The rate of psychological distress and prevalence of mental health conditions lasting more than 12 months is increasing, and there is a growing level of unmet need across Australia. An estimated 230,500 individuals with severe mental illness and 263,100 individuals with moderate mental illness are missing out on psychosocial support(12). Concurrently, there is an estimated 32% shortfall of mental health workers, with the sector unable to meet current and future demand(3).
The psychosocial support workforce is critical for an accessible, responsive and joined-up mental health system. Psychosocial support workers support people to stay in their communities, maintain safe and affordable housing, and sustain engagement in employment and education. This reduces the likelihood of inpatient treatment and other high-cost or avoidable interventions (4).
Despite this, the community mental health (CMH) sector struggles to attract, recruit and retain a sustainable, high-quality workforce. This is due to continued underinvestment in CMH and the psychosocial support workforce.
Neami’s position
Neami’s position statement examines growing unmet psychosocial support need, workforce shortages, and proposes a national strategy and funding reforms to build a sustainable community mental health workforce.