Mental Health Stepped Care

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From 1 July 2024, Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) will implement a new model of mental health stepped care services across the greater Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay regions, including rural areas.

As part of the new model, the Connect to Wellbeing intake and triage function will transition to the Head to Health Phone Service.

All referrals sent to Connect to Wellbeing from 1 July will be redirected to the Head to Health Service to be managed and connected to an appropriate service or support. Pre-existing Connect to Wellbeing referral forms will be accepted and processed.

The new model of service delivery was developed through an extensive consultation and codesign process which included 20 group workshops, 40 additional stakeholder meetings, and more than 580 participant points of engagement. A summary of this codesign process can be found here.

The new model includes eight different service offerings underpinned by five service delivery principles.

Stepped care process

Head to Health contact details

Under the new model, the Connect to Wellbeing intake and triage function will transition to the Head to Health Phone Service. Additionally, referrals can be submitted via email or eFax using the details below:

Phone Number	1800 595 212
Email	h2h-nqld@pccs.org.au
eFax	(07) 4088 1804

Stepped Care providers

Following a two-stage tender process, 17 providers have been successful to deliver the eight service offerings across the greater Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay regions, including rural areas.

Continuity of care for current clients

NQPHN has worked with existing providers to ensure that people currently receiving services, or referred up until 30 June, will be able to continue their service episodes.

For those accessing Psychological Therapies, this means that the person will be able to continue their current service episode with their provider until the current approved sessions are completed.

For those accessing the Mental Health Integrated Complex Care (MHICC) program, this will mean the person receives a warm handover to the new Clinical Care Coordination service over the next three months, should they require continued services.

Last updated: 02 July 2024

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