Public Mental Health Services

Mental health services for people experiencing mental illness in the community

ACT Health Regional Community Mental Health teams are located in community settings across Canberra. Phone between 8.30am - 4.50pm:

• Belconnen - 02 6205 1110
• City - 02 6205 1338
• Tuggeranong - 02 6205 2777
• Woden - 02 6205 1488
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service - 02 6205 1971
• Older Persons Mental Health Community Team - 02 6205 1957

The Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) provides a 24-hour, seven day a week service used for assessment and treatment of people with mental health difficulties in crisis situations. CATT can be contacted through the Mental Health Triage Service on 1800 629 354 (24 hour service) or 02 6205 1065 which may assist you with information and new referrals to public mental health services.

Step-Up Step-Down Services help people avoid hospitalisation and provide intensive supports after a period of hospitalisation. Referrals are made through clinical managers (Community Mental Health teams). For assistance, phone:

• CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn, residential care for young people aged 13-18, on 02 6262 3453
• MI Fellowship, residential care for people aged 18-25, and adults on 02 6245 6400
• Woden Community Service, for intensive outreach service and support, on 02 6221 9511
• Southern Community Intensive Support Program, Mental Health Foundation, on 02 6296 2291.

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service is operated by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of the ACT. It provides a broad range of primary and allied health services. Phone 02 6284 6222 or visit www.winnunga.org.au for more information.

Forensic Mental Health Services provides specialist mental health care to people in custody at the Alexander Maconochie Centre and the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre. Forensic Mental Health Services also provide clinical care to people with moderate to severe mental illness living in the community who are at risk of becoming involved, or are already involved in the criminal justice system due to high risk or violent behaviours. Forensic Mental Health Services also provides a Court Assessment and Liaison Service to the ACT Criminal Law Courts. Forensic Mental Health Services can be contacted during business hours on 02 6205 1551.

Phone the Mental Health Foundation ACCESS Information and Referral line on 1800 985 944 (ACT residents only) or 02 6282 6658 (national callers) if you would like to talk to someone about public mental health services in the ACT.