Eastern Melbourne PHN (EMPHN) is funding Mentis Assist $1.3 million to deliver a new Mental Health Stepped Care Model in Melbourne’s outer-east from 2 July 2018.
Mentis Assist has a long history as a service provider on the Mornington Peninsula and southern region.
The initiative will fund Mentis Assist to provide mental health services across the continuum – for people requiring low intensity to higher levels of support – with an emphasis on recovery, who live or work in Maroondah, Knox or the Yarra Ranges.
Developed in line with mental health reform across Australia, the model utilises peer workers, counsellors, psychologists, social workers and mental health nurses, as well as innovative eHealth technology.
Transition arrangements are underway for existing clients. Referrals to the model will be available via Mentis Assist or EMPHN’s Referral and Access Team from July.
Information on how to refer to the new model will be available soon. Regular updates will also be published via EMPHN’s website and newsletters.
Within the EMPHN catchment, a phased transition to our Mental Health Stepped Care Model is planned.
- Stage one started in January 2018 (Whittlesea and Banyule, Shire of Nillumbik and parts of the shires of Murrindindi and Mitchell within the area EMPHN works).
- Mentis Assist will deliver the second stage from July 2018 (Maroondah, Knox or the Yarra Ranges).
- Stage three still start in January 2019 following future tender processes (Manningham, Boroondara, Whitehorse and Monash).
This initiative is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the PHN program.