Mitchell and Murrindindi Shire residents can now access the Lower Hume Primary Mental Health Service, a collaborative initiative led by Yea and District Memorial Hospital.
The program is delivered in partnership with Alexandra District Health, Seymour Health, Northern Health and Goulburn Valley Health, and is funded by the Murray Primary Health Network.
Now based in Yea, Alexandra, Seymour and Kilmore, mental health clinicians will be offering free, non-urgent mental health consultations and brief intervention support for people experiencing symptoms of mental ill health or mild to moderate emotional distress.
“This service is designed to be accessible and responsive to the needs of our rural communities,” Yea and District Memorial Hospital CEO Elizabeth Sinclair said.
“Our clinicians work with individuals to understand their concerns, explore how these are affecting their daily lives, and develop achievable goals for wellbeing.”
The service provides initial consultations with experienced mental health nurses, where individuals can talk through the challenges they are facing.
Follow-up sessions focus on practical strategies and support to build resilience and improve mental health outcomes.
Community members can access the service via referral from their GP, or they can self-refer.
An intake worker is available to guide individuals through the referral process and provide a referral form for GPs if needed.
For more information on how to make a referral or self-refer, contact the intake worker on 5736 0418, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm, or Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212.
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