No appointment or referral is necessary for Canberra’s newest walk-in mental health centre, which opened in Deakin today and will provide in-demand services for the local community.
Commissioned by the Capital Health Network (CHN), the service is being operated by Think Mental Health and provides a safe place for people at heightened risk of suicide, experiencing high levels of distress, or experiencing mental ill-health.
CHN CEO Megan Cahill said the new Canberra Head to Health Centre is there to support the wellbeing and health of Canberrans.
“A couple of years ago, Canberrans found themselves engulfed in smoke from bushfires raging around us. Then we found ourselves facing the global Covid-19 pandemic which forced us to deal with the pressures of lockdown, homeschooling and the daily uncertainty about the future,” Ms Cahill said.
“This has resulted in more Canberrans experiencing mental health challenges than ever before.”
Clinical psychologist and director of Think Mental Health, Jason McCrae, said it was really exciting to be opening a service designed to address some of the gaps in the ACT’s mental health services.
“Mental health services around Canberra often have long wait times, so Head to Health is designed to try and meet some of those needs to fill some of the cracks. We do expect a strong uptake of the support because we know demand in Canberra has been high and it’s difficult to get into services,” Mr McCrae said.
“We know the Australian College of GPs reported that 64 per cent of people presenting to them present with a mental health issue. That volume is difficult to keep up with.”
He said the pressure of lockdown, isolation and quarantine over the last few years can significantly contribute to mental health conditions, particularly anxiety, so the service will meet the ongoing complex needs of Canberrans.
“It’s designed to be the front door to the mental health system. People can either walk in or call and our specialist workers will undertake an assessment process with the individual and will help guide them to the right available service and support,” Mr McCrae said.
Senator Zed Seselja opened the new centre and said it will be a buffer while people are waiting to be connected to long-term care.
“Our government is committed to improving mental health services across Australia and here in the ACT. To do so, we have invested considerable funding to improve services now and into the future,” Senator Seselja said.
“This centre will integrate with other services to address fragmentation and offer seamless care pathways, with an emphasis on ensuring consumers and carers do not need to retell their story.”
To access free support at the Canberra Head to Health Centre, call 1800 595 212 or drop into ALIA House, First Floor, 9 Napier Close, Deakin.
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