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Mental Health News – Sep ’16

Mental Health News – Sep ’16

youth mental health services
Youth Mental Health a key focus for the Sydney North region

With intentional self-harm representing the greatest cause of death in 15-24 year olds in NSW, the Northern Sydney PHN is committed to improving primary mental healthcare services in the region.

Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) recently issued grants to local health services to help support this need. These grants will allow additional psychological services to be targeted to vulnerable groups in the community.

In the Sydney North PHN region, on average approximately two young Australians in this age group present at an emergency department every day with suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or self-harm.

The Gaimaragal Group is one of the local organisations that received grant funding to run two Aboriginal youth mental health programs. The first is about community consultation and identifying and coordinating services for at-risk youth in the region. The program includes cultural activities and Healing and Reflective Circles which link young Aboriginal people with a community member and social worker.

The second program works with local school Principals, community, parents, carers and staff on trauma education to improve service provision for at-risk young people.

SNPHN is currently engaging with stakeholders in the region to plan and design mental health services.

World Suicide Prevention Day was Saturday 10 September 2016.

CLICK HERE for more information.

GPs can refer patients to the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program by calling the Sydney North Health Network GP referral line on 1300 782 391.

September and October’s allocation of services are as follows:

Service Delivery
Number of Referrals Available in September
Number of Referrals Available in October

General ATAPS including:

  • Mild to moderate general mental health disorders.
  • Children.
  • Postnatal depression.

0

146

Suicide Prevention including:

  • Self-harm.
  • Mild to moderate suicide ideation.

9

40

Service Delivery

General ATAPS including:

  • Mild to moderate general mental health disorders.
  • Children.
  • Postnatal depression.

Number of Referrals Available in September

0

Number of Referrals Available in October

146

Service Delivery

Suicide Prevention including:

  • Self-harm.
  • Mild to moderate suicide ideation.

Number of Referrals Available in September

9

Number of Referrals Available in October

40

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