Demand for youth mental health services has doubled in parts of Western Sydney, according to figures from headspace.
More than 300 young people sought help from headspace Parramatta in the first few months of 2025 compared with 747 seeking help in all of 2024.
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]
Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN) commissions a range of youth mental health services to meet differing mental health needs in the community.
WSPHN Chief Executive Andrew Newton said the PHN is committed to working with local services to provide free access to psychological and psychiatry services in Western Sydney.
“We work closely with partners to improve mental health outcomes in Western Sydney. By investing in mental health services, we can create a stronger, healthier future for young people in our community,” Mr Newton said.
Services for Young People
Headspace In Parramatta & Castle Hill, WSPHN commissions Flourish Australia Services to deliver headspace services which offers early intervention services for young people aged 12-25 years including support for mental health, physical or sexual health, drugs and alcohol and counselling services. Click here for Parramatta referrals and Castle Hill referrals. In Mt Druitt, WSPHN commissions Uniting to provide headspace services. Click here for referrals
Early Psychosis Youth Services Program – One in every 200 adult Australians will experience a psychotic illness each year[3]. A first episode of psychosis is most likely to happen in a person’s late teens or early adult years, with a gradual onset across more than six months in over 50% of cases[4].
headspace Early Psychosis Youth Services (EPYS) program provides early intervention, responsive and recovery-focused care for young people who are at high risk of, or are experiencing, a first episode of psychosis.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Services
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.
Western Sydney headfyrst centres support young people to build on their strengths to enhance their health, wellbeing, independence and social skills. Centres are based in Castle Hill, Parramatta and Mount Druitt. Read more about headfyrst
Need Help Now?
If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available to talk 24/7.
[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] healthdirect (2023), Psychosis. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychosis
[4] HealthPathways (2022), Psychosis in Young People. Available from: https://westernsydney.communityhealthpathways.org/211662.htm
Information is correct as of 27 March 2025.