A psychology service for the city and eastern suburbs’ most vulnerable says it was forced to shut its books to non-suicidal teenagers and adults after a doubling of demand in the state’s mental health crisis.
Funded by the federal government, PSS provides free access to short-term psychological therapy for people experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns who are unable to access Medicare-subsidised psychology due to financial hardship. “Challenges we have experienced in meeting demand this year will continue. We will be adjusting our service model to take this into account.”The email said there were 1900 people currently using the service, and recommended GPs refer patients to other services, such as headspace, or “evidence-based online programs” for the next three months.
The network said in response to the recent tragedy at Bondi Junction Westfield it was directing those affected to its Head to Health phone line service .