New mental health clinics for over-25s

A new network of mental health counselling clinics for Australians aged over 25 will be set up across the country, as part of a $2.3bn mental health package that also includes the establishment of a National Suicide Prevention Office. Head to Health will serve Australians who are older or have outgrown the existing Headspace program for 12- to 25-year-olds.

The government will also spend $278m on 10 new Headspace clinics, growing that program’s footprint to 164 centres across Australia, following criticism of long waiting lists at the publicly funded youth centres.

While $111m in new funding will be allocated to some Medicare subsidised psychology, these sessions are limited to the carers and family members of existing mental health patients, as well as for group sessions.

Meanwhile, a new National Suicide Prevention Office will be the centrepiece of a $298m “whole of government approach to suicide prevention”, which includes expanding a prevention and support program.

The federal government will also work with state and territory governments to provide aftercare services for all Australians discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt, as well as targeted support services to Australians experiencing a suicidal crisis who do not go to a hospital. Support to families, friends and communities affected by a suicide will also be increased.

For children aged under 12 who are not covered by Headspace or the new Head to Health adult centres, the government will spend $54m to launch up to 15 Head to Health Kids wellbeing centres, offering counselling for children and their parents.

General practitioners will also receive $16m to provide primary mental health care, including more psychological training.

Mental health services for perinatal and postnatal anxiety and depression will also be expanded by $47m.

The budget also included $77m for the National Legal Assistance Partnership to “support early resolution of legal problems for those experiencing mental illness”, citing the detrimental effect that legal proceedings can have on mental health.

The government also announced $79m for a renewed National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy and $27m to help Australians with eating disorders.

In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978.