Community Mental Health Services
The 'front' door to Community Mental Health Services for people of all ages is via the Mental Health Access Line 1300 369 968, while not a counselling service the mental health professionals who answer calls will advise whether or not a person is in need of mental health services or would be better accessing another service.
Please note that the Mental Health Access Line is only available to people in the North Coast Area Health Service area ie from Tweed Heads in the north to Johns River south of Port Macquarie and west to the dividing range
If the referral is appropriate, Community Mental Health Services will:
- conduct a mental health assessment with the person referred
- liaise with the person's family/carers, GP and any other relevant service providers (with the person's consent)
- provide crisis and supportive community based mental health intervention wherever possible
- facilitate admission to a general hospital or inpatient mental health unit if necessary
- work with staff of local hospitals to provide treatment and support to patients with mental health problems
- provide mental health management and treatment
- work closely with Psychiatrists, inpatient services and GPs to ensure provision of the most effective care
- provide case management, counselling and a range of therapies according to the client’s needs.
Phone the Mental Health Access Line on 1300 369 968
Community Mental Health Services are located at Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Lismore and Tweed Heads. They also provide services from Community Health Centres at Macksville, Bellingen, Maclean, Casino, Kyogle, Bonalbo, Nimbin, Evans Head, Ballina, Byron Bay, Kingscliff, Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah.