Primary producers and communities affected by the ongoing drought in South Australia will be supported by the roll-out of the South Australian Government’s Drought Mental Health Support Program.
The program is being delivered by SA Health in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions and Preventive Health SA to provide communities with a range of supports. This program will focus on supporting individuals and strengthening families and communities, providing a flexible and coordinated response that reinforces the community connections that are vital to positive mental health and wellbeing and resilience.
The program will include:
Supports may be individualised or group-based and may be delivered through face-to-face, telehealth, and mobile outreach services.
Information about the program will be updated when available.
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope, you can reach out to local services that can provide mental health and wellbeing support.
Medicare Mental Health provides free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support for anyone in Australia.
Anyone can access these services, even if you have never reached out for mental health support before. You don’t need a Medicare card, referral or appointment.
Depending on your preferences, you can access Medicare Mental Health by:
You can learn more about these options and find your nearest Centre below.
Headspace provides early intervention mental health services to 12–25-year-olds across the state supporting young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services, as well as work and study issues.
There are 8 centres across regional South Australia, including Berri, Mount Barker, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge, Port August, Port Lincoln, Victor Harbor and Whyalla.
There are a further 5 centres in metropolitan Adelaide including Adelaide CBD, Edinburgh North, Christies Beach, Marion and Port Adelaide.
For more information visit the headspace website.
These mental health helplines and online services can provide for:
Immediate Crisis: For urgent emotional support or when experiencing a mental health crisis.
24/7 Availability: When they need immediate help at any time of day or night.
Confidential Support: For anonymous, confidential conversations with trained counselors.
A free professional telephone and online counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people 15 years and older living or working in regional South Australia.
For urgent mental health assistance, the mental health triage service is available across South Australia 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Community mental health teams provide recovery focused mental health services to people aged 16 and over living in regional areas of South Australia.
A range of adult acute and community mental health services are available across metropolitan and regional South Australia. These services provide for:
Non-Emergency Situations: For ongoing mental health support, therapy, and management of chronic conditions.
Scheduled Appointments: When a person needs regular, structured support and can wait for an appointment.
Local Resources: To access local services, support groups, and community programs.
Regional mental health services are provided by 13 community mental health teams across regional South Australia, including an Intensive Community Program at Whyalla, Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge.
CAMHS is a mental health service for children and young people up to the age of 16 with moderate to severe and complex emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. CAMHS staff are based across different locations in regional South Australia and referrals can be arranged through your GP.
For information about referrals contact CAMHS Connect Service:
For information about the impacts of traumatic events on children and young people and how you can help, visit the CAMHS Trauma Information webpage.
