The Australian Government has committed to improving access to mental health services with a substantial $135.2 million investment in its Digital Mental Health Program. The funding will provide Australians, including new parents, young people, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, with free, high-quality digital mental health support.
This program will enable 12 prominent mental health services to offer digital and online resources tailored to meet the needs of individuals, allowing them to seek help at a time and place that suits their lifestyle.
A key initiative is the creation of Australia’s first-ever digital mental health service designed specifically for CALD communities. St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney is spearheading this effort through its THIS WAY UP CALD program, which aims to provide accessible mental health support to a diverse range of Australians.
Additionally, the investment targets new fathers struggling with postnatal depression. The DadBooster national online program offers evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) designed to support men during the challenging period following the birth of a child.
In an effort to standardize and enhance the quality of care, the program ensures that all funded services meet the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards for the first time. This move aims to improve the overall delivery of digital mental health services across the country.
This initiative is a part of the government’s broader commitment to mental health reform, focusing on a holistic, whole-of-system approach.
Minister Butler’s Comments
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, emphasized the importance of accessible mental health care for all Australians.
“Every Australian deserves access to mental health care and support at a time and place that suits them,” Minister Butler stated. “That’s why we are expanding the range and reach of free high-quality digital mental health supports. Mainstream services don’t work for everyone, and this $135 million investment will deliver more mental health care, more fairly, and more efficiently to the people who need it.”
Assistant Minister McBride’s Remarks
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, highlighted the government’s focus on making mental health support more accessible, regardless of location.
“The Albanese Labor Government is ensuring that mental health support is more accessible no matter where you live,” McBride said. “Our significant investment will deliver high-quality free digital mental health supports for people from the city to the bush. We’re strengthening Medicare by delivering better mental health services for all Australians.”
This investment underscores the government’s commitment to providing equitable, high-quality mental health care for all Australians, no matter their background or location.
