Mental health funding boost in Victoria to target those at risk of committing crime
7 years, 11 months ago

Mental health funding boost in Victoria to target those at risk of committing crime

ABC  

The Victorian Government has revealed a $70-million plan to improve services for people with mental illnesses at risk of committing crimes, in an effort to prevent them from entering the justice system. The plan will see $40 million put towards expanding the Thomas Embling Hospital, a forensic facility where people with mental health issues who commit violent crimes are often sent instead of prison. "We know when one in five Victorians every year have a mental health challenge and that half of us over our lifetime will want to seek support from our mental health services, that this is a big issue," Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said. Victoria's mental health system 'now the worst in Australia' Thomas Embling Hospital has been plagued with problems in recent times, with a number of violent attacks on staff and a chronic bed shortage. Mental health advocate Professor Patrick McGorry said Victoria's mental health system had been in decline for a decade.

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History of this topic

Mental health system a 'nightmare' for vulnerable Australians and needs urgent fixes, AMA warns
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Mental health system a 'nightmare' for vulnerable Australians and needs urgent fixes, AMA warns

ABC  

The Australian Medical Association has issued a serious warning about the state of the nation's mental health system, claiming it's failing those who need it the most. The peak body for doctors said the number and quality of mental health beds in public hospitals also needed urgent attention as backlogs were leading to poor health outcomes. Other changes the AMA …

Labour’s mental health reforms a ‘lip service’ that could worsen racial inequalities, experts warn
4 months, 1 week ago

Labour’s mental health reforms a ‘lip service’ that could worsen racial inequalities, experts warn

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act risk worsening racial inequalities …

Psychiatrists and families call for funding overhaul of Queensland's broken mental health system
6 months ago

Psychiatrists and families call for funding overhaul of Queensland's broken mental health system

ABC  

Warning: This article contains references to mental health and suicide. Contact Emma Pollard at pollard.emma@abc.net.au No effort made to ensure safe accommodation Angelica's previous suicide attempt happened inside the Caboolture Hospital grounds after she discharged herself from that facility's mental health ward in February. "As with any unexpected death, a thorough review into the care provided to this patient and …

Mental health study suggests patients born overseas more likely to be held in hospital involuntarily
10 months ago

Mental health study suggests patients born overseas more likely to be held in hospital involuntarily

ABC  

The first time Jasper* was admitted to hospital against her will, she was held there for more than two months. In a statement NSW Health said mental healthcare was most appropriately provided in the community, to avoid the need for emergency hospital care. "NSW Health is committed to providing the best possible mental health care and treatment in the least …

Up to 40pc of mental health conditions are linked to child abuse and neglect, study finds
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Up to 40pc of mental health conditions are linked to child abuse and neglect, study finds

ABC  

In 1996, Ange McAuley was just 11 years old when ABC's Four Corners profiled her family living on Brisbane's outskirts. The research has found that childhood maltreatment is responsible for up to 41 per cent of common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, self-harm and suicide attempts. Dr Grummitt said they found in the year 2023 child maltreatment …

Why Britain’s mental health crisis threatens to doom a new generation
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Why Britain’s mental health crisis threatens to doom a new generation

The Telegraph  

“For the past 10 or 15 years, we have had an increase in the percentage of people requiring mental health support,” says Smith, who focuses on treating young adults. Last year 1.2 million people were on the waiting list for community mental health services. A growing number of school children are suffering with mental health conditions, meaning that unless something …

Almost half a million children waiting to start mental health treatment, new figures show
1 year, 2 months ago

Almost half a million children waiting to start mental health treatment, new figures show

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Tom Madders, from mental health charity Young Minds, said: “Behind every referral is a young …

A year after the government halved psychology subsidies, Australians are delaying or foregoing treatment
1 year, 2 months ago

A year after the government halved psychology subsidies, Australians are delaying or foregoing treatment

ABC  

Since rebates for psychology sessions were halved a year ago, the cost of living crisis has forced Australians to compromise and even forego critical mental health care. Psychologist rebates halved for mental health patients Photo shows Mark Butler frowns at a press conference Subsidised visits to psychologists will be halved within weeks, with the new federal government abandoning a program …

