Free Mental Health Support Expands To Maroondah
The Victorian government has opened a new 'Mental Health and Wellbeing Local' site in Maroondah to provide free, accessible mental health support. The initiative is part of a broader state-funded network aimed at early intervention.
Why it matters
This highlights the political debate over public health funding and the accessibility of mental health services in regional Australia.
Labor is making it easier for Victorians to access free mental health care, when and where they need it.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today officially opened the Maroondah Mental Health and Wellbeing Local site in Ringwood.
The statewide network of Locals provides support and treatment for adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress.
Importantly, to access care at a Local - you don't need a Medicare card or GP referral and services are completely free.
Locals act as a 'front door' to the system making them an important tool in early intervention.
The network of Locals has already helped almost 50,000 Victorians.
Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experienced mental health professionals, wellbeing staff and peer support workers.
The Maroondah local will provide communities in Melbourne's east with a range of clinical and wellbeing mental health supports, both in-person and via telehealth.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in