Mental Health in Australia and the Challenge of Community Mental Health Reform

Sebastian Rosenberg; Carol Harvey

doi:10.17816/CP44

Mental Health in Australia and the Challenge of Community Mental Health Reform

Consort Psychiatr. 2021 Mar 20;2(1):40-46. doi: 10.17816/CP44.

Authors

Sebastian Rosenberg^{1

2}, Carol Harvey³

Affiliations

¹ The Australian National University.
² University of Sydney.
³ University of Melbourne.

PMID: 38601099
PMCID: PMC11003349
DOI: 10.17816/CP44

Abstract

Australia was one of the first countries to develop and implement a national mental health plan, 30 years ago. This national approach belied the countrys federal structure, in which the federal government takes responsibility for primary care while state and territory governments manage acute and hospital mental health care. This arrangement has led to significant variations across jurisdictions. It has also left secondary care, often provided in the community, outside of this governance arrangement. This article explores this dilemma and its implications for community mental health, and suggests key steps towards more effective reform of this vital element of mental health care.

Keywords: Community mental health; clinical mental health; national mental health policy; psychosocial community support.

Publication types

Review