Status: In progress
What the Royal Commission said
The Royal Commission recommended that the Victorian Government:
- Commission and ensure that Adult and Older Adult Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Services and Adult and Older Adult Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services referred to in recommendation 3(2)(a) and (b) work in collaboration to deliver in each of the 22 service areas short-term, ongoing and intensive services as required and include the following core functions:
a. Core function 1: Integrated treatment, care and support that comprises:
- a broad range of treatments and therapies;
- a broad range of wellbeing supports (formerly called psychosocial supports) for those who require them, including those who are unable to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme;
- education, peer support and self-help; and
- care planning and coordination.
b. Core function 2: Services to help people find and access treatment, care and support and, in Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, respond to crises 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
c. Core function 3: Support for primary and secondary care and related services, through primary consultation with consumers, secondary consultation with providers of those services and a formal model of comprehensive shared care.
- Commission and ensure that Adult and Older Adult Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Services and Adult and Older Adult Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services referred to in recommendation 3(2)(a) and (b) work in collaboration to deliver multidisciplinary, holistic and integrated treatment, care and support through a range of delivery modes including:
a. Site-based care (such as centres or clinics);
b. Telehealth;
c. Digital technologies; and
d. Visits to people’s homes and other places (including targeted assertive outreach).
- Ensure Adult and Older Adult Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Services and Adult and Older Adult Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services are accessible and responsive to the diversity of local communities.
What we’ve achieved
Area Mental Health Services
- The Victorian Government has expanded community-based services and strengthened Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services to improve access to treatment, care and support closer to where people live.
- Dedicated funding has been provided to Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services to ensure people with co-occurring needs, and their families and supporters receive comprehensive and integrated treatment, care and support that best meets their needs, strengths and preferences.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Services
- A major reform has been the creation of Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Services (Local Services) for adults and older adults.
- There are now 22 Local Services operating across 24 locations in Victoria. These services provide free, community‑based treatment, care, and support, and as of 31 March 2026, have helped more than 41,000 Victorians.
- Local Services are delivering the core functions of community mental health and wellbeing services, providing flexible options to access care and respond to the needs of local communities.
What we’re doing
Area Mental Health Services
- For community‑based care provided by Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services and their non‑government partners, work is underway to redesign how care is delivered. The aim is to make services more holistic, connected, easy to access, and consistent across Victoria.
- As a first step, service providers and people with lived and living experience including consumers, carers, families, kin, and supporters are helping to develop a service framework. This framework clearly sets out roles, responsibilities, and minimum expectations to guide local planning and service delivery.
- An Expert Advisory Group was established in early 2025 to guide this work. The design phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with implementation and change support continuing into 2026–27.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Services
- The Victorian Government is continuing to expand Local Services across the state to improve access to community-based mental health care.
- Visit the Better Health Channel for information on locations and contact details.
- The design and delivery of Local Services is guided by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals Service Framework, which sets out the objectives and expectations for services across Victoria.
- Read more about the Service Framework for Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Services.
Updated