The aim of the Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas program is to assist in improving the mental health of people living in rural and remote areas, including drought affected areas, by providing greater access to mental health services. This funding has allowed the Division to employ Allied and Nursing Mental Health professionals including Social Work, Psychology, and Mental Health Nurses.

The Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas funding is intended to build on other programs to improve rural health services. It has allowed the Division to develop mental health services that have been adapted to meet the needs of the local community.

This program was developed in response to research that indicated that rates of mental health service use are low in rural and remote areas. Access difficulties due to distance, time, cost and transport availability may be compounded by shortages and uneven distribution of mental health facilities and mental health professionals.

Access to Allied and Nursing Mental health professionals through this program is generally via referral from General Practitioner who is responsible for a clinical assessment and development of a care plan, but may be from other health care providers of self referrals.