Complex mental health includes people with multiple mental health conditions to manage, PTSD and trauma, long-term mental illness and lower prevalence, higher complexity conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or OCD. The service is also built for autistic people and those with intellectual disability seeking mental health support.
SANE CEO, Rachel Green, says the service addresses a critical care gap by providing free and easily accessible support with minimal waiting time.
“This service was co-designed with the lived experience community and builds on SANE’s 36 years of experience in complex mental health.
“When a person is referred, they are welcomed, befriended and supported in a way that works for them and their recovery. We also provide much-needed ongoing support over a period of weeks or months, including welcoming participants to our online communities.
The Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon Emma McBride MP has welcomed the roll out of SANE’s new service.
“Demand for mental health support has surged across the country in recent years, and Australians living with complex mental health disorders have been particularly impacted.
“This service from SANE will not only help people who need specialised care and support, it will also help their families, carers, and their communities.
“The mental health and wellbeing of all Australians is a top priority for the Albanese Government, and I will continue to work closely with SANE and the lived experience community so people living with complex mental health disorders have access to the care and support they need.”
This service is currently available for self-referral and referral by a health professional across the following new eight regions:
- Adelaide and Metro South Australia regions
- Darling Downs and West Moreton regions
- The Hunter, New England and Central NSW Coast regions
- Northern Territory
- Tasmania
- Western Australia
- Western Victoria region
This is in addition to the five regions that were launched in May:
- Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)
- North West Melbourne
- Western Sydney region
- Central, Eastern and Western Sydney
- Brisbane North region of QLD
- Central Queensland, Wide Bay and the Sunshine Coast region of QLD
Participants can check eligibility and join the service at sane.org/referral and will be directed to other SANE services should they currently not be eligible at this time.
The service is delivered with the support of the Australian Government.
