Faith-based Adult and Teen Challenge patients raise concerns about lack of mental health support

An alcohol and drug rehabilitation provider in southern Western Australia has vowed to review its program after former residents raised concerns about its reliance on unqualified staff and limited mental health support. Ms Dunstall said she did not have addiction issues, like most Adult and Teen Challenge residents, but was struggling with her mental health. Adult and Teen Challenge WA executive director Steve Hall said while there were no psychologists or psychiatrists on staff, residents were able to receive mental health support through Zoom sessions with Collective Hope, depending on their resourcing. Ms Dunstall said the lack of mental health support during her time at Adult and Teen Challenge was harmful. While Mr Hall acknowledged many staff had come straight out of the rehabilitation program, he said they had "valued lived experience" and went through training to become support workers.