As the youth mental health crisis continues to have its impact on schools and families across the country, Western Australia’s Cook Government has announced the expansion of its $22 million mental health crisis care initiative Acute Care and Response Teams (ACRT) to Albany and surrounding communities.
The ACRT provides rapid response and support to young people up to 18 years of age experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as their families and carers.
Children and adolescents will have access to specialist mental health support through a dedicated outreach service, delivered by teams located at the Albany Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS).
The teams consist of experienced and skilled professionals – including some with lived experience of accessing the mental health system – as well as specialist Aboriginal mental health workers who are equipped to deliver cultural intervention and liaison services.
Young people will be able to receive support in their own homes and communities, as well as via phone or video call, reducing the need to attend an appointment in a hospital setting or travel long distances to a clinic.
The service is a recommendation from the Infant, Child, and Adolescent (ICA) Taskforce. It focuses on accessibility for families and carers and provides extended operating hours outside of school and work times, including evenings and weekends, with additional support options for those who require more intensive intervention.
“The Acute Care and Response Team is a welcome addition to our region as it will provide care to children and adolescents when and where they need it,” says Albany Member of the Legislative Assembly Rebecca Stephens.
“Importantly, this service aims to provide timely and accessible care delivered by highly qualified mental health professionals with lived experience, and Aboriginal mental health workers who can assist in reducing ongoing mental health presentations.”
WA Health and Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says, “we know hospital settings are not always the right place for young people experiencing mental health issues”.
“We want our kids to receive mental health care where they feel comfortable – whether that’s at home, in the community or at school.