Mobile mental health care launches in the South West

• Acute Care and Response Team introduced in the South West
• The mobile service supports children, young people and their families experiencing a mental health crisis in their community
• The Cook Labor Government is investing $13.8 million to expand this service
• Cook Labor Government ensuring all Western Australians can access the healthcare they need where they need it

The Cook Labor Government has expanded infant, child and adolescent mental health services in the South West with the establishment of a mobile Acute Care Response Team (ACRT).

The ACRT provides a rapid mobile response and support to children and young people up to 18 years old experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as support for their families and carers in the community.

The service will also provide additional support for children and young people experiencing on-going mental health conditions who require more frequent engagement with services.

The service builds upon the existing South West Infant Child Adolescent Mental Health Services Hub and will work in partnership with local health and community services to provide a co-ordinated response that best meets the needs of young people and their families.

The service was developed as a new model of care in response to recommendations of the Infant, Child and Adolescent System Transformation Program to deliver safe, intensive and community-based crisis support for children and young people, enabling access to care where and when it is needed.

Families and young people can access the ACRT through multiple pathways, including self-referral through the South West ICAMHS Hub by calling 9722 4300 or emailing WACHS-SW.CAMHSAdmin@health.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:

"This vital service provides timely mobile crisis care and intensive support for children and families in the South West.

"It is so important that these new service models can be accessed from spaces where children and young people feel most comfortable, like their home or school.

"It provides an alternative to attending an emergency department for urgent mental health care, and we know hospital settings are not always the right place for young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis."

Comments attributed to South West Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch:

"This new mobile response team will help ensure children and young people experiencing a mental health crisis can access timely support in their community, closer to home and when they need it most.

"By expanding mental health services in the South West, the Cook Labor Government is improving support for young people and their families, providing earlier intervention and better access to care to help achieve positive long-term health outcomes."

Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:

"As a former teacher, I am very aware of the need for expanded mental health services in the South West.

"To be able to bring mental health supports to children and young people is a game changer.

"It's something many families have advocated for in our region and this innovative approach ensures young people can access the care they need, when they need it."