Launching in the ACT today, Canberrans living with complex mental health issues are set to benefit from Australia’s first digital and telephone service that provides continuing mental health support designed specifically for them.

Developed and delivered by national complex mental health organisation SANE, this new guided service will support people with issues like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder (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 and over the phone counselling and peer support activities, such as online community forums, social groups and art sessions – all via a new digital participant portal.

CEO at SANE, Rachel Green, says this free service will provide people in this area with critical support 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.

“People in our guided service 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.”

As part of an Australian Government-funded pilot, Capital Health is one of five Primary Health Networks in Australia where people can join the service through a health professional referral or self-referral.

Capital Health Network CEO, Megan Cahill, said they were pleased to see additional mental health services being made available to Canberrans.

“We’re so pleased that Canberrans who are affected by complex mental health issues, including family members and carers, can access new free support online or by phone through SANE,” said Ms Cahill.

“Canberrans can talk with a mental health professional to develop a personalised support plan. This tailored plan may include one-on-one counselling, peer groups or events.”

Rachel Green said: “We know thousands need a support service that is more than a one-off counselling session. People need 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.”

For more information, visit SANE’s Referral Hub: sane.org/referral