Mental health and suicide prevention resources

A list of resources about mental health and suicide prevention in Australia.

Resources

Laying the groundwork for mental health and suicide prevention system reform – Budget 2023–24

This Budget 2023–24 fact sheet outlines reforms to the mental health and suicide prevention system. The Australian Government will address workforce shortages and urgent gaps, and extend critical services. This will lay the groundwork for future reform.

The Way Back Support Services Evaluation – Final evaluation report appendices

A sequential list of supplemental information to accompany The Way Back Support Services Final Evaluation Report.

The Way Back Support Services Evaluation – Final evaluation report

This report details how well The Way Back Support Service was being delivered, participant experiences and outcomes, and what contributes to recovery after a suicide attempt or crisis, for whom and how.

Better Access – Involving family or carers in my mental health treatment

This fact sheet outlines available Medicare rebates under the MBS initiative (Better Access).

Evaluation of the Program of Assistance for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (PASTT) final report

The PASTT evaluation assessed the effectiveness, accessibility, appropriateness and cost effectiveness of PASTT in contributing to the successful resettlement of humanitarian entrants in Australia.

Conclusions and recommendations – Evaluation of the Better Access initiative

Recommendations from the Evaluation of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access)

Main Report – Evaluation of the Better Access initiative

This is the final report of an independent evaluation of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) Initiative by the University of Melbourne.

Appendices – Evaluation of the Better Access initiative

Appendices supporting the final report of an independent evaluation of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) Initiative by the University of Melbourne.

Executive Summary – Evaluation of the Better Access initiative

This is the executive summary of the final report of an independent evaluation of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) Initiative by the University of Melbourne.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) social and emotional wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – key video animation

This video animation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders has been developed to support a new national social and emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness project Keep Your Spirit Strong.
2:23

COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services – Who these services are for

An Auslan translation describing who the COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services are for.
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COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services – Crisis support services – available 24 hours

An Auslan translation describing crisis support services.
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Top 3 questions – Sleep and mental health with Doctor Ruth Vine

Hear from Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine about what is considered normal sleep and things you can do to help improve your sleep and mental health.
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COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services – Help for dementia associated behaviours

An Auslan translation describing support services for aged care providers to ease the impacts of lockdown on residents living with dementia.
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Top 3 questions – The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing with Dr Ruth Vine

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine, answers the top three questions across our channels.
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Dr Lyn-li Lim on returning to work for aged care staff

Dr Lyn-li Lim on returning to work for aged care staff.
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Top 3 questions – Staying positive, social anxiety, and support for health workers

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine, answers the top three questions you've been asking on our social accounts around mental health.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) social and emotional wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – Connecting to culturally-led approaches video animation

This video animation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders has been developed to support a new national social and emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness project Keep Your Spirit Strong.
6:30

Top 3 questions – Healthy lifestyle choices

Professor Michael Kidd, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, discusses making healthy choices, and the small steps we can take every day to enjoy a healthy life.
2:42

COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services – Support for grief, loss and bereavement

An Auslan translation describing support services for grief, loss and bereavement.
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COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services – Resources

Grief and trauma resources are available for download, print or order. Translated brochures and posters are also available in several languages.
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COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services – Advice and advocacy for older people

An Auslan translation describing advice and advocacy services for older people.
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Medical Research Future Fund – Professor Helen Christensen AO

Professor Helen Christensen AO (Director and Chief Scientist, Black Dog Institute) explains how the Medical Research Future Fund enables a national response to mental health issues.
6:44

Top 3 questions – Helping kids return to school and sports, strategies to check in with teens, and finding support

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine, answers the top three questions you've been asking on our social accounts around mental health.
0:38

Coronavirus (COVID-19) social and emotional wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – Understanding mental health terms video animation

This video animation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders has been developed to support a new national social and emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness project Keep Your Spirit Strong.
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COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services – Resources for those affected by trauma

An Auslan translation describing resources for those affected by trauma.
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COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services – Auslan translation

An Auslan translation describing the services providing grief and trauma support for those living, working and caring in the aged care sector, who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Mental Health Support – Medibank Cyber Incident

Mental Health support for people effected by the recent Medibank Cyber incident.

