Australian mental health in crisis

Replace “mainstreaming” with “parallel but integrated” mental health services

Let us acknowledge that the “mainstreaming” policy has its limitations and a move to another model is now needed. An alternative model would recognise the special needs of individuals with mental illness and build a new system of care while utilising the strengths and services that comes from close association with general health services.

Enhance training opportunities

A substantial increase in training opportunities beyond public mental health services is required for medical students, registrars, allied health professionals and nurses in order to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills in psychiatry. More training positions in the private sector and in other settings (such as non government organisations) are needed and should be affiliated with learning organisations such as universities and institutes.

Methods of funding these positions will be a major challenge, but without this broadening of psychiatric training the profession will wither. With foresight and vision, regional medical communities might just provide the opportunities needed to overcome this looming crisis.

Conclusion

While a major investment of public resources is required to deal with the mental health crisis, the money will not be well spent unless issues of accountability, service direction and training are addressed.