The ACT’s community mental health services have been redesigned to deliver more streamlined, accessible and responsive services for the community.
Minister for Mental Health, Shane Rattenbury said mental health services would now deliver more effective care to adults in the ACT, particularly those experiencing major impacts from moderate to severe mental illness.
“A range of services have been redesigned to provide more effective and efficient care,” Mr Rattenbury said.
He said these included a centralised intake, assessment and referral service; a home treatment service to prevent unnecessary hospitalisation; individual specialist therapy programs; and intensive support for vulnerable groups with highly complex needs.
“The services will be offered across a range of locations, including community health centres, outreach into people’s homes or other community settings, as well as providing in-reach into our hospitals,” Mr Rattenbury said.
He said reducing the impacts of mental illness and reducing the rates of suicide and self-harm across the ACT was a key priority.
“The services will take a flexible approach on how treatment, care and support is delivered, giving Canberrans more choices,” he said.
“The new services will improve the outcomes for people experiencing mental health issues and ensure that Canberrans receive high quality, safe and person-centred care.”
He said the service redesign was informed by significant research, data analysis and expert advice, as well as consultation and input from and a range of key stakeholders across the ACT.
