Current research shows that almost one in seven (14%) children and adolescents aged 4–17 years are estimated to have experienced a mental illness in the previous 12 months[1], and over a third of 15-19-year-olds are concerned about coping with mental health issues.[2] In 2019-20, over one in 10 clients who sought treatment for their own use of alcohol and other drugs were found to be young people aged 10-19, and over one in four were aged 20-29[3].
There is often a strong correlation between alcohol and other drug (AOD) misuse as a coping mechanism for poor mental health or a deterioration of mental health due to an AOD dependency. Despite the two issues often being interrelated, for young people, accessing AOD and mental health support can often prove challenging.
headfyrst
Taking an innovative approach, Salvation Army Youthlink and selected headspace youth mental health centres in Western Sydney are working together to provide the headfyrst program. This collaborative project aims to reduce the barriers faced by young people aged 12-25 years by providing free AOD and mental health resources and counselling to help them and their families on the recovery journey.
The Western Sydney headfyrst centres are based in Castle Hill, Parramatta and Mount Druitt – areas of high youth populations. The staff at these centres support young people build on their strengths to enhance their health, wellbeing, independence and social skills needed to live a meaningful life.
headfyrst also works in collaboration with other organisations including mental health teams and early intervention and recovery services.
From July 2020 to June 2022:
- 312 clients supported with co-occurring mental illness
- 1,429 telehealth individual sessions
- 396 face-to-face individual sessions (COVID-19 restrictions)
From July 2022 to date:
- 157 clients supported with co-occurring mental illness
- 515 face-to-face individual sessions
- 391 telehealth individual sessions
Carlos’ story
Carlos* is a 22-year-old male who self-referred to headspace with attention difficulties that were impacting his performance at work. An initial adolescent psychosocial assessment (HEADSS – Home, Education/employment, peer group Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, and Suicide/depression) was conducted, and it became clear that he was also experiencing significant difficulties regulating his emotions and managing relationships, had low self-esteem and a history of changed perceptions related to cannabis use.
As a result, Carlos was offered an appointment with the headspace GP who noted symptoms of depression and anxiety and referred Carlos to a psychiatrist for further assessment. The GP also recommended Carlos to the headfyrst program for psychological therapy to assist him with mood difficulties, anxiety and substance use.
Carlos has attended 12 therapy sessions under headfyrst and is experiencing reduced depression and anxiety symptoms as a result. The initial four sessions focused on building Carlos’ self-esteem through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), as well as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills training to improve his emotional regulation. The following four sessions focused on improving Carlos’ symptoms of depression and anxiety through CBT. The final sessions have assisted Carlos in applying these skills to his home and work life contexts, and helped him explore his own values as he explores changes in residence and plans for future work and study opportunities.
In future sessions, the headfyrst team will work with Carlos on relapse prevention skills for cannabis use and start planning his discharge from the program.
Since taking part in the headfyrst program, Carlos’ concentration has improved dramatically. Carlos shared, “I no longer feel like there is something fundamentally wrong with me”. He is actively confronting anxiety-provoking situations and re-engaging in relationships that he had been avoiding. Over the course of his engagement, Carlos has gained insight into his past, and come to understand how several traumatic events in his childhood may have impacted his emotional experiences. This has helped validate his emotions and encouraged him to be kinder to himself by finding healthier coping strategies.
Connect with headfyrst
If you feel that any of your patients might benefit from this service, referral forms can be downloaded from the headfyrst website: salvationarmy.org.au/youthlink/headfyrst/
Conact headfyrst Western Sydney
Parramatta: 1300 737 616
Mount Druitt: 1800 683 784
Castle Hill: 9393 9800
*Name has been changed to protect the identity of this client
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022), Prevalence and Impact of Mental Illness, webpage available: https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/overview/mental-illness
[2] Mission Australia (2020), Youth Survey Report 2020
[3] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2020), Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in Australia
Information is correct as of 30 March 2023