Psychological Strategies Trial for Melbourne's East

15 August, 2017

Those with, or at risk of, low to moderate severity mental health disorders will soon benefit from new funding for a mental health trial, delivered by Eastern Access Community Health (EACH).

Eastern Melbourne PHN (EMPHN) has provided $440,000 funding to EACH to provide a Psychological Strategies program to people with or at risk of mild to moderate mental health issues.

Eastern Melbourne PHN CEO, Robin Whyte, said the year-long trial will provide an early intervention alternative to higher cost psychological services available through the Medicare Benefits Schedule.

“Early intervention is the focus of this trial as it’s always preferable to help people while their mental health issues are less severe and more manageable,” she said.

“This trial will use targeted treatment plans which include mainly face-to-face sessions with the option for telehealth options, like video conferencing and phone support.”

EACH Senior Manager, Richard Lough, said we know many people have a preference to talk privately and confidentially to a trained mental health professional to help get on top of mental health challenges.

“This trial provides a number of different treatment options using one-to-one support that have the flexibility to really be tailored to the preference of the individual,” he said.

Referral to the program can be made either through a GP or self-referral by contacting EMPHN's Referral and Access Team on 9800 1071.

This service is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the PHN Program.

EMPHN works to improve the wellbeing of its community, particularly for those at risk of poor health outcomes, by improving coordination of care and ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time. EMPHN works across an area of 3,956 km² comprising a population of more than 1.5 million people. www.emphn.org.au 

For media inquiries:
Ellie Cope, EMPHN Communications Officer
ellie.cope@emphn.org.au 9046 0316