Mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults

This Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health program provides treatment and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years and over experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental health and wellbeing concerns.

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) operates this program though a social and emotional wellbeing model and client-directed, strengths-based care.

Through this program, clients can access:

• one-on-one culturally appropriate, trauma-informed clinical support, treatment and mental health interventions
• care coordination, linking to a wide range of services including legal support, allied health, housing, alcohol and other drug services, Centrelink, child protection, financial counselling and advice, food security, and emergency supports.

The program team comprises of clinicians and care coordinators who regularly collaborate with social workers and AOD workers, fostering a developing client-centred model of care. The team also maintains strong cross-sector collaboration with hospitals and other key stakeholders to clinically and holistically facilitate healing, and tailor supports to current needs prioritising continuity of care.

VAHS is an Aboriginal community controlled health organisation, which provides a range of health services to Aboriginal people in Victoria with the aim of creating healthy individuals and communities, and the best social, emotional and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people.

This program ensures access to culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NWMPHN region, as well as:

• empowering positive decision-making
• fostering self-management of mental health and other supports.

VAHS is a trusted provider who submits narrative and data reports for evaluation, and engages in quality improvement activities to ensure the program’s continued success.

Page updated 24 July 2025.