We are excited to share that SANE is the first organisation to receive government accreditation for digital mental health services!

Developed by the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare, the accreditation audit process conducted by the Institute for Healthy Communities Australia (IHCA) involved rigorous independent review of organisational programs, policies, program manuals, protocols and data security as well as independent feedback from participants using SANE services to verify alignment with the new National Safety and Quality for Digital Mental Health (NSQDMH) Standards.

Digital mental health refers to any mental health service accessed via phone, online, SMS, video conference or apps. The NSQDMH Standards are a formal benchmark outlining the level of care users should expect, therefore improving and standardising the quality of available digital mental health services and protecting those who use them from harm.

SANE CEO Rachel Green said: "This is a huge achievement, and demonstrates SANE’s commitment to safety and quality – speaking volumes to the strengths of being a lived experience-led organisation, strongly focused on partnering with the people and families who our services are co-designed to support, and demonstrates that our digital mental health programs meet the highest standards of safety and quality."

Australia is the first country in the world to offer government accreditation for digital mental health services. Whilst currently a voluntary process, it is planned for it to become mandatory for all Australian providers – public and private - by the end of 2024. 

SANE is delighted to be the first organisation to undertake this process and, more importantly, the first to pass with flying colours. 

According to the report provided by the NSQDMH independent evaluator, IHCA: ‘SANE presents as an outstanding organisation in terms of their visionary and robust leadership, governance and operational management; comprehensive documentation; high calibre of staff; focus on training and development; quality of services provided, and extensive evidence of engagement with people with lived experience in planning, developing and delivering services.’ 

Put simply, accreditation against the standards provides digital mental health users and GPs, clinicians, PHNs and other health providers assurance that SANE programs and services are gold standard for safety, efficacy and security. 

The NSQDMH Standards accreditation comes on the back of SANE passing the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards in November last year, further reinforcing SANE’s commitment to quality and safety.

Learn more about the new Australian Digital Mental Health Standards and what it means for those living with mental ill health here  

Access our range of accredited phone and online services here

Quick facts

• Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, with characteristics first emerging in early childhood. 

• Autistic people experience a range of differences in the areas of social behaviour and communication, interests and behaviours, and often experience co-occurring mental health conditions. 

• Autistic people can benefit from working with mental health professionals who understand autism, are strengths-based, and supportive. 

An important note: at SANE, we have chosen to use identity-first language in this factsheet, which is preferred by many people in the autistic community¹. However, we recognise that some people prefer person-first language like ‘person with autism’, or the term ‘autism spectrum disorder’, and we respect individual choices and preferences. 

• What is autism? 

  Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. The official diagnostic term is ‘autism spectrum disorder’. Some people also use the term ‘Asperger’s syndrome’, which was a previous term related to autism, though this is no longer given as a diagnosis in Australia.  

  Autism is form of neurodivergence, meaning that autistic people think, learn, experience, and interact with the world around them in a different way to other people. These days, more people are understanding and embracing autism, and celebrating the strengths of autistic people.  

• Characteristics of autism

  
  As a neurodevelopmental condition, signs of autism first appear in early childhood. Autism involves the following²​: 

  • Challenges with social communication and interaction. This can include challenges with conversations, non-verbal communications and body language, and difficulties in relationships. 
  • Restricted and repetitive behaviours, interests or activities. For example, repetitive motor movements or speech; a strong preference for sameness and routine; intense or focused interests; or sensitivity to sensory stimulation like sound or temperature. 

• Causes of autism

  It’s unclear what causes autism. There is no single cause, and lots of different factors can contribute. It’s known to run in families and there is a strong genetic basis³​.  

• How common is autism?

  It’s estimated that around 0.7 per cent of Australians are autistic, and children and young people are most likely to be diagnosed⁴​. People are getting better at recognising autism, particularly in adults who might have had their symptoms missed in childhood. 

  Autism occurs on a spectrum and can be described as a constellation of traits. This means that each autistic person is different. Some autistic people experience significant challenges in their day-to-day life, and may identify as having a disability, whereas others do not.  

  Many autistic people also experience co-occurring mental health issues. These are commonly due to a range of reasons, including overlap in symptoms, possible shared life experiences and genetic factors, and the impact of stressful or traumatic events like bullying.  

  Common co-occurring mental health and developmental conditions include⁵: 

  • ADHD 
  • Depression 
  • Anxiety disorders 
  • OCD 
  • Bipolar disorder 

  Some autistic people may also experience other conditions like intellectual disability, speech and language challenges, sleep problems, and physical health problems. 

• Support for autism and mental health 

  Many autistic people can benefit from accessing mental health support.  But there can be barriers to getting the right help – for example, some mental health professionals may not have a good understanding of autism, or have the right training to provide support.  

