Resources
Laying the groundwork for mental health and suicide prevention system reform – Budget 2023–24
Fact sheet
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
Report
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
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
Fact sheet
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
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
Report
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
Report
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
Report
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
Report
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
Story
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 – Who these services are for
Presentation
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
Presentation
An Auslan translation describing crisis support services.
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Top 3 questions – Sleep and mental health with Doctor Ruth Vine
Presentation
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
Presentation
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
Presentation
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
Presentation
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
Presentation
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
Story
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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Top 3 questions – Healthy lifestyle choices
Presentation
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.
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COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services – Support for grief, loss and bereavement
Presentation
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
Presentation
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
Presentation
An Auslan translation describing advice and advocacy services for older people.
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Medical Research Future Fund – Professor Helen Christensen AO
Story
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.
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Top 3 questions – Helping kids return to school and sports, strategies to check in with teens, and finding support
Presentation
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 – Understanding mental health terms video animation
Story
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
Presentation
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
Presentation
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
Fact sheet
Mental Health support for people effected by the recent Medibank Cyber incident.
Independent Evaluation of HeadtoHelp and AMHCs final evaluation report
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
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
Report
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
Report
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
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
Strategy or framework
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
Report
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
Guideline
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
Report
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
Guideline
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
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
Guideline
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
Report
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
Guideline
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
Guideline
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
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
Fact sheet
This fact sheet, part of the 'Care for your health' campaign, outlines information about mental health services in Australia.
Budget 2022–23: Mental health – Workforce and Governance (Pillar 5)
Fact sheet
A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.
Budget 2022–23: Mental health – Prevention and Early Intervention (Pillar 1)
Fact sheet
A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.
Budget 2022–23: Mental health support for the Devonport community
Fact sheet
A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.
Budget 2022–23: Mental health – Supporting our vulnerable (Pillar 4)
Fact sheet
A Budget 2022–23 fact sheet.
Budget 2022–23: Mental health – Suicide Prevention (Pillar 2)
Fact sheet
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
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)
Fact sheet
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
Fact sheet
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
Fact sheet
From 1 January 2022, patient access to specialist telehealth services will be supported by ongoing MBS arrangements.
Medicare telehealth services – Consumer information
Fact sheet
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
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
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
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.
The Way Back Support Services – Interim evaluation short report
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
Report
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
Report
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
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
Fact sheet
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
Digital image
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
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
Report
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
Report
The Final Report details the approach taken to scope and develop the National Digital Mental Health Framework.
National Digital Mental Health Framework
Report
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
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
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
Fact sheet
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
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
Digital image
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
Digital image
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
Digital image
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
Digital image
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
Report
The Australian Government’s National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan
National Suicide Prevention Adviser – final advice
Report
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
Meeting minutes
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)
Fact sheet
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
Fact sheet
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.
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
Fact sheet
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
Meeting minutes
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
Infographic
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
Infographic
COVID19 Mental Health “How’s your head today?” image for social media and online use.
NMHWS taskforce meeting communique – 13 November 2020
Meeting minutes
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
Report
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
Report
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
Report
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
Report
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?
Advertisement
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
Meeting minutes
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?
Fact sheet
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
Infographic
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
Infographic
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
Infographic
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
Infographic
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
Infographic
COVID19 Mental Health “How’s your head today?” image for social media and online use.
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