Independent Evaluation of HeadtoHelp and AMHCs final evaluation report

This final report shows the key findings from the evaluation which includes qualitative data collected through interviews and other artefacts and a quantitative analysis of the Primary Mental Health Care Minimum Dataset (PMHC-MDS) data.

Independent evaluation of the Head to Health digital mental health gateway – Final report

This report is an independent evaluation of the Head to Health Digital Mental Health Gateway. Its purpose is to describe our findings regarding the evaluation to generate recommendations and conclusions to inform the development of the new National Mental Health Platform.

Analysis of Suicide Prevention Trials Evaluation Findings – Discussion Paper

This discussion paper presents the findings of 3 Australia suicide prevention trials conducted by KPMG. The paper explores some of the key considerations for designing and implementing a systems-based approach to suicide prevention.

Evaluation of the National headspace Program

The evaluation of the National headspace Program (headspace) aims to provide a greater understanding of the appropriateness, effectiveness and outcomes of headspace to inform future policy decisions regarding implementation.

Evaluation of the PHNs’ improved access to psychological services in Aged Care facilities initiative – Final report

This is the final report of an independent evaluation of the Primary Health Network Improved Access to Psychological Services in Aged Care Facilities initiative undertaken by the Australian Healthcare Associates.

Better Access Evaluation – Methodology

Methodology for the evaluation of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule initiative.

Evaluation of National Psychosocial Support Programs: Appendix A

Appendix A provides a profile of how each PHN implemented the National Psychosocial Support Measure (NPS-M) and Continuity of Support (CoS) program.

Head to Health Kids National Service Model

The Head to Health Kids National Service Model has been developed to support consistency in the establishment, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Head to Health Kids Hubs as well as providing clear expectations regarding functions and quality of care.

Literature review of effectiveness of supported digital mental health interventions

This literature review looks at the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), including cost. It is part of the evaluation of digital mental health services.

Service Model for Head to Health Adult Mental Health Centres and Satellites - Revised June 2021

The Head to Health Adult Mental Health Centres and Satellites Service Model was developed to support consistency in the establishment and implementation of Head to Health centres and satellites as well as providing clear expectations regarding functions and quality of care.

Independent evaluation of supported digital mental health services – Phase 2 final report

This report looks at clinician supported online therapy services funded by the Australian Government. It will help the government plan future initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and getting more people (including healthcare professionals) to use the services.

National Service Model: Head to Health assessment and referral phone service

The Head to Health phone service provides assessment and navigation to connect people to the right mental health services for them. This service model outlines how the Head to Health phone service will be delivered in all Primary Health Network regions in a nationally consistent way.

Allied health workforce data gap analysis – issues paper

This issues paper outlines the findings and recommendations of the allied health workforce data gap analysis project. This Paper was completed by Health Policy Analysis, who were engaged by the Department of Health and Aged Care in 2021-22.

National Guidelines to improve coordination of treatment and supports for people with severe and complex mental illness

This Guidelines are aspirational and intended to inform stakeholders on areas associated with the improvement of coordination of treatment and supports for people with severe and complex mental illness. These Guidelines were endorsed by all Australian governments in March 2022.

Plain language summary – National Guidelines to improve coordination of treatment and supports for people with severe and complex mental illness

This plain language summary is designed to inform the reader about the National Guidelines to improve the coordination of treatment and supports for people with severe and complex mental illness (the Guidelines).

Evaluation of National Psychosocial Support Programs: Final Report

The independent evaluation of the National Psychosocial Support Measure (NPS-M) and Continuity of Support (CoS) program assessed how appropriate, effective, efficient and impactful the programs have been.

Care for your health – Your guide to digital mental health services

This fact sheet, part of the 'Care for your health' campaign, outlines information about mental health services in Australia.

Budget 2022–⁠23: National Preventive Health Strategy

A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.

Budget 2022–⁠23: Mental health – Workforce and Governance (Pillar 5)

A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.

Budget 2022–23: Mental health – Treatment (Pillar 3)

A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.

Budget 2022–23: Mental health – Prevention and Early Intervention (Pillar 1)

A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.

Budget 2022–⁠23: Mental health support for the Devonport community

A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.

Budget 2022–23: Mental health – Supporting our vulnerable (Pillar 4)

A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.