  Good mental health support for autistic people includes⁶​: 

  • Mental health professionals who are knowledgeable about autism, and understand the strength and resilience of autistic people. 
  • Accessible, high quality support services that are appropriate for people who might have communication challenges or sensory sensitivities. 
  • Good coordination and collaboration between different teams and support providers. 

  People experiencing both autism and mental health issues can also benefit from: 

  • building a relationship with a supportive GP, and other mental health professionals 
  • developing a support network of trusted friends or family members 
  • looking after their physical health by getting enough exercise and sleep  
  • connecting with others with similar experiences, such as through peer support 
  • Accessing other types of support, such as community and employment support, if needed. 

  Autistic people have a range of strengths and have the right to access connection and mental health support that meets their needs.  

  To connect with others who get it, visit our online Forums. They’re safe, anonymous and available 24/7.  

  VISIT SANE FORUMS.

• Resources and support 

  • Amaze 
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and autism 
  • Yellow Ladybugs – support for autistic girls and gender diverse young people 

• References

  ​​1. Amaze. Talking about autism: guidelines for respectful and accurate reporting on autism and autistic people [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Feb 8]. Available from: https://www.amaze.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Talking-about-autism-a-media-resource.pdf 

  ​2. American Psychiatric Organization. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5). In: 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.  

  ​3. Warrier V, Chee V, Smith P, Chakrabarti B, Baron-Cohen S. A comprehensive meta-analysis of common genetic variants in autism spectrum conditions. Mol Autism [Internet]. 2015;6(1):49. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-015-0041-0 

  ​4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Autism in Australia [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2023 Feb 8]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/autism-in-australia/contents/autism 

  ​5. Lai MC, Kassee C, Besney R, Bonato S, Hull L, Mandy W, et al. Prevalence of co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the autism population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry [Internet]. 2019;6(10):819–29. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215036619302895 

  ​6. Amaze. Autism and mental health [Internet]. [cited 2023 Feb 8]. Available from: https://www.amaze.org.au/understand-autism/about-autism/mental-health/ 

This International Women’s Day, SANE recognises the need for innovation in creating a gender-equal future, and in particular the critical role technology can play in creating an inclusive, accessible and equitable mental health system for all women.

The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing showed that one in four Australian women aged between 16-85 were diagnosed with a mental disorder in 2020-21, with the most reported being anxiety disorders including social phobia and PTSD.

Women disproportionately experience sexism, violence, abuse and financial insecurity, increasing their risk of trauma. We are committed to ensure the voices of women influence how we deliver our services.

These issues are further compounded by the findings in SANE’s recent Bridging the Gaps survey which also found that women seeking mental health care experienced challenges with affordability (53%), waiting lists times (34%) and a lack of access to the right providers to support their recovery (18%).

“Having experienced domestic violence for 28 years I have found accessing help in the mental health space to be very hard. There seems to be a lack of education and understanding about PTSD, DV and trauma. Repeating my “story” to different services is triggering, staff appear very uncomfortable with the DV, and services don’t follow up.” - Bridging the Gaps survey participant.

The use of digital technology is one way we can ensure women have equitable and affordable access to mental health care, no matter what circumstances they are living under.

During the week, we spoke with Myra, SANE's Head of Information Technology and Emma, SANE's Counselling Manager and Thalia, a counsellor at SANE, to give some insight into how innovation is ensuring equitable mental health care for women in our community.

Myra says we have seen the benefits of digital technology to provide support and increased access to the life-changing connection, community, continuity and contribution that we know women with complex mental health needs rely
on.

“SANE’s services do not see gender as a factor for access,” she said.

According to Emma, trauma-informed care is at the heart of SANE services.

“After experiencing trauma, women are significantly more likely to develop PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders than men. All service delivery staff undergo trauma-informed care training so that they are well-equipped to provide safe, trustworthy and collaborative care that provides choice and is empowering.”

Counsellors and peer support workers use a person-centred approach to holistically bring together various aspects of a person’s life including their social, emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual health.”

Our digital and telephone support services are free and ensure that we can reach those most in need to help address the inequity in Australia’s fragmented mental health systems.

Thalia (she/they), a Counsellor at SANE, also said that SANE's digital services naturally offer an inclusive space for all by bridging the gaps for so many women unable to access services they need, and at the root advocating for systemic change and equity for all.

“Our counselling and peer support workers understand complex mental health conditions and are trauma informed.”

To learn more about SANE spport services, click here.

As a national organisation that advocates for Australians living with complex mental health needs, watching the evidence being presented at the Royal Commission on Robodebt has been harrowing to say the least.

Tens of thousands of those impacted by the Robodebt scheme would have been receiving support because they were struggling with severe or lifelong mental illness and were instead persecuted with false debts.