Mental Health Act reforms dropped from King’s Speech as Tory MP Charles Walker accuses government of ‘failing’ patients
1 year, 4 months ago

Mental Health Act reforms dropped from King’s Speech as Tory MP Charles Walker accuses government of ‘failing’ patients

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Sir Charles, who sat on the government’s scrutiny committee for the Mental Health Act reforms, …

California is reinventing how it deals with mental illness. Now the locals have to make it work
1 year, 5 months ago

California is reinventing how it deals with mental illness. Now the locals have to make it work

LA Times  

Earlier this year, when Gov. By expanding the definition of “gravely disabled” with the addition of substance use disorder, SB 43, signed Tuesday, allows more opportunities for holding someone against their will, and Proposition 1 will help pay for more mental health campuses, supportive housing including locked facilities and healthcare staff. “But so much more could be happening if you …

Mental health patients waiting days in emergency due to chronic bed shortages at Queensland's largest hospital
1 year, 5 months ago

Mental health patients waiting days in emergency due to chronic bed shortages at Queensland's largest hospital

ABC  

Patients with severe mental illness are having to sleep on the floor or couches inside Queensland's largest hospital due to chronic bed shortages, with some left waiting days in the emergency department. Key points: Years of frustration over the dire state of the RBWH's mental health service has prompted clinical nurse Nat Karmichael to come forward as a whistleblower The …

California has billions to spend on mental health. Where should the money go?
1 year, 7 months ago

California has billions to spend on mental health. Where should the money go?

LA Times  

It was a ballot initiative born out of a lack of hope from advocates that Sacramento would ever fund the public mental health system. California is expecting a whopping $4.7 billion in Mental Health Services Act money for the 2023-24 fiscal year — and L.A. County generally receives about one-fourth of the total, according to data provided by the Legislative …

Experts highlight barriers to mental health support as major factor in youth homelessness
1 year, 7 months ago

Experts highlight barriers to mental health support as major factor in youth homelessness

ABC  

In short: Experts say young people experiencing homelessness are suffering from a lack of access to mental health services Experts say young people experiencing homelessness are suffering from a lack of access to mental health services What's next? CEO Vicki Sutton said their data showed up to 70 per cent of young people coming to the mission for support had …

To the mums and dads with teenagers in mental health units: I’m taking action to help your child
1 year, 8 months ago

To the mums and dads with teenagers in mental health units: I’m taking action to help your child

The Independent  

Throughout history, mental illness has frequently been misunderstood. That’s why I’ve confirmed the current inquiry into the tragic deaths of mental health inpatients at NHS trusts across Essex will become a public inquiry. To the mums and dads with teenage children in mental health units, to the patients across the country seeking support close to where they live, and to …

Why are vulnerable patients travelling hundreds of miles for mental health treatment?
1 year, 11 months ago

Why are vulnerable patients travelling hundreds of miles for mental health treatment?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Rising OOA placements are “one of the best markers …

Inequity in mental health care is widening, with treatment 'out of reach' for many Australians
2 years ago

Inequity in mental health care is widening, with treatment 'out of reach' for many Australians

ABC  

For Chantelle Gardiner, her rescue dog Ollie is more than just a pooch — he's a lifeline. Key points: Lower-income Australians feel they are being priced out of mental health care Out-of-pocket costs have been rising and there are warnings the gap between who can and cannot afford care is widening Researchers say ensuring equal access goes far beyond extra …

Government orders urgent review into safety of mental health patients in England
2 years, 2 months ago

Government orders urgent review into safety of mental health patients in England

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Mental health minister Maria Caulfield announced the “rapid review” …

Man waits eight years for mental health therapy as services hit by demand
2 years, 2 months ago

Man waits eight years for mental health therapy as services hit by demand

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A new survey of 4,139 adults carried out by YouGov and mental health charity Mind …

Warning over mental health services without new cash injection
2 years, 2 months ago

Warning over mental health services without new cash injection

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “That’s my view, that’s another reason why when the long term plan finishes we …

Youngkin wants major new funding for mental health services
2 years, 3 months ago

