As part of our commitment to investing in mental health the Albanese Government will deliver a new Head to Health service, boosting the availability and convenience of free mental health services for adults in Northam, Western Australia.
This new service builds on the existing network of services in WA. Head to Health services are currently available in Midland and new services in Balga-Mirrabooka, Gosnells and Armadale will open later this year.
Once operational, Northam Head to Health will provide a safe and welcoming place for adults to access mental health information, services and supports delivered by multidisciplinary care teams over extended hours, without needing a prior appointment, GP referral or paying a fee.
Services will include immediate support and follow-up for people presenting in crisis, as well as short to medium term care for people with moderate to severe mental health needs.
The new Head to Health service will be co-designed with the Northam community over the next 12 months to ensure it provides the right services and supports for people in need.
The Australian Government will provide $3.5 million over four years to Country WA Primary Health Network to commission the service.
Anyone can access Head to Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting their nearest service. For more information go to headtohealth.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Emma McBride, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention:
“Making sure adults can access the mental health care they need, when they need it, is an Albanese Government priority.
“We will fund a new Head to Health adult mental health service in Northam so that people can easily and conveniently access mental health services and supports without having to travel great distances.
“The Australian Government is working to make mental health support more accessible for people wherever they live.”
Quotes attributable to Glenn Sterle, Duty Senator for Durack & Labor Senator for WA:
“This announcement is great news for people in Northam and surrounding areas wanting to access mental health support services.
“It’s great that the community will be involved in the design of the service which will take place over the next 12 months and will ensure that it is fit for purpose for the needs of the community.
“I commend Assistant Minister McBride and the Albanese Government for this investment and congratulate their commitment to investing in mental health services.”