New phone line linking Tasmanians to the right mental health services

A new mental health phone line is set to improve access to mental health services and supports for Tasmanians – wherever they are across the State.

“Access Mental Health” – which became fully operational last month, replacing the longstanding Mental Health Services Helpline – provides a single point of telephone contact for Tasmanians to access the right mental health services or support for their needs.

The new phone line uses advanced communication software to direct callers to the

most appropriate contact point, including mental health teams within the community, a new referral and triage service for new clients, and A Tasmanian Lifeline.

As part of the new referral and triage service, specialist triage teams have been established in each region – including in the North and North West for the first time – to support Tasmanians needing advice and referral into the mental health system.

Additionally, callers seeking psychosocial and emotional support can be referred directly to A Tasmanian Lifeline, which was initially established by the Tasmanian Government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its previous form, as the Mental Health Services Helpline, the service received many calls seeking social or emotional support or a transfer to community mental health teams.

Access Mental Health will provide a more effective, contemporary service to facilitate timely and appropriate outcomes for callers, allowing the mental health triage service to focus on its core business of triaging contacts who require clinical support.

New and existing mental health consumers, as well as their families, friends, and carers can access the phone line by calling 1800 332 388 between 9am and 10pm, seven days a week.

Overnight callers are provided with alternative options including contacting emergency services, contacting Lifeline Australia, and leaving a message for follow-up as required the next working day.

The single-point telephone contact for referral into public mental health services is a key initiative of the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s Mental Health Reform Program and further strengthens our broader work under the Rethink 2020 Implementation Plan.