Mental Health and AOD - August 2026

Young people living in Yankalilla and Naracoorte will soon have improved access to mental health support, with the establishment of two new headspace Outreach Services as part of the Australian Government's continued investment in youth mental health.

The new outreach services will extend the reach of the headspace model into communities that currently have little to no dedicated youth mental health support, ensuring more young people can access early intervention and appropriate care closer to home.

The initiative forms part of the Australian Government's election commitment to establish a national network of 20 new headspace Outreach Services in regional and remote communities through an investment of more than $27 million.

For Country South Australia, the new services represent an important milestone in improving equitable access to mental health care for young people, regardless of where they live.

Regional and remote communities often experience unique challenges, including geographic isolation, workforce shortages and limited access to specialist mental health services. These factors can contribute to higher levels of psychological distress and create additional barriers to seeking help. By delivering support within local communities, the new outreach services will reduce the impact of distance, travel time and associated costs, making it easier for young people and their families to access care when they need it most.

Consistent with the establishment of all headspace services, the successful Lead Agency will work closely with headspace National, Country SA PHN and the local community to establish the services in accordance with the requirements of the headspace Trade Mark Licence Deed (TMLD). This collaborative approach will ensure the services reflect local community needs while meeting the national standards and quality requirements of the headspace model.

Establishment activities are shortly commencing and will include community engagement, workforce recruitment, service planning and partnership development to ensure both outreach services are fully operational by 30 June 2027.

The outreach services will strengthen connections with local schools, primary care providers, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, community organisations and other youth services, ensuring support is tailored to the needs of each community while complementing existing health services.

The announcement represents the next phase of the Australian Government's $200 million investment to expand the national headspace network. Nationally, there are currently 175 headspace services, including 94 located in regional Australia, with the network expected to grow to more than 200 services by 2028–29. Country SA PHN welcomes this investment and looks forward to working closely with communities, service providers and key stakeholders to establish sustainable, accessible and locally responsive youth mental health services that improve outcomes for young people across regional South Australia.

The option for electronic referral (eReferral) is being established for the Medicare Mental Health phone service, to enable clinicians to digitally send referrals for Country SA PHN funded primary mental health programs. 

Country SA PHN has now activated eReferrals for both general practices and allied health professionals regionwide in country South Australia.

GPs can digitally send and track referrals to primary mental health care services using HealthLink SmartForms within your existing practice management software.

Health professionals (without access to HealthLink) can submit referrals through a Secure Online Webform: Mental Health Referral Form.

eReferrals are sent electronically to the Medicare Mental Health intake team, where it can be assessed, and the client connected to the most appropriate mental health support. This is an enhancement to the current Medicare Mental Health phone service referral system, offering a more secure and consistent way of referring to primary mental health programs.

If you are an individual seeking mental health support

• Visit the Medicare Mental Health website for self-referral options, resources, and information on available services, or call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212
• If you require urgent support, consider contacting Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.

Why use e-referrals

• No faxing or printing
• Saves time – auto populate fields from client records at a click
• Secure and trackable digital referral pathways embedded in practice software
• Instant confirmation and faster processing = faster access for patients

Further information

You can access resources and user guides available here:

• Step-by-step video on how to use the SmartForm
• Step-by-step guide on how to track a SmartForm referral
• Step-by-step guide on how to track a Secure Online Webform referral
• Frequently Asked Questions: GP FAQ page
• Medicare Mental Health - Country SA PHN

Country SA PHN will host information sessions for health professionals about the Medicare Mental Health eReferral system. Register to attend an information session

For more information contact [email protected]

Country SA PHN looks forward to supporting country South Australians via more streamlined and efficient referral pathways to primary mental health care services.