Youth Mental Health Support Access

Supporting a young person’s mental health often starts with a conversation and a visit to a trusted local doctor. Your doctor can take time to listen, provide an initial assessment, and talk with you and your child about what support may be helpful. This may include medical care, talking therapies, or referrals to specialist mental health services.

Many families work with psychologists, social workers or occupational therapists, who focus on talking therapies, while psychiatrists provide medical treatment alongside therapeutic support. Your doctor can help guide you through these options and explain what might best suit your child’s needs.

If a Mental Health Care Plan may be beneficial, your doctor will talk this through with you and your child, set goals together, and discuss suitable supports. Booking a longer appointment can help ensure there is enough time for a thoughtful and supportive conversation.

Families can find up to date information about Mental Health Care Plans, Medicare rebates and eligibility on the Services Australia – Mental Health Care and Medicare page.

Your doctor can also connect you with local services that support young people and families. If you wish to explore options independently, Beyond Blue provides a national directory of mental health professionals on the Find a Mental Health Professional page.

Services located in the greater Bunbury region

Accordwest | 26–28 Forrest Avenue, Bunbury. Phone: 9729 9000

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service | Unit 14, 32 Strickland Street, Bunbury. Phone: 9722 4300

headspace Bunbury | 8 Spencer Street, Bunbury. Phone: 6164 0680

Smith Family Foundation | Phone: 08 9265 5555

SWAMS | Phone: 08 9729 6000

Waratah | Phone: 1800 017 303

Youth Focus | 34 Wittenoom Street, Bunbury. Phone: 6266 4333

After hours and crisis support

Alcohol and Drug Information Service | Phone: 1800 198 024

Crisis Care | Available 24 hours. Phone: 1800 199 008

Lifeline | 131 114 text: 0477 131 114

Police | Phone: 131 444 (000 for emergencies)

Quitline | Phone:  137 848 Text: 0482 090 634

Rural Link | After hours mental health support. Phone: 1800 552 002

Urgent mental health telephone support | For children and families under 18 years. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Phone: 1800 048 636

Online support for young people

Support for parents and caregivers

Online referrals – these may have wait times

 

Student Wellbeing