Mental health in Hunter New England

Our dedicated team provides comprehensive services for people of all ages, with a focus on personalised care, empowerment, building resilience, and ongoing support.

Two hands clasped in a gesture of support.

Get help now

Mental health support available 24 hours, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know needs urgent help, call the Mental Health Line at 1800 011 511 or Lifeline at 13 11 14.

For emergency or urgent help

If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, call 000 (triple zero).

If you are, or someone you know is experiencing high levels of mental distress or feeling suicidal, please go to your nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible.

On this page

About our mental health services

Our team provides specialised mental health care. We support individuals and carers, offer training, and conduct research and evaluation.

We offer inpatient and community mental health services, covering everything from prevention and early intervention to treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

We aim to provide timely, effective care and help individuals build resilience, gain independence, and manage their recovery.

Our services, organised by geographic area, are available for all age groups, including:

  • children
  • adolescents
  • adults
  • older people.
Our specialist and support services

Our specialist services:

  • centre for psychotherapy
  • consultation liaison psychiatry
  • forensic services
  • mental health and substance use
  • neuropsychiatry
  • psychiatric rehabilitation.

Our support services:

  • Aboriginal, multicultural and consumer liaison
  • clinical and corporate support
  • education and research
  • partnerships and performance.
Information for consumers

Partnering with people in mental healthcare

We work closely with individuals accessing mental health services to achieve better outcomes. We focus on partnering with them and their carers in healthcare planning.

There are several ways you, your carers, and the community can get involved in shaping and delivering mental health services.

Mental Health Lived Experience Participation Unit (LEPU)

People with lived experience of mental health challenges, along with their carers, families, and support networks, are valued as active partners in our service. Meaningful participation happens when individuals and carers are involved in decisions about care, service delivery, health policy, planning, and overall community wellbeing.

To ensure safe and effective participation at all levels, we have established the Lived Experience Participation Unit (LEPU). LEPU is the primary way we collaborate with individuals passionate about advocacy and service redesign. The unit acts as a central hub for recruiting, managing, and supporting these dedicated individuals and the services we provide.

Ways to partner with us

You can partner with us in several ways:

  • Individual level: Participate in shared decisions about your treatment, care, and self-management, or provide feedback about our services.
  • Service, unit, or program level: Get involved in co-designing service improvements or new developments, join reference groups and committees, or help evaluate services.
  • Across the organisation: Represent on advisory groups and committees shaping policies and services, take part in governance roles monitoring performance, or help train staff.
  • Community and strategic level: Advocate in consumer and community groups at regional, state, or national levels, co-design policies and strategies, or join committees as a representative.

For more information or to become a member of LEPU, email HNEHLD-MentalHealthConsumerParticipation@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au.

Information for families and carers

Hunter New England (HNE) Mental Health Service, Family and Carer Mental Health Program

Helping people with mental illness and supporting their families and carers is key to better mental health outcomes.

Research shows that when carers are supported, those receiving care benefit too. This leads to better service delivery, fewer hospital admissions, and lower relapse rates.

To support carers, the NSW Government has funded the Family and Carer Mental Health Program since 2005. This program is funded by the NSW Ministry of Health and delivered through local health districts.

At HNE Mental Health Service, we work with One Door Care Services.

Learn more about the program and its framework:

One Door

One Door Carer Services offers information, education, advocacy, and support through the Family and Carer Mental Health Program (FCMHP).

One Door Mental Health partners with 5 local health districts (Hunter New England, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Sydney, and South Western Sydney) to deliver the FCMHP. This program is funded by the NSW Ministry of Health. One Door employs Carer Advocates to support those caring for someone with a mental illness.

For more information about One Door Carer Services:

Newsletter

Read our HNE Mental Health Service Family and Carer Resource newsletter, which contains the latest updates and resources for families and carers.

2024
2023
2022
2021
Information for professionals

How to make a referral

To make a referral, call 1800 011 511 and ask for the appropriate mental health facility.  

How we work with you

We work closely with GPs and referrers by:

  • confirming we received the referral
  • informing you of the referral outcome
  • sharing the assessment results and management plan
  • updating you on any changes to the management plan.

We ask GPs and referrers to keep us informed:

  • when you make a referral
  • when you prescribe treatment
  • if you identify new mental health needs
  • when treatment changes.

Who you can refer

You can refer people with severe mental disorders who:

  • need specialist mental health care
  • cannot be managed in primary care
  • are at risk to themselves or others due to a mental disorder
  • need case management or care coordination.

Note that referrals are prioritised based on urgency and staff availability.

Resources

Education and training
Professional groups and organisations

Our mental health services

We provide specialised mental health services to support people facing different challenges. Learn about our eating disorder programs, Safe Havens for immediate help, and trauma and grief support to guide you through difficult times.

Child and young people services

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is a specialised service within Hunter New England Local Health District Mental Health Services. It offers assessment and treatment for young people up to 17 years old, or those still in school, who are facing complex or severe mental health issues. Services are available both in the community and in hospital settings. Wiyiliin Ta is a CAMHS community team providing culturally sensitive care for Aboriginal young people and their families.

CAMHS referrals

CAMHS involves families in the assessment and treatment process. At the first assessment, the young person and one parent or carer must attend. Most young people seen by CAMHS have already tried treatment through a GP, private practitioner, or headspace without improvement.

CAMHS accepts referrals for young people at high risk or with complex needs, even if they haven't received community treatment.

CAMHS can help with:

  • suicidal thoughts, attempts, or self-harm
  • behaviour changes or reduced functioning from psychosis or major depression
  • threats or harm to others or property
  • severe eating disorders.

CAMHS may also assist with moderate issues like depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, or complex PTSD if there are other factors like poor treatment response or complex family situations.

CAMHS typically doesn't address:

  • Child protection, recent trauma, disability, autism, ADHD, substance use, gender identity, truancy, or brain injury unless linked to a significant mental health issue.
How to refer

Referrals can be made by the young person, their family, or health and education providers. Call the Mental Health Line at 1800 011 511, available 24 hours, 7 days.

School-Link

NSW School-Link brings together education, health, and other stakeholders to support school-aged children in achieving good mental health and staying engaged in education. These services are provided by School-Link Coordinators.

Hunter New England Local Health District has School-Link Coordinators based in:

  • Forster
  • Tenterfield
  • Wallsend.

They offer specialised services to Government, Catholic, Independent primary, high, central, and support schools in the region. Coordinators often collaborate with school counsellors, wellbeing staff, CAMHS clinicians, and TAFE counsellors to assist young people.

School staff can reach out to the HNE School-Link Coordinators at HNELHD-SchoolLink@health.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Got It! - Getting on Track in Time Program

Got It! is an early intervention mental health program for children in Years kindergarten to year 2 and their parents or carers. Delivered by CAMHS professionals from Hunter New England Local Health District in partnership with the Department of Education, the program helps address emerging conduct and disruptive behaviour in children.

How to refer

Referrals are made through a formal expression of interest form, completed by the school Principal. The form is available from the Got It! Team or the Department of Education Network Specialist Facilitators. Contact HNELHD-WallsendGotIt@health.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Counselling

The Children, Young People and Families Counselling Service offers free support to individuals, families, or small groups facing challenges that affect children and their families.

Our counsellors assist children (under 18) and their families with:

  • behavioural issues
  • emotional challenges
  • grief and loss
  • worries
  • trauma
  • parenting concerns
  • adjusting to separation or divorce
  • family conflict
  • sexual orientation or identity issues
Services provided

The counsellor will discuss your concerns, assess your child and family's needs, and ask about medical and family history, as well as your child's development.

After the assessment, an action plan will be developed, which may include:

  • individual counselling for the child and/or parents
  • family counselling
  • group programs
  • consultation with others involved with your child
  • referrals to other services.

This service is free of charge.

How to refer

To refer your child for counselling, call (02) 6592 9536.

Location and contact details

Counselling services are available at the following locations:

Taree Community Health Centre
Address: 64 Pulteney Street, Taree NSW 2430
Phone: (02) 6592 9315

Forster Community Health Centre
Address: 14 Breese Parade, Forster NSW 2428
Phone: (02) 6539 6500

Gloucester Community Health Centre
Address: Church Street, Gloucester NSW 2422
Phone: (02) 6538 5058

Bulahdelah Community Health Centre
Address: Richmond Street, Bulahdelah NSW 2423
Phone: (02) 6538 5058

Hawks Nest Community Health Centre
Address: Boona Street, Hawks Nest NSW 2324
Phone: (02) 6538 5058

Eating disorders

Eating disorders are different for everyone and can affect anyone at any time. They are not a lifestyle choice, a cry for attention, or just a diet gone wrong. Eating disorders can cause serious medical and mental health problems and can be life-threatening.

Learn more about eating disorders:

Starting treatment early can speed up recovery and improve results. Evidence-based treatments are available, and people can fully recover. No one is to blame for an eating disorder. Learn more:

Family, carers and friends

Carers are people who support someone with an eating disorder. They can be a parent, guardian, partner, friend, grandparent, or another important person.

Learning about eating disorders, gaining new skills, and managing your own emotions and wellbeing can help you support your loved one in their recovery.

You can find more information in the Navigating their way to health booklet.

Get treatment

Starting the conversation

Talking to someone about an eating disorder can be stressful and worrying. You might feel unsure about what to say or do. Here are some tips to help you start the conversation and approach someone you’re concerned about:

Organisations that may be helpful for you:

Getting professional help

Don’t wait to get help. Early support for an eating disorder is key to better health and quality of life. It’s normal to feel unsure about asking for help, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible.

Start by talking to your GP. They can assess your health and refer you to the right services. Treatment usually involves a team, including your GP, mental health professionals, dietitians, psychologists, nurses, and other health professionals. Most treatment happens in the community, but sometimes hospital care is needed. These services are available through both public and private health systems.

You or a carer can also contact your local community mental health service by calling the Mental Health Line at 1800 011 511. Your GP can make a referral as well. If you need more specialised support, the community mental health team may suggest additional programs.

Helpful resources

Navigating their way to health (PDF 24.91MB) and Navigating your way to health (PDF 19.43MB) are helpful guides for those with an eating disorder and their supporters.

Safe Havens

Safe Havens offer a welcoming space for anyone feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or in need of support from someone who’s been through similar experiences.

Instead of going to the hospital during a crisis, you can talk to a peer, relax, or connect in a safe environment.

  • free
  • no referrals or appointment required
  • welcoming, safe and inclusive support.

Our team includes peer workers and a mental health clinician, available for chats and safety planning.

Locations

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need an appointment or booking?
    No appointment or booking is needed – just drop in whenever we're open.
     
  • Who can I see at the Safe Haven?
    Our Safe Haven is staffed by peer workers with lived experience of suicide, along with a mental health clinician. We also have Aboriginal mental health staff on-site to support cultural connection and wellbeing.
     
  • Does it cost anything to attend the Safe Haven?
    The Safe Havens are free to attend.
     
  • Can I bring a support person or someone I’m worried about to the Safe Haven?
    Support people, carers, and families are welcome at the Safe Haven. If you're concerned about someone, you can bring them along, but remember that attendance is always voluntary, and no one should ever be forced to come.
     
  • What happens when I arrive at the Safe Haven?
    When you arrive at the Safe Haven, a peer worker will greet you and give you a tour of the space. You'll then be asked to complete an intake form (with support from the peer worker if needed) to share more about yourself and how we can assist you. The form lets you choose from various options, like a menu:
    • someone to talk to
    • a place to sit and think
    • things to distract me
    • I want some help finding people or services to help me
    • I’m not sure
    • other.
Trauma and grief support

Trauma, grief, and loss are natural responses to distressing events, and everyone experiences them differently. These feelings can sometimes be overwhelming.

Explore the resources available for information on trauma, grief, loss, and local support services to help you find the support you need.

For parents and carers

For children and youth

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP)

Beyond Blue

Black Dog

Phoenix Australia

Headspace

Become a volunteer

Join us as a volunteer to make a positive impact on mental health. We value empathy, diversity, and a non-judgemental attitude.

Learn more about volunteering

Hunter New England LHD staff

Find a mental health service

Use our Service Directory to find a health service near you.

Virtual care appointments

Virtual care (telehealth) uses technology to offer patients and consumers a convenient way to connect with health professionals. Virtual care has many benefits for patients, carers, and health professionals. Learn more about virtual care.

Join your virtual care appointment

Related information

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