It is estimated that one in five people in Australia experience a common mental disorder each year. Nearly half of the Australian population will experience mental illness at some point in their lives, but less than half will access treatment.
Since individuals in different communities face different challenges, it is important that services are tailored to meet the specific needs of the local population.
The types of health services needed in metropolitan communities, for example, differ dramatically from those of communities in remote and regional areas.
The Australian Government has committed $1.45 billion for community mental health services over three years from July this year until 2021-22.
It is estimated that the $1.45 billion will include:
•$177 million for mental health nurses
•$77 million for suicide prevention including Indigenous suicide
•$74 million for the mental health of those in residential aged care
•$89 million for Indigenous mental health
•$617 million for youth mental health including headspace
•$399 million for psychological therapies for hard to reach populations
