Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

For an overview of the services we fund for mental health, suicide prevention and drug & alcohol, please download the Summary of Commissioned Services.

Mental Health Services 

Mental health is a priority for WNSW PHN. We work alongside a range of existing mental health providers to collaborate and support services in the region. We support a ‘Stepped Care’ model for mental health service planning, which is defined as an evidence-based, staged system comprising a hierarchy of interventions to meet individual needs. For more information download the WNSW PHN’s Stepped Care Approach for Mental Health.

Strong Minds Western NSW

WNSW PHN funds Marathon Health to provide psychological therapy services for under-serviced groups, with a focus on access and availability. The program delivers free referral-based psychological services face-to-face or via telehealth across the whole region. Find out more - Strong Minds Fact Sheet for General Practice

The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP)

This program funds mental health nurses to work with GPs and psychiatrists to provide specialist mental health care for people with severe and persistent mental illness in the community.

headspace

There are four headspace centres in the Western NSW PHN area; Bathurst, Broken Hill, Dubbo and Orange. These centres provide mental health and other support services to people aged 12 to 25 years and are commissioned by the WNSW PHN. 

GP Psychiatry Support Line 

This support line is free service available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm to help GPs manage mental health consumers. More information can be found here.

Rural Youth Mental Health (RYMH)

The Benevolent Society is partnered with Bila Muuji Aboriginal Corporation Health Service to provide RYMH a mobile community outreach program which supports young people between the ages of 12 and 25 living in rural areas of NSW, to overcome mental health challenges and isolation.  It provides free therapeutic services, group work and case management services within community centres, schools, homes, TAFE and other outreach settings. Read more here.

Virtual Psychology Service

Virtual Psychologist provides access for people affected by the November 2022 flooding in western NSW to access virtual psychology services without referal. This service is available for people living in the priority areas of Eugowra, Forbes, Parkes, Canowindra and Molong) seeking mental health support. To access this service, text or WhatsApp message to 0488 807 266 (text line only). Learn more about this service here.

Suicide Prevention Services

WNSW PHN funds both mainstream and indigenous suicide prevention activities that reflect the principals of the Black Dog Institute “LifeSpan” approach.  The objective is to improve access to effective high-quality health care by providing training in suicide prevention for health professionals, human services and community members.

Crisis Support Lines
  • 13YARN – 13 92 76
  • Lifeline – 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
  • Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
  • MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
  • Beyondblue – 1300 22 4636
  • Mental Health Emergency Care (MHEC) 1800 011 511
Resources for Health Professionals

Black Dog Institute Psychological Toolkit

Practical resources for health professionals to assist in the management of mental illness in their clinical work.

Low Intensity Services Directory

WNSW PHN has developed a directory of low intensity & digital mental health services that are available in our region suitable for use by individuals or health practitioners.

Grief and Trauma Service Directory – Children and Young People 

Information on services available in our region for grief and/or trauma counselling for children and young people.

headspace for Health Professionals

Research and resources in on mental health in young people. Online training for GPs working with young people

NALAG Centre for Loss and Grief (Dubbo)

Education and training in loss, grief and bereavement together with other mental health areas.

Support Services - Mental Health & Suicide Prevention 

Beyond Blue

Providing information and tools to help you stay safe, look after yourself and others. Providing phone and online support, advice and action on 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au

Black Dog Institute

Information about how to get help, the warning signs for suicide and self harm and how to help  with suicide prevention. blackdoginstitute.org.au/clinical-resources/suicide-self-harm

Conversations Matter

Conversations Matter is a practical online resource to support safe and effective community discussions about suicide  www.conversationsmatter.com.au

Headspace

Find your nearest headspace centre for mental health and other support services for people aged 12 to 25 years and are commissioned by the WNSW PHN.

Head to Health

Australian Government's e-mental health portal to help you find the right Australian digital mental health resources. www.headtohealth.gov.au

Kids Help Line

Online and phone counselling services for children and families. 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au

Rural Aid

The Rural Aid Mental Health and Wellbeing team is made up of experienced counsellors who are based in rural towns across the country. Rural Aid counsellors offer free, confidential support to farmers and their families. Counselling Intake Line – 1300 175 594

Suicide Call Back Service

The Suicide Call Back Service provides counselling to people at risk of suicide. People affected by suicide can contact this service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Suicide Prevention Australia 

Provides national leadership for the suicide prevention sector in Australia

Contact Us

Nik Todorovski

Senior Manager - Commissioned Services and Strategic Projects
Phone: 02 5317 1272
Email: