10 February 2022
Expansion of Primary Mental Health Care (PMHC) Service
As of 1 February 2022, patients in Western Sydney can access almost double the number of free psychology sessions previously available. New funding to the Primary Mental Health Care (PMHC) service means that an additional 18,000 psychology sessions will be available to community members needing support, a welcome increase in light of the mental health impacts of COVID-19.
The PMHC service has now increased the number of psychological services available for vulnerable groups from five to eight sessions. Up to 24 sessions per year are available for patients with exceptional circumstances. People at risk of suicide can also now access 12 sessions, over three months, once per year. Previously, only nine sessions were available. These changes aim to respond to the increased demand for access to free mental health care within the Western Sydney community.
This financial year, the WentWest Commissioning Team has contracted 26 new providers to the PMHC Program. The expansion includes providers that specialise in areas of high need, such as Suicide Prevention Counselling, to better address community needs.
WentWest’s Primary Mental Health Care (PMHC) team triages referrals from health professionals to ensure that vulnerable groups access quality psychological support in a timely manner. A clinical or senior psychologist triages all referrals to connect patients to the appropriate service provider.
The service is available for Western Sydney patients with a health care card, Mental Health Care Plan (or Suicide Prevention Referral), or GP referral.
GPs can refer eligible patients using the PMHC referral form, with the patient’s signed consent.
You can also contact the WentWest PMHC Triage team on: 8811 7176.
Head to Health Hubs Created for Community
For nearly six months, WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (PHN), has been running the Head to Health program in collaboration with the Department of Health and NSW PHNs.
Head to Health is a free mental health service consisting of an intake and referral line, designed to help patients navigate appropriate providers, and Head to Health hubs, which offer walk-in sessions and bookable appointments.
Head to Health is here to help clients feel their best self again and there is no limitation on session numbers allowing patients to maximise the service through ongoing appointments with mental health professionals.
The service is available to all age groups in NSW, including children, and supports clients with pre-existing or no previous mental health concerns. There are currently no wait times for the service, meaning that clients can access the support that they require, at the time they need it most.
Directing patients to Head to Health
Head to Health aims to boost primary care capacity by helping to navigate appropriate mental health services for patients.
No referral is necessary to access Head to Health services. GPs are advised to direct patients to the Head to Health phone line, 1800 595 212, Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 5:00pm.
In Western Sydney, Head to Health hubs are located in Seven Hills and Parramatta.
Mental health is a priority area of focus for WentWest. The PMHC and Head to Health programs are designed to ensure that people of all ages in Western Sydney have access to affordable, inclusive and effective mental health services.
Read more about our mental health programs and services on our website.