Youngkin wants major new funding for mental health services

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia needs a major new investment in funding for behavioral health care services, Republican Gov. That proposed allocation, combined with funding previously earmarked in the last budgeting cycle, would bring total spending on behavioral health care to over $660 million in the next fiscal year, the governor’s office said. Elizabeth Hilscher, who chairs the state board of …

Government criticised for cutting cheaper mental health sessions despite review saying they should continue
2 years, 3 months ago

Government criticised for cutting cheaper mental health sessions despite review saying they should continue

ABC  

The federal government is under fire for halving access to cheaper psychology sessions despite an independent review recommending the scheme continue. Key points: The health minister points to an evaluation which found the program was not serving people equally But the report also said extra sessions should continue and be targeted towards people with more complex needs One mother says …

NHS ‘needs thousands more staff to meet cost of living crisis demands’
2 years, 4 months ago

NHS ‘needs thousands more staff to meet cost of living crisis demands’

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy NHS therapy services won’t be able to manage increased demand driven …

More than 2 million Australians used Medicare's mental health plan, so why is it under review?
2 years, 5 months ago

More than 2 million Australians used Medicare's mental health plan, so why is it under review?

ABC  

The future of a program that has helped millions of Australians seek treatment and support for their mental health remains unclear, as the government considers whether to wind back extra help given through the pandemic. Key points: Eligible people can have up to 20 mental health sessions partly covered by Medicare, after it was expanded from 10 during COVID The …

NHS fails on mental health targets as waiting list rises 1.2 million
2 years, 7 months ago

NHS fails on mental health targets as waiting list rises 1.2 million

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of people waiting for community mental health care has …

Victoria's mental health industry in dire straits as conditions worsen and workforce shortages continue
2 years, 9 months ago

Victoria's mental health industry in dire straits as conditions worsen and workforce shortages continue

ABC  

In the busy emergency department where mental health nurse Kim Gallaher works, people at the lowest point in their life can wait up to 12 hours before being seen. Despite the 2019 Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System and billions of dollars of investment over the past year, the sector is in dire straits. Adding salt to the wounds …

Mental health funding plan stalled over fight between state and federal governments
3 years ago

Mental health funding plan stalled over fight between state and federal governments

ABC  

Critical support for an increasing number of Australians with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression has stalled, as the states and federal government argue about the details of a multi-billion-dollar funding plan promised more than a year ago. Key points: States and territories have still not agreed on a national mental health plan that was meant to be finalised …

Victorian Opposition pledges 'largest ever' mental health recruitment if elected
3 years, 1 month ago

Victorian Opposition pledges 'largest ever' mental health recruitment if elected

ABC  

The Victorian Opposition says it will offer incentives to attract more mental health workers to the state within its first 100 days in power if it wins this year's election. Key points: The Victorian Opposition has promised to launch the state's "largest ever" recruitment drive for mental health workers if elected It is yet to release costings for the plan, …

Tax cuts, mental health funding part of $24B state budget
3 years, 1 month ago

Tax cuts, mental health funding part of $24B state budget

Associated Press  

HARTFORD, Conn. — Democratic Gov. MENTAL HEALTH The governor’s budget includes nearly $160 million in additional funding for mental health services, including $26.4 million to expand access to mobile crisis units for adults and children. The plan also includes funding to establish children’s behavioral health urgent crisis centers and sub-acute crisis stabilization units, as well as a new 12-bed psychiatric …

Counsellors plead for Medicare cover to ease regional mental health crisis
3 years, 1 month ago

Counsellors plead for Medicare cover to ease regional mental health crisis

ABC  

A workforce of thousands is ready to tackle the mental health fallout from the pandemic's Omicron wave, but they’re not being fully utilised, counsellors say. Key points: Regional psychologists are being forced to close their books to new clients Registered Counsellors want to be put on the Medicare Rebate Scheme to help ease the pressure The Omicron wave is expected …

‘I’ve waited days and hours for a bed’ : Mental health services facing ‘desperate’ situation
3 years, 2 months ago

‘I’ve waited days and hours for a bed’ : Mental health services facing ‘desperate’ situation

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. I think one of the worst parts about the whole experience of going into hospital …

