New Whittlesea mental health service a step closer

250778_01

The state government has launched a tender process for a new adult mental health service in the City of Whittlesea.

Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said the tender process was open for the first six local adult and older adult mental health and wellbeing services, which will be built in Whittlesea, Benalla, Brimbank, Frankston, Geelong and the La Trobe Valley.

The services are aimed at bringing vital support services closer to communities and are expected to open in late 2022.

They will act as a ‘front door’ to the reformed mental health system ─ connecting Victorians to the care they need in their own community, focusing on prevention and early intervention for adults who are experiencing mental illness or psychological distress as well as treatment for alcohol and drug addiction.

“We are building a new mental health system from the ground up ─ one that is responsive, tailored and localised that meets the needs of all Victorians no matter where they live,” Mr Merlino said.

“These new local services will transform the way we deliver treatment, care and support for Victorians with mental illness and psychological distress – giving them easy-to-access local services and support within their community.”