with mental health professionals.
headspace Centres act as a one-stop-shop for young people who need help with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drugs or work and study support.
The centres are designed not just for young people, but with them, to ensure they are relevant, accessible and highly effective. As a result, no two headspace centres are the same, with each offering unique services that reflect the needs of its local community.
National telehealth service
In regional and rural areas, getting access to expert psychiatrists is difficult. The National Telehealth Service addresses this, by providing twelve (12) – twenty-five (25) year olds in these areas, access to highly skilled psychiatrists via video consultations. The low-cost service ensures young people get high quality mental health care, while continuing their treatment within their local community. To find out more, click here.
eheadspace
eheadspace is a national online and phone support service, staffed by experienced youth mental health professionals. It provides young people and carers with a safe, secure and anonymous place to talk to a professional – wherever they are.
eheadspace was launched to reach regional and remote young people who were unable to access a headspace centre. It has since grown in popularity with all young people – many of whom simply feel more comfortable accessing our services online. To find out more, click here.
headspace vocational Services
headspace recognises the importance of work and study in a young person’s life. headspace Vocational Services support young people to reach their work and study goals– all in a confidential, online and youth-friendly environment. To find out more, click here.
The Work and Study service is clinically integrated and supports young people whose work and study activities have been impacted by mental health. Young people work one-on-one with a Vocational Specialist to find, maintain or re-engage in work and/or study. The Career Mentoring service offers young people the opportunity to work with an industry mentor who acts as an independent sounding board to support their journey into employment. Services are young person led, strengths based and voluntary — helping young people to take control of their work and study.
To find out more about the Work and Study Service, click here.
To find out more about the Career Mentoring Service, click here.
headspace schools
headspace Schools provides mental health education specific to young people and access to mental health specialists for young people in primary and secondary school students across Australia. Through training and education, school staff and parents can better support students experiencing mental health issues. With a focus on early identification and intervention, headspace Schools builds mental health literacy and resilience in the school community while establishing referral pathways to general practitioners and mental health clinicians. To find out more, click here.
headspace early psychosis
headspace Early Psychosis program supports young people experiencing, or at risk of developing psychosis.
Based on evidence developed by Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, the program focuses on early intervention, providing young people and their families with timely access to specialist support. headspace centres delivering the early psychosis program are equipped with specially trained staff to help young people and their families. To find out more, click here.
Click here for the headspace brochure.
To read more about young people’s services and programs, click here.
Updated December 30, 2020
