People in the Hamilton, Portland and Warrnambool areas can now access free mental health counselling, and support with alcohol and other drugs, all through the one service.
Step Thru Care is a partnership of specialist organisations working together to provide integrated care to address a person’s mental health and/or alcohol and other drug support needs. Participants can access psychological therapy, low-intensity mental health support, alcohol and drug assessment or support care coordination without the need for a mental health treatment plan referral.
People seeking support can self-refer to Step Thru Care by contacting Mind Connect on 1300 286 463 or [email protected] . GPs and other referrers can also refer people by email, letter or fax.
Mind Australia General Manager – Western Victoria Phil Dunn says people in Victoria’s Great South Coast region are seeking support for their mental health for a variety of reasons, including: financial and cost of living pressures, homelessness and to cope following local tragedies such as car accidents and drownings.
“In the past, people in these communities may have had to wait to seek support, but through Step Thru Care we are currently able to provide low, moderate and high intensity mental health support in these regional areas,” Mr Dunn said.