Breaking down barriers to accessing mental health supports

Breaking down barriers to accessing mental health supports

Strong Minds is now more accessible than ever. With a recently approved referral pathway process change, it’s now easier for country Australians to access vital mental health supports through the Strong Minds program.

Shana Turner, Portfolio Manager – Mental Health said “this is such an exciting change! In partnership with our funding body, Western NSW Primary Health Network, we’ve made a significant change to introduce an additional referral pathway for the program. Individuals can now self-refer or be referred by a health or wellbeing care provider, in addition to their GP.”

Previously, individuals needed a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan to access the program, which for some was not possible for a variety of reasons. Now, individuals living in areas where it might be difficult to get an appointment to see a GP have an alternative method to access the vital mental health support they need. A referral form is available on the Marathon Health website, and can be completed by an individual, a health or wellbeing care provider, or a GP.

“GPs play a crucial role in an individual’s overall healthcare, and we encourage individuals to talk to their GP about the program. But sometimes it’s not possible to get to a GP, and we understand that – that’s where this additional referral pathway can help,” Shana said.

What is the program?

The Strong Minds program provides personalised, clinical support for people with a mild to moderate mental health concern that is impacting their ability to live the life they want to live. It’s short-term support in the form of psychological interventions delivered in several ways – face-to-face or telehealth. This all comes down to individual preference and clinician availability. Importantly, the support provided can be tailored to meet the client’s needs.

Who is the program for?

The program can be for everyone. To be eligible, the individual must be living with a diagnosable mental health concern – which could include anxiety, depression or grief and loss. Importantly, the program can also help people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, who are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds or are First Nations, and those under 12 years old (subject to clinician availability).

How do I access the program?

You can access the program in a few ways.

A GP can complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or complete the referral form  to access the program. Alternatively, referrals can be completed by a health or wellbeing care provider, or individuals can self-refer using the referral form.