Digital service launches to bridge gap in fragmented mental health system

Australians with complex mental health issues are set to benefit from the country’s first digital and telephone service that provides ongoing mental health support designed specifically for them.

Developed and delivered by leading complex mental health organisation SANE, this new service provides guided support for people with issues like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or OCD. The service is also built for the autistic community and those with intellectual disability seeking mental health support.

Participants will have their own personalised programs of online or over the phone counselling and peer support as well as recovery activities, such as online community forums, social groups and art sessions – all via a new digital participant portal.

According to the Federal Government’s Productivity Commission, more than 150,000 Australians are currently missing out on vital psychosocial support services that could help them manage daily activities, increase social connection, and improve their quality of life.
SANE CEO, Rachel Green, says this free service will help bridge that gap in psychosocial support as well as providing critical support to people currently on waiting lists for clinical services.

“The service we are launching today builds on 36 years of experience in complex mental health – people have told us what they need, and we understand the unique set of challenges they face,” says Ms Green.

“In Australia, the road to treatment and support for people with complex mental health needs is littered with congestion, diversions and roadblocks.”

“People are facing longer waiting lists for help than ever before. Some people can’t afford care and others are simply being forgotten – or told it’s not severe enough yet to warrant more support.

“We know thousands need a support service that is more than a one-off counselling session; a service that provides continuity and connects them to others who can help make sense of what they’re going through and support them through tough times.”

The new support service provided by SANE is currently available for self-referral and referral by a health professional in selected regions across Australia.

“When a person is referred, they are welcomed, befriended and supported in a way that works for them and their recovery. And, in an Australian-first, we are providing much-needed ongoing support over a period of weeks or months, including welcoming participants to our online communities,” continued Ms Green.

“People will have access to counselling, peer support, group activities and health information, all through a best-in-class digital platform designed for them to easily access what they need, when they need it.”

The service is delivered with the support of pilot funding under a grant from the Australian Government.

Original content from AAP. Note: Content has been edited for style and length.

Nina Alvarez

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Nina Alvarez is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel. Her interests include writing, particularly about the healthcare sector and the many ways it can improve to further benefit people from all walks of life.

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