Budget 2022–23: Mental health – Suicide Prevention (Pillar 2)

A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.

Evaluation of the PHNs’ Improved Access to Psychological Services in Aged Care Facilities initiative – Technical supplement to the final report

This is the technical supplement to the final report of an independent evaluation of the Primary Health Network Improved Access to Psychological Services in Aged Care Facilities initiative undertaken by the Australian Healthcare Associates.

Hospital certification for MBS items for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

A fact sheet has been developed to assist practitioners in preparing Type C certification, for submission to private health insurers, where rTMS treatment is provided in hospital. It also provides guidance on what to include when correctly completing Type C certificates.

Ongoing telehealth – Strengthening primary care

From 1 January 2022, telehealth services introduced in response to COVID-19 will be ongoing. Eligible patients all around Australia will continue to have access to GP, nursing, midwifery and allied health services via telehealth where the health professional deems it clinically appropriate.

Changes to MBS specialist telehealth from 1 January 2022

From 1 January 2022, patient access to specialist telehealth services will be supported by ongoing MBS arrangements.

Medicare telehealth services – Consumer information

The Australian Government has worked with experts to design telehealth services that will continue from 1 January 2022. Many of the telehealth services that have benefited patients since March 2020 continue in their current form.

Overarching Evaluation of the National Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Program – final report

This report presents the findings of the Overarching Evaluation of the National Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Program completed by the University of Queensland.

Evaluation of the Early Psychosis Youth Services Program – Final report

The Evaluation of the Early Psychosis Youth Services (EPYS) program examined the appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency and equity of the EPYS program to determine its impact and inform future policy direction.

Evaluation of the Early Psychosis Youth Services Program final report – Appendices

The Evaluation of the Early Psychosis Youth Services (EPYS) Program examined the appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency and equity of the EPYS Program to determine its impact and inform future policy direction.

The Way Back Support Services – Interim evaluation short report

This report offers a brief insight into how the Way Back Support Service is meeting the needs of people accessing the service across Australia. In addition the report outlines key interim findings and key interim recommendations.

Evaluation and review of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program (NSPLSP) – Research summary brief

This research summary brief provides an overview of the evaluation and review of the NSPLSP. A process evaluation of all activities funded under the program was conducted and the brief highlights key insights and future design considerations.

Environmental scan of digital mental health services

This environmental scan looks at factors that affect the implementation of online mental health services. It is part of the evaluation of digital mental health services.

National Suicide Prevention Trial – Final evaluation report

This report presents the findings of the final evaluation of the National Suicide Prevention Trial done by the University of Melbourne. It provides recommendations for future policy development.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Grief and Trauma Support Resources Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social media content

This social media content has been developed specifically for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audience. The content can be used by the aged care sector and affiliated organisations to share information about the grief and trauma support services on social media channels.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Grief and trauma support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – Social media images

These social media tiles can be downloaded and used by the aged care sector and affiliated organisations to share on their social media channels.

Better Access Evaluation – Terms of reference

The Terms of Reference for the Better Access evaluation sets out the key objectives of the evaluation, what is in scope for the evaluation, and the governance arrangements.

National Mental Health Workforce Strategy – A literature review

This literature review looks at existing national and jurisdictional workforce strategies related to the mental health workforce. It also reviewed recent findings of mental health reviews and inquiries. It is being used to help develop a national mental health workforce strategy.

Scoping and development of a National Digital Mental Health Framework – Final Report

The Final Report details the approach taken to scope and develop the National Digital Mental Health Framework.

National Digital Mental Health Framework

The National digital mental health framework aims to support an integrated and strategic approach to digital mental health service delivery and inform future funding decisions by governments.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Grief and Trauma Support Services – Brochure

This brochure outlines the grief and trauma support services available for those living, working and caring in the aged care sector who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Grief and Trauma Support Services – Poster

This poster outlines the grief and trauma support services available for those living, working and caring in the aged care sector who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Grief and trauma support resources – Social media content

This social media content can be used by the aged care sector and affiliated organisations to share information about the grief and trauma support services on social media channels.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Grief and trauma support resources – Order form

This order form can be used to order printed versions of the brochure and poster, English and translated.

Grief and trauma support – Social media image – Dementia Support Australia

A tile that can be used by the aged care sector and affiliated organisations to share on their social media channels.

