WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), the operator of Western Australia’s three Primary Health Networks, will be commissioning a Head to Health site in Northam.
Expected to open in the 23-24 financial year, the Northam Head to Health service will offer free advice, support and, if needed, assessment and treatment for people with stress, anxiety and other mental health issues.
The national expansion of Head to Health mental health services means more communities will benefit from this easy to access, essential mental health initiative that operates on a walk-in basis, with no referral needed.
This new site is part of a wider range of Head to Health services funded by the Australian Government available to the community including the Head to Health Assessment and Referral Phone Service 1800 595 212, Head to Health centres, and Head to Health website.
In WA, Midland Head to Health has been open since 2022, and three new sites are planned to open later this year in Armadale, Gosnells and Mirrabooka.
WAPHA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mark Cockayne, said Head to Health sites offer a friendly, low-key environment for people who need support, helping reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues which can make some people reluctant to seek help.
“The successful service provider will be working closely with the local community and health services to ensure the service meets their needs and is well integrated into existing health and social service networks.”
The network of Head to Health services is intended to make it easier for GPs and other health professionals to support the mental health of the people they look after, through improving access to, and coordination of, mental health services delivered digitally, via telephone and face to face.
As part of this integrated approach, GPs and other health professionals will be trained in an Intake and Referral Decision Support Tool to help them ensure people can access the right level of mental health care for their needs.
To stay informed of commissioning opportunities, service providers are encouraged to subscribe to the WAPHA tender notification list.
This activity has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program.