Centre for Mental Health
Services—Getting Help
Who do I contact if I need help?
The usual way to contact a mental health service is via a visit to your local General Practitioner (GP). Your GP will refer you to either a private mental health professional or your local public mental health service.
In an emergency, you can go to your local hospital's emergency department, who will refer you to a mental health service OR you can contact your local public mental health service via their 24-hour emergency number.
What help do I get?
The mental health professional you see could be one of the following:
Mental health nurse
Psychologist
Social worker
Occupational therapist
Psychiatrist.
The mental health professional will assess and diagnose your condition, and work out a treatment plan with you. They will also work closely with your GP, your family (if appropriate) and other health providers. If your problem is serious, you may need inpatient care for further assessment and treatment.
Treatment may include psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy. Or you may be given medication for depression or psychosis.
A person who is severely ill and does not realise it (eg. they are affected by hallucinations, delusions or are harming themselves or others) may be placed in care for their own protection under the Mental Health Act.
Where do I get more information?
Contact the following:
your General Practitioner
Area Mental Health Service
Mental Health Association NSW Inc.
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