Finding appropriate mental health services for a loved one can feel like navigating a complex maze, particularly when you're already managing the emotional challenges that come with supporting someone through difficult times. At APOD Family Support, we regularly hear from families struggling to connect with the right services in Victoria.
Understanding the Victorian Mental Health System
Victoria's mental health system offers various levels of support, from community-based services to acute hospital care. Recent reforms have aimed to make this system more accessible, but many families still find it challenging to determine where to start.
The mental health system generally includes:
- General practitioners (GPs)
- Community mental health services
- Specialist mental health services
- Hospital-based services
- Crisis assessment and treatment teams
- Rehabilitation and recovery services
- Alcohol and other drug (AOD) services
Each plays a different role in supporting individuals with mental health challenges, and understanding these roles can help you connect your loved one with appropriate care.
First Steps: Beginning the Journey
Starting with a GP
For many, the mental health journey begins with a GP appointment. GPs can:
- Provide initial assessments
- Create Mental Health Treatment Plans that allow access to Medicare-subsidised psychological services
- Refer to psychiatrists or specialised mental health services
- Prescribe and monitor medications when appropriate
When accompanying your loved one to a GP appointment, it can be helpful to:
- Assist them in preparing key points they want to discuss
- Take notes during the appointment if they're comfortable with this
- Ask about what supports are available for you as a family member
Understanding Mental Health Plans
A Mental Health Treatment Plan allows access to up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychological sessions per calendar year. To obtain one:
- Book a longer appointment with the GP (typically 30-40 minutes)
- The GP will assess symptoms and determine eligibility
- If appropriate, they will create the plan and provide referrals
While 10 sessions may not be sufficient for complex or ongoing conditions, they often provide valuable initial support or supplement other services.
Navigating Public Mental Health Services
Area Mental Health Services (AMHS)
These are organised by geographic regions across Victoria and typically include:
- Community-based care teams
- Crisis assessment and treatment teams
- Mobile support teams
- Inpatient units when necessary
To access these services:
- Contact your local AMHS (findable through the DHHS website)
- Complete an initial assessment
- Be assigned to appropriate services based on need and eligibility
Crisis Support Options
For urgent situations, Victoria provides several crisis support options:
- Mental Health Triage: Available 24/7 through your local AMHS
- Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT): Provides rapid response for acute mental health crises
- Emergency departments: For immediate safety concerns
- Triple Zero (000): For emergencies where safety is at immediate risk
It's worth saving relevant crisis numbers in your phone before they're needed.
Specialised Services and Programs
Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Services
For loved ones experiencing both mental health and substance use issues (often called "dual diagnosis"), specialised services include:
- DirectLine (1800 888 236) for information and referral
- Counselling services
- Withdrawal services
- Rehabilitation programs
- Harm reduction programs
Youth-Specific Services
For young people aged 12-25:
- headspace centres provide early intervention services
- Orygen Youth Health for more complex needs
- CYMHS (Child and Youth Mental Health Services)
Older Adult Services
For those over 65:
- Aged Persons Mental Health Services
- Memory clinics for cognitive assessments
- Specialised geriatric services
Support for Families and Carers
As someone supporting a person with mental health challenges, you deserve support too:
- APOD Family Support provides peer support groups and a dedicated support line (0412 382 812)
- Tandem (formerly the Victorian Mental Health Carers Network) offers advocacy and support
- Carer Gateway provides counselling, coaching, and practical assistance
- Carers Victoria offers respite options and educational resources
Overcoming Common Barriers
Long Waiting Lists
Unfortunately, many services have waiting periods. Strategies to manage this include:
- Ask to be placed on cancellation lists
- Consider private options if financially viable
- Utilise support groups during the waiting period
- Request interim support options
Navigating Private Options
If your loved one has private health insurance or can afford private care:
- Psychiatrists may offer more consistent care (though often with out-of-pocket costs)
- Private psychologists may have shorter waiting periods
- Private hospitals offer inpatient and day programs
To reduce costs:
- Check what your private health insurance covers
- Ask about sliding scale fees
- Explore bulk-billing practitioners
Supporting Someone Who Is Reluctant to Seek Help
If your loved one is hesitant about engaging with services:
- Focus on building motivation rather than forcing engagement
- Highlight the benefits rather than just the necessity
- Offer to attend initial appointments with them
- Consider services that come to them, such as mobile outreach teams
- Remember that building trust with services often takes time
Coordinating Care Across Services
Many people with complex needs require multiple services. To help coordinate this care:
- Keep a record of all service providers and their contact details
- Request providers to communicate with each other (with your loved one's consent)
- Consider care coordination services if available
- Bring lists of current treatments to new appointments
Advocating Effectively Within the System
Learning to advocate effectively can significantly improve the care your loved one receives:
- Be persistent but respectful in following up
- Document conversations, including names and dates
- Know your loved one's rights (and yours as a supporter)
- Consider formal advocacy services if needed
- Join with others through organisations like APOD to advocate for systemic improvements
Moving Forward
The journey through Victoria's mental health system is rarely straightforward, but understanding the available pathways can make it more manageable. Remember that connecting with appropriate services is often an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.
At APOD Family Support, we understand these challenges firsthand. Our support groups provide opportunities to learn from others who have navigated these systems, while our support line (0412 382 812) offers individual guidance when you need it most.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. While the system may be complex, with the right information and support, you can help your loved one access the care they need while maintaining your own wellbeing.