'The anxiety had taken hold': How perinatal mental health support can help mothers like Renee
3 years, 4 months ago

'The anxiety had taken hold': How perinatal mental health support can help mothers like Renee

ABC  

Adjusting to life as a new parent is a lesson in sleepless nights and exhaustion, but for Renee Knight it descended into something else. "It took about two weeks to really get the help I needed and in that time my mental health deteriorated to the point that I really was in a suicidal state." Psychiatrist Gaynor Blankley says extra …

Michigan moves to fund mental health like physical health
3 years, 5 months ago

Michigan moves to fund mental health like physical health

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Starting this month, 13 mental health and addiction clinics across Michigan will receive the same Medicaid funding as any other health center in an effort U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow says will help bridge the stigmatic and funding divide between mental and physical health. The selected Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which meet high standards of care for …

More than a million waiting for mental health treatment with one in 10 doctor posts empty
3 years, 5 months ago

More than a million waiting for mental health treatment with one in 10 doctor posts empty

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy One in 10 posts for consultant psychiatrists in England are vacant …

ACT records 16 new COVID-19 cases as $16.5m in additional mental health, community support funding announced
3 years, 6 months ago

ACT records 16 new COVID-19 cases as $16.5m in additional mental health, community support funding announced

ABC  

The ACT has recorded 16 new COVID-19 cases. Key points: At least 11 of the new cases were infectious in the community and seven are currently unlinked to other known cases At least 11 of the new cases were infectious in the community and seven are currently unlinked to other known cases An additional $16.5 million in funding for mental …

Doctors reveal 'staggering' mental health crisis as 'pandemic fatigue' takes toll
3 years, 7 months ago

Doctors reveal 'staggering' mental health crisis as 'pandemic fatigue' takes toll

ABC  

A surf club identity on the Gold Coast has spoken publicly about his battle with "pandemic fatigue" in a bid to help others who are suffering in silence. Key points: Gold Coast surfing identity Steve Edgar reveals his battle with "pandemic fatigue" A Brisbane GP says 50 per cent of patients have pandemic-related mental health issues The waiting time to …

Improved mental health programs being rolled out across regional and remote communities across Victoria
3 years, 8 months ago

Improved mental health programs being rolled out across regional and remote communities across Victoria

ABC  

Mental health service providers are looking at innovative ways to deliver better support to regional and remote communities across Victoria. Key points: Beyond Blue's new mental health coaching program is proving a success The program is free and accessible without a medical referral It's hoped to better align regional services with what's offered in city areas Beyond Blue chief executive …

Health experts warn young people are at centre of impending mental health crisis following COVID
3 years, 8 months ago

Health experts warn young people are at centre of impending mental health crisis following COVID

ABC  

June has been a tumultuous month after a very tough year for Bridget Moore, who has just been discharged from a treatment facility for the eating disorder anorexia. Key points: Data from the Australian Association of Psychologists revealed 83 per cent of psychologists surveyed reported an increase in their clients' levels of anxiety, depression and distress during lockdowns Professor Patrick …

Young people are struggling the most with their mental health. Here's what they've learned from asking for help
3 years, 9 months ago

Young people are struggling the most with their mental health. Here's what they've learned from asking for help

ABC  

Finlaey Hewlett was just eight years old when she first started experiencing anxiety and depression. 1 in 5 young people say they're struggling with their mental health According to data from the Australia Talks National Survey, it's young people like Finlaey who are struggling the most with their mental health. Hadi found the mental health services available were often "quite …

Regional Victoria gets mental health budget boost but education and health spending on hold
3 years, 10 months ago

Regional Victoria gets mental health budget boost but education and health spending on hold

ABC  

Regional Victorians will benefit from a massive boost in mental health services and businesses in the bush will get a tax cut as part of the Victorian government's state budget. Key points: Eight out of 22 new mental health clinics will be set up in regional Victoria $700 million in mental health funding has been promised to young people living …

Victoria's hospital for acute mental health patients gets much-needed upgrade in budget
3 years, 10 months ago

Victoria's hospital for acute mental health patients gets much-needed upgrade in budget

