Announced last week, the initiative will be supported by Grand Pacific Health, Royal Far West and headspace in efforts to create strengthened, co-existing services reaching Yass, Goulburn and Crookwell. 

Psychological face-to-face consultations, family and telephone mental health assistance, clinical and peer support and suicide prevention via emergency departments will be included in this initiative. 

Low intensity options and online therapy will also be available. 

“The PHN has been working closely with local communities, consumers, carers, health professionals, hospitals and community mental health providers to understand, and then co-design solutions, to meet local needs,” CEO Dianne Kitcher said.

“The commissioning of these services represents the next step in our plan to bring about change to the primary mental health and suicide prevention service system.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will also have access to specified services in select areas. 

Development and Performance Manager Alison Bradley said this updated mental health roll out will be positive for the Yass Valley and surrounding regions.

“We worked out where people are most in need and it’s South Eastern NSW. In the last 12 months we’ve designed what we think would work best,” she said. 

“A hub outreach and a staff member could go to Crookwell for instance. There will be more options and it will be more tailored to an individual’s need.”

General practitioners will also become a key link in recommending new mental health pathways. 

“Grand Pacific Health supports the direction of Coordinare for a more equitable distribution of primary health and mental health funding. Regional areas have struggled to receive their fair share and access to health services remains an issue,” CEO of Grand Pacific Health Ron de Jongh said.

Pleased with the outcome he said Grand Pacific Health was awarded the “lion share” of mental health funding. 

“This will strengthen our service capacity in Goulburn and throughout our five other service hubs in South Eastern NSW and recognises our track record and commitment to regional service delivery," he said. 

Contracts between providers and PHN will be begin on July 1.