Mental health system needs complete overhaul to deliver results: experts

Updated

The peak body for the mental health sector has called for "radical reform" of services across the country, saying only significant change will deliver results for those in need.

The ABC has obtained a copy of the Mental Health Council of Australia's (MHCA) submission to the National Mental Health Commission's review of Australia's mental health services.

The MHCA is the peak, national, non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector.

"We need substantial change, not just tinkering at the edges to achieve change," MHCA chief executive Frank Quinlan said.

"The review should detail the radical reforms that will be required to move us from where we are now.

MHCA submission suggestions: Moving patients from treatment in hospitals to the community

Catering better to the episodic nature of mental illness

More electronic mental health schemes

Getting rid of duplication of services

"History is already littered with incremental, ad hoc and stop-gap measures and this is not what Australia needs now."

The Federal Government has asked the National Mental Health Commission to conduct a review of mental health services and programs.

It will look at existing mental health services and programs across all levels of government, as well as the private and non-government sectors.

It will examine the efficiency and effectiveness of programs and services in supporting individuals experiencing mental illness and their families and other support people to lead a contributing life and to engage productively in the community.

The final report will be provided to the Government by November 30.

Funding not aligning to community needs: MCHA

Mr Quinlan said mental health services are funded on an ad hoc, fragmented basis, and often in response to pressure that does not align to community needs.

"Some areas of mental health are characterised by duplication, with many providers operating where a small number of providers would make more sense, such as e-mental health, or by the complete absence of services (such as rural and remote areas)," the MHCA's submission said.

The council says financial incentives should be introduced to encourage change in the mental health sector, including conditions placed on cash and in-kind support, such as social security payments.

It calls for measures to make the sector more accountable, including setting targets and tracking progress in reform efforts.

The MHCA wants to see more emphasis on prevention rather than focusing mainly on acute care.

"For adults, promotion and prevention should be incorporated into workplace setting, employee training in mental health and wellbeing, and initiatives to improve job design and work-life balance should be introduced," the submission said.

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Topics: mental-health, health, australia

First posted