Establishment of Head to Health (H2H) networks which aim to improve access to mental health services for adults. There will be two H2H centres in country South Australia, in Mount Gambier and Mount Barker. The network will also include a national Head to Health intake and assessment phone service (H2H phone service) to promote consistent triage and enable transfer and referral to the most appropriate services. The H2H phone service will operate alongside Head to Health adult mental health centres and satellites which will provide short to medium treatment services.
The H2H phone service will be active on 1 July 2022. It aims to improve local service integration, address fragmentation, and offer a seamless care pathway for consumers. The service will provide a single-entry point into and between all community mental health services, including H2H centres and satellites, headspace and other community-based mental health services, including those provided by jurisdictions, Non-Government Organisations or private providers.
If required a mental health professional will complete an initial assessment to understand the level or intensity of care most suitable for the person’s situation using the IAR DST. The caller is then referred to the appropriate service(s) matching their level of need and circumstances.
From 1 July 2022, anyone in South Australia will be able to call the H2H phone service on 1800 595 212.
Health professionals may start to receive referrals from the H2H phone service from this date. To prepare your organisation for the H2H phone service launch - ensure staff within your programs are familiar with the IAR-DST and that relevant staff have completed the IAR-DST training by 1 July 2022.
Country SA PHN looks forward to engaging with you regarding the introduction and integration of these new mental health initiatives to assist country South Australians to receive the right level of care, at the right time, to meet their mental health needs.
