Fragmentation across emergency, specialist, primary health and community mental health services can create significant risks for consumers, particularly during transitions of care. In the NT, these challenges are further amplified by geography, workforce pressures, access barriers and the need for culturally responsive care.

This presentation will describe the emerging integrated model between the mental health access team and the medicare mental health centre, including co-location, warm handovers, brief psychological and psychosocial support, and coordinated step-up/step-down pathways. The presentation will explore early implementation challenges, governance considerations, consumer transition safety, and the importance of collaboration beyond referral.

Amanda Rogers, Top End Mental Health and AOD