- Acute Care and Response Teams introduced in the Great Southern
- $22 million mental health crisis care initiative for children and adolescents
- Extended service provides greater access for young people experiencing mental health crisis as well as their families and carers
- Delivers on Infant, Child and Adolescent Taskforce recommendations
The Cook Government has expanded its $22 million mental health crisis care initiative Acute Care and Response Teams (ACRT) to Albany and surrounding communities.
The ACRT provides rapid response and support to young people up to 18 years of age experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as their families and carers.
Children and adolescents will have access to specialist mental health support through a dedicated outreach service, delivered by teams located at the Albany Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS).
The teams consist of highly skilled professionals - including some with lived experience of using the mental health system - as well as specialist Aboriginal mental health workers who can provide cultural intervention and liaison services.
Support is extended to young people in their own homes and communities as well as phone or videocall, reducing the need to travel to a clinic or attend an appointment in a hospital setting.
The service focuses on accessibility for families and carers and provides extended operating hours outside of school and work times, including evenings and weekends, with additional support options for those who require more intensive intervention.
The service is a recommendation from the Infant, Child, and Adolescent (ICA) Taskforce.
Comments attributed to Health and Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"We know hospital settings are not always the right place for young people experiencing mental health issues.
"We want our kids to receive mental health care where they feel comfortable - whether that's at home, in the community or at school.
"The Acute Care and Response Team will help to deliver services to them and their families closer to home by providing a specialised mental health outreach service for young people in crisis in Albany and surrounds."
Comments attributed to Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"The Cook Government is dedicated to expanding community-based mental health support services to ensure clients receive care that is tailored to their needs.
"The Acute Care and Response Team is a welcome addition to our region as it will provide care to children and adolescents when and where they need it.
"Importantly, this service aims to provide timely and accessible care delivered by highly qualified mental health professionals with lived experience, and Aboriginal mental health workers who can assist in reducing ongoing mental health presentations."
