Not for profit provider Grand Pacific Health will be opening its Medicare Mental Health Centre in Young so all locals will be able to access free mental health services within the community.
The local provider will be offering this new service in Young for anyone dealing with emotional distress, life challenges or mental health concerns and will be opening its doors at its Boorowa Street Clinic in the coming months.
"With the beginning of the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Young, we are taking a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone in our region has access to high quality mental health care," Grand Pacific Health community engagement officer Emma Whitechurch said.
"Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and treatment in a compassionate and accessible manner."
The service is funded by Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network and the NSW Ministry of Health and is being delivered by Grand Pacific Health in partnership with Directions Health, Mission Australia and Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation.
"Local residents can access the free service without a need for a referral, mental health treatment plan or Medicare card, by calling Head to Health on 1800 595 212 or calling Grand Pacific Health on 02 64534440," Emma said.
"Currently the service can provide access to mental health clinicians.
"Once the service is fully established will be able to provide access to mental health clinicians, co-occurring needs clinicians for those with drug and/or alcohol and mental health needs, peer workers, care navigators, family support workers and aboriginal support workers."
The clinic expects to be able to accept walk ins when it opens its doors in the next few months.
"The Medicare Mental Health Centre is an adult mental health service for those aged 16 and above," Emma said.
"However, anyone of any age can connect with the Care Navigator, once they are in place, to establish other services that may be available to anyone aged 15 and under."
Grand Pacific Health is also able to provider low-level, short-term, face-to-face counselling through its MyStep program.
For more information on the Medicare Mental Health Centre or Grand Pacific Health please reach out to Emma Whitechurch at ewhitechurch@gph.org.au.
Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732; 13 Yarn 13 92 76