Mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults

Active
Duration:

July 2019 - June 2025

Funding Amount:

$2.64 million

Locations

all

Melbourne Macedon Ranges Yarra Moonee Valley Darebin Maribyrnong Hobsons Bay Wyndham Brimbank Moorabool Melton Hume Merri-bek

Overview

This Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health program provides treatment and support to First Nations adults 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.

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.

Clinicians provide one-on-one treatment to support clients through various culturally appropriate, trauma informed psychological interventions. A care coordinator also assists clients, linking them to other services required to manage their health such as legal support, allied health, housing, alcohol and other drug services, Centrelink, child protection, financial counselling and advice, food security and emergency supports.

Outcomes

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

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. 

Services involved