A federal funding boost for Headspace services in the state's North is expected to help reduce waiting times for young people seeking mental health support.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bass MP Bridget Archer and federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the $630,000 investment on Friday, which will include the addition of a new clinical psychologist for Launceston.
Mrs Archer said the funding would help Headspace Launceston meet demand through the provision of extra clinical services, including psychological interventions, group interventions, family counselling and intervention clinics.
"This investment allows for an additional clinical psychologist position and a project officer, helping us address the mental health needs of our young people in Northern Tasmania so that they are fully supported in all aspects of life," she said.
In other news:
The funding builds on a $111.3 million commitment established in the 2019-20 federal budget to establish 30 new Headspace services across Australia, as well as $30 million announced during the election campaign to further upgrade 10 services.
A new Headspace service will be established in Burnie, while the existing Headspace satellite service in Devonport will be upgraded to a full centre.
Mr Hunt said young people faced many challenges, with these new services to provide a significant boost to support.
"I am committed to ensuring young Australians can get information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it," he said.
"I want our young people to know they are not alone on their journey, and that Headspace is there to deliver quality frontline support and coordinate the right interventions for people who are at risk."