$26 million boost to support youth mental health in regional WA

• $13.8 million commitment to establish an Acute Care and Response Team in Bunbury
• $12.2 million to enable virtual access to specialist mental health care
• Builds on WA Labor’s record $144 million investment in youth mental health

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will deliver a $26 million boost for youth mental health in regional WA, supporting children, teenagers and their families during a mental health crisis.

The commitment includes $13.8 million for the establishment of an Acute Care and Response Team (ACRT) for Bunbury.

This mobile team of expert mental health providers can travel to a patient’s home to de-escalate a situation, preventing harm and reducing emergency department presentations.

ACRTs also provide nonemergency outreach, conduct check-ins and provide follow-up support to children and adolescents on discharge from ED.

Announced today, WA Labor’s commitment will fund an additional 17 full-time staff providing publicly funded rapid response and support to young people up to 18 years of age experiencing a mental health crisis in the South West region.

In addition, the Cook Labor Government will invest $12.2 million to establish a Virtual Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (VICAMHS) Hub for children and their families across rural and remote WA.

The Virtual Hub will provide access to specialist mental health care from psychiatrists, senior mental health clinicians and Aboriginal mental health workers, ensuring children and families in regional WA have access to these important services.

The commitment builds on the Cook Labor Government’s track record of support for mental health care, with a $260 million boost in the most recent State Budget and a record $144 million investment in youth mental health.

In Bunbury alone, WA Labor has delivered a new Step Up Step Down Service, invested $7.1 million in a bricks-and-mortar ICAMHS Hub and expanded the Mental Health Co-Response (MHCR) program.

The addition of the ACRT will provide a comprehensive model of mental health care for local young people and their families who need intensive support.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

“Only the Cook Labor Government will invest in high-quality mental health support services for regional WA."

“Our commitment to establish a virtual ICAMHS hub will ensure young people across regional WA have better access to specialist mental health support, regardless of where they live."

“In Bunbury, the addition of an Acute Care and Response Team will make it the first region to have complete, joined up mental health services for kids, ensuring local families who are struggling can access the care they need.”

Comments attribute to Bunbury MLA Don Punch:

“Today’s commitment of almost $14 million for an Acute Care and Response Team will provide improved targeted mental health support for children and young people in Bunbury."

“The Cook Labor Government is doing what’s right for Bunbury families.”

Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:

“As a former teacher, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that mental health challenges can have on our kids."

“I know that children and young people in Collie-Preston will directly benefit from these expanded mental health services.”

Comments attribute to Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:

“I’m proud to be part of a Government which is delivering world class health services for Murray-Wellington locals."

“This investment in child and adolescent mental health will be welcomed by families in our region.”