Mental health

We support and promote a primary care system in which an individual’s physical health and mental health care needs are treated holistically.

Download our Mental Health Strategy Head to Health 
Suicide prevention Download our Suicide Prevention Strategy 

WA Primary Health Alliance commissions services from a wide range of providers including community managed organisations and health service providers. Our mental health commissioning is underpinned by three priorities:

  • Increase timely access to primary mental health care for people in under-serviced groups and/or experiencing locational disadvantage.
  • Continuously improve the safety and quality of primary mental health care.
  • Enhance efficiency and improve the experience and outcomes of people accessing services, by working with partners to reduce fragmentation between general practices and other services.

In addition to our role as a commissioner of mental health services, WA Primary Health Alliance is committed to building the capability and capacity of the primary health care sector to respond to the needs of people experiencing mental health issues.

We are working with our partners to achieve an integrated mental health service system, ensuring people can access excellent care closer to home that best meets their mental health needs.

For referral information, visit Clinician Assist WA.

WA Foundational Plan

A joint plan for mental health and alcohol and other drug services across the Western Australian health system will help people seeking support to get the right help, regardless of their first point of access.

WA Primary Health Alliance led the development of the WA Foundational Plan for Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, and Suicide Prevention which is the first priority area under the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.

Commonwealth Guidance Materials

The Australian Government provides guidance materials that determine the scope of mental health activity for Primary Health Networks. Recently updated guidance for Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Programs can be found here.

You may want to read more about our other priority areas

Suicide prevention

Each year, we invest in the delivery of health services relating to the prevention of suicide.

As part of the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network initiative, we operate across the state, improving access to healthcare.

We have invested in numerous programs that are enhancing the recognition and effective management of depression and suicidality in primary care settings.

We were the first to bring to Australia the Alliance Against Depression framework, which is an evidence-based approach to optimising the care of people with depression and preventing suicidal behaviour through a collaborative community-based intervention framework.

Find out more

Disclaimer

While the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.