WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) is pleased to announce Medibank Health Solutions as the successful organisation to operate a new statewide Head to Health Assessment and Referral Phone Service for the WA community, following an open tender process.
From 1 July 2022, the Service will provide statewide access to telephone-based assessment and referral to match people to services that meet their mental health needs. Information and advice about mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use will also be available.
Assessments, undertaken by trained mental health professionals, will include a follow up call placed by the Service team within seven days of the person’s initial call for help.
Community members can contact the helpline, free of charge, Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm by dialing 1800 595 212.
The Service will be delivered as part of the national network of Head to Health Services, including Head to Health adult mental health centres and the Head to Health digital mental health platform, funded by the Australian Government.
“Medibank Health Solutions brings a wealth of experience to this telephone-based consultation service designed for Western Australians.
The service will support better referral and service navigation for community members seeking mental health care, using the national Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool set by the Australian Government.”
– Mark Cockayne, General Manager, Commissioned Services, WAPHA
Dr Andrew Wilson, Medibank Group Executive – CEO Health Services, said the health company was pleased to deliver the Head to Health Assessment and Referral Phone Service to the WA community.
“The Australian Government’s National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan recognises that good mental health care starts with the right assessment and referral.
The Medibank team is looking forward to providing the Service to the WA community and working with WAPHA to ensure the community can access support when and where they need it.”
“The Albanese Government understands the importance of mental health care for Australians.
From COVID-19 to everyday pressures, demand for mental health support has surged to record levels across the country.
We need to make sure we have the right resources in place so Australians can get the care they need.
That’s why it’s important to have services such as Head to Health which provide telephone, face to face and digital support, wherever Western Australians may be.”
– Hon Mark Butler MP, Australian Minister for Health and Aged Care:
To learn more about WAPHA’s mental health priorities, visit Our Priorities: Mental Health.