Chief Psychiatrist

The position of Chief Psychiatrist in South Australia was established by the Mental Health Act 2009 which came into force on 1 July 2010. The Chief Psychiatrist has a broad mandate to safeguard the rights of individuals, improve service delivery, guide the administration of the Act and monitor standards and services.

The Chief Psychiatrist works closely with the Executive Director, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Division, the Regional Mental Health Directorates and branches of the Public Health and Clinical Systems Division of SA Health, to implement and evaluate the continuous improvement of mental health services.

The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist is responsible for: 

• the administration of the Act
• legislation and policy, reporting and advice
• standards and guidelines
• the use of orders
• cross-border arrangements.

For general enquiries:

Email: ocp@health.sa.gov.au

Telephone: (08) 8226 1091

Fax: (08) 8226 6235 (general)

Fax: (08) 8115 5551 (for mental health legal orders and notifications under the Mental Health Act 2009 ONLY)