People living in rural and remote Australia are no exception to the ‘one in five’ rate of mental illness in the population. However, for people in these locations, distance and availability of appropriate services can complicate treatment and management of common mental disorders. Research indicates that rates of mental health service use are low in rural and remote areas. Access difficulties due to distances, time, cost and transport availability may be compounded by shortages and uneven distribution of mental health facilities and mental health professionals.

The Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas measure builds on other measures such as Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) component of the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Program (BOiMH) and the More Allied Health Services (MAHS) program and aims to provide greater access to mental health services.

The mental health services will primarily be located in Ceduna – ideally within the Ceduna District Health Services grounds, so as to provide easy access to other Primary Health Services. This will also facilitate links with Families SA and other visiting specialists who are also located within these grounds. Regular visits to Koonibba, Yalata and Oak Valley communities will be scheduled, providing clinical and mental health services, participation in Team Care Arrangements and Mental Health Care Plans, as well as support to and mentoring of Aboriginal Health Services staff. Access to allied and nursing mental health services under this measure will generally be via referral from a Medical Practitioner who will have responsibility for clinical assessment and management of the patient through a comprehensive care plan.