MAKING MENTAL HEALTH
ACCESSIBLE IN
VICTORIA

Victorian Adult Public Mental Health Services – At a Glance Victorian adult public mental health services comprise an integrated network of community, inpatient and specialist programs designed to provide timely, evidence-based care. Most adults enter the system via Triage, the central point of access for assessment, risk evaluation and referral. Adult services generally provide care to people 26 years and over, although some programs continue to see people aged 16–64 years; age eligibility and referral criteria should always be confirmed with individual services. Care is delivered in partnership with consumers, families and carers (where appropriate), general practitioners and other treating specialists, to ensure that mental health, physical health and social needs are addressed in a coordinated manner. Community and Access Services The Triage service is the primary entry pathway, receiving contacts from individuals, families, GPs and other referrers. Triage clinicians determine urgency, provide initial advice and allocate referrals to the most appropriate service stream. The Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) offers rapid, short-term, home-based care for people experiencing acute psychiatric crises, providing an alternative to hospital admission where it is safe and clinically appropriate. CATT works closely with emergency departments, GPs and other services to manage risk and support stabilisation. The Continuing Care Service (CCS) delivers ongoing community-based treatment and case management for people with more persistent or complex mental illness. CCS coordinates multidisciplinary care, monitors both mental and physical health, and supports psychosocial recovery, functioning and community participation. The Primary Mental Health Team (PMHT) operates at the interface between specialist mental health and primary care. It provides assessment, consultation-liaison and short-term input for consumers who can be safely managed in primary care, while building the capacity of GPs and community health providers to recognise and manage mental health conditions. Inpatient & Residential Services Acute Psychiatry Unit (APU) Short-term hospital care when you are very unwell and need more intensive support than can be provided at home. The inpatient team will, wherever possible, involve your GP and other specialists in planning your admission, treatment and discharge. PARC – Prevention & Recovery Care Short-term residential support before or after a hospital stay, helping you stabilise, build skills and confidence, and return safely home. PARC teams work closely with hospital staff, your GP and community services to support a smooth transition. Community Rehabilitation / Recovery Program Longer-stay residential rehabilitation that focuses on daily living skills, social connection and independence for people with serious mental illness. These programs work in partnership with your GP, community supports and other specialists to support long-term recovery. Parent–Infant / Mother–Baby Unit Specialist inpatient care for parents with mental illness and their babies, supporting mental health, parenting confidence and the parent–infant relationship. Staff collaborate with your GP, maternal and child health nurse and any perinatal specialists involved in your care. Eating Disorders Unit (EDU) Specialist inpatient treatment for people with severe eating disorders who need structured, intensive support for medical stabilisation and recovery. Care is coordinated with your GP, dietitian and other treating specialists so your physical and mental health needs are managed together. Consultation–Liaison Psychiatry Consultation–Liaison (CL) Psychiatry provides specialist mental health input to patients who are admitted to general medical, surgical, rehabilitation or specialty wards in the General Hospital. Across all components, Victorian adult public mental health services aim to deliver collaborative, recovery-oriented and person-centred care, underpinned by strong partnerships with primary care, community services and specialist providers.