Minister opens new Mental Health Service in Clarkson

30/6/00
A new mental health service in Clarkson will greatly benefit children and young adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, aggressive behaviour, social problems and delinquency.
Health Minister John Day said a recent study by the Western Australian Child Health Survey found that 16 per cent of children and adolescents living in the North Metropolitan region of Perth had a significant mental health problem.
"Eight per cent of adolescents were reported as having engaged in self-harm behaviour and 16 per cent had thoughts of suicide," Mr Day said.
He said the new child and adolescent mental health unit in Clarkson would provide accessible services to all of the community.
"Epidemilogical studies throughout the world indicate that between 10 and 20 per cent of children and adolescents suffer from a diagnosable health problem," the Minister said.
"According to the survey 47 per cent of children with serious mental health complaints have three or more symptoms such as anxiety, depression or aggressive behaviour.
"In 1998, more than 4,000 children and young people under 18 were seen by specialist mental health services in Western Australia, which is substantially more than in 1995."
Mr Day said the new clinic was part of a $47 million, five-year capital works program for mental health services State-wide.
"The State Government's aim is to position mental health services across WA to minimise the disruption to people's lives, and to promote early intervention through easier access," he said.
The clinic will service the suburbs of Clarkson, Merriwa, Quinns Rocks, Neeabup, Kinross, Currambine, Connolly, Ocean Reef, Joondalup, Yanchep, Two Rocks and Mindarie.
Mr Day said the clinic would be well received, as there had been strong population growth, with large numbers of children living in this region.
"The Clarkson clinic is staffed by a child psychiatrist, clinical psychologists, social workers and a community health mental nurse," he said.
"Clinical staff will work closely with the existing child mental health service at Warwick and with other key service providers, including the Education Department and Family and Children's Services."
Mr Day said the Clarkson clinic was a long-term investment in the well-being and happiness of WA children.
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9213 6600