Grief and trauma support – Social media image – Phoenix Australia

A tile that can be used by the aged care sector and affiliated organisations to share on their social media channels.

Grief and trauma support – Social media image – Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement

A tile that can be used by the aged care sector and affiliated organisations to share on their social media channels.

Grief and trauma support – Social media image – Older Persons Advocacy Network

A tile that can be used by the aged care sector and affiliated organisations to share on their social media channels.

The Australian Government’s National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan

The Australian Government’s National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan

National Suicide Prevention Adviser – final advice

A collection of resources from the National Suicide Prevention Adviser and Taskforce, including executive summary, final advice and appendices to support the advice.

NMHWS taskforce meeting communique – 11 December 2020

This communique summarises the 14th meeting of the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy taskforce (NMHWS) held by video conference on 11 December 2020.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Stakeholder kit – How are you feeling today? (Multicultural)

This stakeholder kit includes translated campaign key messages and links to campaign creative including videos, radio files, posters, social media content and images, and sample EDM/website content for multicultural audiences.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) social and emotional wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – case studies

Here you will find case studies and stories that are part of the Keep Your Spirit Strong project. These stories demonstrate culturally-led ways of working and how an Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander worldview and understanding of mental health shapes and delivers effective care.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) social and emotional wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – stakeholder kit

This stakeholder kit provides further context and background on the broader project and includes suggested social media copy you may wish to use in sharing the resources, along with some case studies of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led approaches.

NMHWS taskforce meeting communique – 27 November 2020

This communique summarises the 13th meeting of the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy Taskforce (NMHWS) held by video conference on 27 November 2020.

Mentally Healthy Workplaces during COVID-19

The National Mental Health Commission, in conjunction with the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, has created a series of evidence-based, easy to use guides to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australian workers and to encourage mentally healthy workplaces during COVID-19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Image - How's your head today - 1

COVID19 Mental Health “How’s your head today?” image for social media and online use.

NMHWS taskforce meeting communique – 13 November 2020

This communique summarises the 12th meeting of the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy taskforce (NMHWS) held by video conference on 13 November 2020.

National Suicide Prevention Adviser – Interim advice report: towards a national whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention in Australia

This document outlines the National Suicide Prevention Adviser, Ms Christine Morgan, interim advice to the Prime Minister. It focuses on how we can build a shared understanding of suicidal behaviour, what a national whole-of-government approach should look like, and how we can achieve it.

National Suicide Prevention Adviser – Summary of interim advice

This document is a summary of the interim advice the National Suicide Prevention Adviser, Ms Christine Morgan, provided to the Prime Minister. It outlines actions to deliver a more coordinated, comprehensive and compassionate approach to suicide prevention.

National Suicide Prevention Adviser – Shifting the focus: a national whole-of-government approach to guide suicide prevention in Australia

This document is part of the National Suicide Prevention Adviser, Ms Christine Morgan, interim advice to the Prime Minister. It seeks to drive a national whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention.

National Suicide Prevention Adviser – Compassion first: designing our national approach from the lived experience of suicidal behaviour

This report is part of the National Suicide Prevention Adviser, Ms Christine Morgan, interim advice to the Prime Minister. It summarises key insights from thousands of people with first-hand experience of suicidal behaviours.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Radio – How are you feeling today?

This radio ad encourages listeners to look after their mental and physical health. It's ok to ask for help if you are not feeling yourself.

NMHWS taskforce meeting communique – 23 October 2020

This communique summarises the 11th meeting of the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy taskforce (NMHWS) held by video conference on 23 October 2020.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Stakeholder kit – How’s your head today?

This stakeholder kit includes campaign key messages and links to campaign creative including videos, radio files, posters, social media content and images, and sample EDM/website content.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Image - How's your head today - 6

COVID19 Mental Health “How’s your head today?” image for social media and online use.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Image - How's your head today - 4

COVID19 Mental Health “How’s your head today?” image for social media and online use.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Image - How's your head today - 2

COVID19 Mental Health “How’s your head today?” image for social media and online use.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Image - How's your head today - 7

COVID19 Mental Health “How’s your head today?” image for social media and online use.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Image - How's your head today - 5

COVID19 Mental Health “How’s your head today?” image for social media and online use.
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