Additional free walk-in mental health care services for adults will soon be available in New South Wales, with locations for new Head to Health services agreed between the Australian and New South Wales Governments.
Together the Australian and New South Wales Governments are providing $45.7 million over 4 years to establish and operate new services in Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Young, Bathurst, Coffs Harbour, Muswellbrook and Moruya.
Services are currently available in Penrith, Lismore, Canterbury and the Central Coast. Services in Liverpool, Parramatta, Shellharbour and Hawkesbury will open later this year.
Head to Health provides a new way for Australians to access free, quality mental health care within their community. Services are fully government-funded and provided by multidisciplinary teams, without the need for appointments or GP referrals.
Head to Health services offer short to medium-term care for people with moderate to severe mental health needs, and immediate support and follow-up can be provided to people presenting in crisis.
As a joint commitment of the New South Wales and Commonwealth Governments under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, Head to Health services will simplify access to mental health advice and support making quality information and care more accessible for people across New South Wales.
An additional 7 Head to Health adult services will be established in New South Wales over the next 3 years in to-be-determined locations.
Head to Health services can be accessed by calling 1800 595 212 or by visiting a nearby location. Read more information about Head to Health.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Emma McBride:
“The Australian Government is working with all states and territories to make mental health support and care more accessible for people wherever they live.
“I’m delighted that agreement has been reached on the locations of the next wave of services in New South Wales.
“These services will make it easier for people in many regions of the state to get the help they need, when they need it.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Rose Jackson:
“People in our regions have suffered enough over the past three years. This investment is just the start of our long-term plan to deliver high-quality mental health support where it is needed most.
“This funding to seven key locations across regional NSW will help fast-track free care without the need for appointments to provide help for those who need it now.”
Location |
Status |
Penrith |
Operational
|
Central Coast |
|
Canterbury |
|
Lismore |
|
Liverpool |
Services expected to commence mid 2023
|
Parramatta |
|
Hawkesbury |
|
Shellharbour |
|
Dubbo |
Establishment due to commence mid 2023
|
Wagga Wagga |
|
Moruya |
|
Muswellbrook |
|
Coffs Harbour |
|
Bathurst |
|
Young |