ABC  

Victoria's hospital for the most acute mental health patients, including those too sick to be found guilty of serious crimes, will undergo a $350 million upgrade as part of Thursday's state budget. Key points: The hospital is predominately home to people found not guilty on the grounds of mental impairment The first stage of the rebuild includes a new women's …

Mental health support for NHS staff accessed 800,000 times
3 years, 11 months ago

Mental health support for NHS staff accessed 800,000 times

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Mental health support services for NHS staff set up in the …

Mental health need increases amid long waitlists for professional help, sharp rise in emergency presentations
4 years ago

Mental health need increases amid long waitlists for professional help, sharp rise in emergency presentations

ABC  

Psychiatrists are urging the Queensland government to fund more mental health positions as they grapple with having just two-thirds of required staff amid a "mental health crisis" that has seen a 90 per cent increase in emergency department presentations. Key points: A Queensland psychiatrist says more professionals are needed to cope with "the mental health crisis gripping the community" Patients …

Victorian mental health royal commission final report finds system operates in crisis mode
4 years ago

Victorian mental health royal commission final report finds system operates in crisis mode

ABC  

Victoria's mental health system operates in crisis mode, has "catastrophically failed to live up to expectations" and must be rebuilt, a damning report from the state's mental health royal commission has found. Key points: The report says the mental health system is over-reliant on medication and last year's bushfires highlighted its failures Demand has now overtaken the capacity of the …

Millions of mental health sufferers fear returning to the workplace
4 years, 1 month ago

Millions of mental health sufferers fear returning to the workplace

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Led by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, …

Third lockdown has triggered an 'unprecedented crisis' in mental health issues
4 years, 2 months ago

Third lockdown has triggered an 'unprecedented crisis' in mental health issues

The Telegraph  

“We’re in an unprecedented mental health crisis. Social isolation, loneliness, stress and anxiety, domestic abuse, bereavement, financial difficulties, unemployment and severe Covid-19 infection are all factors that have led to an increase in workload for mental health services." A DHSC spokesperson said: “We recognise the impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health and wellbeing which is why mental health …

Daniel Andrews announces $870 million mental health system overhaul
4 years, 4 months ago

Daniel Andrews announces $870 million mental health system overhaul

ABC  

The Victorian Government will spend nearly $870 million to fix a "broken" mental health system which, it admits, is under even greater pressure due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Key points: $492 million will be spent on 120 new mental health beds in Geelong, Epping, Sunshine and Melbourne The spending is based on interim recommendations from the Mental …

The government’s neglect of pandemic mental health support is about to lead to a huge crisis
4 years, 5 months ago

The government’s neglect of pandemic mental health support is about to lead to a huge crisis

The Independent  

If the rhetoric from ministers about prioritising mental health were matched by anything resembling reality, the UK would not have too much to worry about on this vital issue. Ministers would much rather be filmed in shiny new hospitals; the cameras rarely capture them visiting mental health units or care homes. But one, the Centre for Mental Health, predicts that …

Queensland doctors and psychologists facing a 'tsunami of mental health presentations' after months of coronavirus limitations
4 years, 5 months ago

Queensland doctors and psychologists facing a 'tsunami of mental health presentations' after months of coronavirus limitations

ABC  

Hundreds of people seeking mental health support due to the coronavirus pandemic in Queensland are on waiting lists up to three months long to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist, as the sector struggles to meet the high demand. Pushing doctors 'over the precipice' Family Doctors Plus director and AMA Queensland council member Dr Maria Boulton said general practitioners were …

Our ‘world beating’ test and trace system is an unforgiveable shambles
4 years, 6 months ago

Our ‘world beating’ test and trace system is an unforgiveable shambles

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Many of the places mental health …

Doctor’s Note: Coronavirus and the toll on mental health
4 years, 6 months ago

Doctor’s Note: Coronavirus and the toll on mental health

Al Jazeera  

Personal coping strategies and investment in mental health infrastructure is needed to help us through the pandemic. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people around the world with ill mental health was staggering. Fear and anxiety have increased Although we do not yet have a complete picture of how the pandemic has affected people’s mental health, and indeed …

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