Free mental health support centres complete with psychologists, nurses and social workers will be opened across Queensland under a new partnership between the state and federal governments.
The Head to Health program offers free professional mental health, wellbeing, drug and alcohol support via walk-in or appointment.
The $108 million partnership expands the program's services to 19 new locations between Far North Queensland and the Gold Coast.
Each centre will provide a range of treatments tailored to the specific community – with teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians, nurses, social workers, peer support workers and First Nations health workers.
Care is government-funded and will be tailored to each location through consultation with local services providers, health organisations and First Nations people.
The program aims to remove the barriers to, and reduce the burden on, local hospitals and health systems.
"To make it easier for Queenslanders to access mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs support, when and where they need it," Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said.
One centre is already operating in Townsville and the government expects to open centres in Ipswich and Kingaroy by the end of this year.
New services dedicated to young children up to 12 years old will also open in Brisbane and the Gold Coast this year, as part of a trial program.
Services are expected to open in Cairns, Logan, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and the Redlands before the end of 2024.
The remaining 12 locations are yet to be determined but will be opened progressively by 2027.