It must be recognised that Robodebt targeted the most vulnerable group of Australians, who in many cases would not have had the executive function to understand the situation or manage the enormous administrative burden associated with clearing their name. 

Through the SANE community, we’ve heard from many about the profound impact of the scheme - the distress they experienced when harassed for money that they simply weren’t able repay, the frustration and helplessness at being stuck in a hellish bureaucratic loop of being unable to prove their innocence, and the fear of having their already limited benefits reduced or removed. 

The Government must seek alternatives to managing this administrative burden and recognise that even small amount of debt has a huge impact on a community who often struggle to even find housing or afford the basics of food and utilities.

It’s our hope that the Royal Commission puts political debate to one side and places people with lived experience at the centre of Departments and at Centrelink to ensure that this type of harmful and truly tragic failure of public policy never occurs again.

Need support or assistance? 

If you’ve been affected by the Robodebt scheme or the Royal Commission process has caused you distress, the following services may be of help -  

For crisis support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

For general phone or online counselling, or for connection to others like you, check out SANE support services at https://www.sane.org/get-support

For free advice on your financial rights or managing debt, contact the National Debt hotline on 1800 007 007 or https://ndh.org.au

Results from the SANE Bridging the Gaps Survey shows Federal Government forum must listen to people who live with acute mental illness.

Complete a short survey and help SANE advocate for a brighter future

SANE’s 2023 Bridging the Gaps Survey aims to capture experiences of the mental health system and opinions on what changes need to be made to ensure a brighter future for people with complex mental health needs.

We are asking those with a lived experience of complex mental health issues and their families, carers and supporters to complete a short anonymous survey by Sunday 22 January 2023.

Click here to start the survey now. 

It should take less than 10 minutes to complete.

Your support will help SANE advocate to the government, address mental health inequity and bridge the current gaps in mental health care for people with complex support needs.

If you have any questions or feedback about the survey, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The festive season can be tough, particularly for those living with poor mental health and trauma. SANE community forums are available to provide support when and where it’s needed.

December and January is traditionally a time for celebration, but for many, the festive season means loneliness, conflict and distress - often amplified by reduced access to regular mental health clinicians and services.  

As the national mental health organisation supporting Australians living with complex mental health needs, SANE provides a range of phone and online supports to help people manage their mental health when face to face services are limited.

In particular, the SANE Community Forums provide a safe and welcoming space where people can connect with others who have been in the same circumstance.

SANE CEO, Rachel Green, says this service addresses a critical care gap over the holidays by providing free and easily accessible support when and where it’s needed.

‘The festive season can be a very stressful and lonely time for those living with mental illness and trauma and we want people to know there is always a place you can turn to if it becomes too much.’

‘Our forums provide a safe, online space for those living with complex mental health needs, and their families, friends and carers, to share their experiences, learn from others or simply find an empathetic ear.’

‘With conversation thread covering a range of different areas, and thousands of regular users, there’s always someone up for a supportive chat.’

‘Importantly, SANE Forums are moderated 24/7 by mental health professionals and peer support workers and accessible from any internet enabled device, from anywhere in Australia.’

‘It’s been a tough few years for so many of us, so we strongly urge any Australian struggling with their mental health to reach out to us should you need support over the holiday period.’  

SANE Peer Ambassador and forum user Charlotte Osman knows what it’s like to be lonely over the holidays after moving to Australia.

‘I’d moved to Australia just before Christmas in 2001. Beyond the people I’d started working with, I knew nobody in Sydney.’

‘Australians are a friendly bunch but I soon learned that Christmas was a difficult time to arrive as people naturally tend to withdraw to their close family and friend groups which left me as an outsider.’

‘I decided to try and boost my mood by heading to the Botanical Gardens to read in the sunshine. When I got there, I couldn’t even bring myself to open the book, because all I could see was people celebrating together while I was all alone. It was a truly devastating feeling. I took myself off home to bed and didn’t get back out of bed for three days.’

‘In that instance I had to find myself a GP to get the support I needed. Since that time, I’ve discovered SANE forums and that’s where I tell people to go if they feel lonely and need support.’ 

‘The forum is filled with people who are ready to talk. They’ve come from so many different backgrounds – people with lived experience, carers, healthcare professionals – so it’s such a rich community of minds, brains and hearts. I consider some of the people I’ve met on the SANE forum to be good friends.’ 

SANE Community Forums and other support services can be accessed at https://www.sane.org/get-support

'I’d originally been diagnosed and treated for depression ten years before, so I knew what was happening, but that didn’t make it any easier to cope with. I knew I needed help, but I didn’t have anyone to ask for help'.

As the national mental health organisation representing Australians living with complex mental health, SANE welcomes the plan to address mental health treatment inequity but cautions against reducing access to already limited services.