Mental health and psychosocial support

Transition of Your Coach Plus to Medicare Mental Health Check In

As part of broader national mental health reform, CESPHN concluded commissioning the Your Coach Plus (YCP) low-intensity telehealth service in June 2026, transitioning eligible consumers to the Medicare Mental Health Check In initiative. Since 1 July 2024, Primary and Community Care Services (PCCS)delivered YCP to 318 consumers, providing 3,576 hours of support and achieving improved outcomes in 88% of consumers. To support continuity of care, consumers were assisted to either conclude care or access a warm referral to Check In. The transition aligned CESPHN’s service model with national reform priorities while maintaining access to timely, appropriate support.

Establishment of Help aHead Integrated Mental Health Hubs

CESPHN progressed a major regional mental health reform initiative through the commissioning of Help aHead, two integrated mental health hubs in the Sutherland Shire and Inner South Sydney, operated by Grand Pacific Health and One Door Mental Health. Informed by extensive co-design and consultation with more than 200 stakeholders, Help aHead responds to calls for a more connected and navigable mental health system. The hubs will provide integrated psychological care, care coordination, psychosocial support, physical health care, alcohol and other drug services, and service navigation through a multidisciplinary model, helping reduce fragmentation and improve access to person-centred care.

Transition of Primary Integrated Care Supports (PICS)

A further milestone in CESPHN’s mental health reform initiatives is the transition of Primary Integrated Care Supports (PICS) into the Help aHead integrated mental health hubs from 1 July 2026. This change builds on the strengths of PICS by embedding its core elements of clinical care, care coordination and peer support within a more integrated, multidisciplinary model, supporting improved access to coordinated, wraparound care and more connected pathways across primary care and community services.

Since 2017, PICS has delivered recovery-oriented support for people experiencing severe mental illness within primary care settings. Through evidence-based clinical interventions, coordinated care and connections to psychosocial supports, the program has improved mental health and wellbeing, social connection and recovery outcomes for consumers, while strengthening integration across health and community services through collaborative, person-centred approaches.

PICS also achieved strong outcomes in access and effectiveness, consistently exceeding annual targets of supporting 900 consumers and delivering 20,000 occasions of service. The program’s strong performance and demonstrated outcomes have helped shape the next phase of mental health reform in the region, demonstrating the value of integrated care and providing a foundation for more connected and responsive service delivery.

Transition to a Single Provider Model for Psychological Support Services

As part of ongoing service reform, CESPHN transitioned its Psychological Support Services (PSS) program to a single lead provider model, appointing APMHA HealthCare Ltd to deliver services across the region, with Lilly Pilly Counselling continuing targeted service delivery through a subcontracting arrangement. The model strengthens consistency, streamlines referral pathways, and improves coordination across the service system. It also supports more equitable access, enhanced oversight, and greater flexibility to respond to community needs while maintaining a focus on quality and outcomes.

Implementation of the Medicare Mental Health eReferral Form

CESPHN implemented the National Medicare Mental Health eReferral Form across its commissioned mental health services, creating a single referral pathway and supporting a more integrated approach to care. The initiative simplifies access for referrers, reduces duplication, and improves consumer matching to appropriate services. Supported by regional change management and education activities, the reform is strengthening service coordination and improving access through a more connected mental health system.

Transition to the Fixus Platform

CESPHN commenced implementation of the Fixus platform across commissioned mental health and psychosocial services, establishing a shared digital infrastructure to support system-wide reform. The staged transition includes data migration, provider training, and change management, with a focus on maintaining service continuity. By supporting intake, care coordination, case management, and outcomes reporting on a single platform, Fixus will enhance collaboration, improve data quality, and strengthen planning across a more connected and responsive mental health system.