Free, walk-in adult mental health centre now open in Armadale

21 Nov 2023

WA Primary Health Alliance's Executive General Manager, Commissioned Services Mark Cockayne, St John of God Health Care's Chief Mission Integration Officer Tara Peters, Hon Emma McBride MP, Hon Matt Keogh MP, St John of God Social Outreach CEO Susan Cantwell and WA Primary Health Alliance board member Rod Astbury.

Funded by the Australian Government under the Primary Health Network Program, Armadale Head to Health is being operated by St John of God Social Outreach, part of St John of God Health Care, and provides caring and inclusive support in a welcoming community environment.

It is open from 10.00am to 8.00pm and all services are provided for free, with no referral, Medicare card or appointment required.

The opening of the Armadale service takes the number of Head to Health centres in Perth to four, including Midland Head to Health, which opened in March 2022, and Gosnells and Mirrabooka, which opened in July this year. 

St John of God Social Outreach CEO Susan Cantwell said the service was available for anyone aged 18 and over with mild to moderate mental health concerns, or those concerned about a family member or friend. 

“New clients will be seen by an experienced mental health clinician, who can provide information, treatment and support for mental, social or emotional needs,” said Susan. 

“If the input of a GP, psychologist or psychiatrist is needed, Armadale Head to Health staff can provide a referral and support during this time.

“Peer support workers are also on hand and use their own experience to support and empower others on their mental health journey. 

Susan said the service was co-designed with members of the local community.

“It was a priority for us that the centre felt welcoming to everyone.

“We worked extensively with consumers, family members and carers, health service providers, local government and the wider community to ensure the new centre reflected local needs and delivered the best possible outcomes for the community,” she said.

St John of God Health Care has a strong tradition of care and expertise in provision of mental health care, operating specialist mental health hospitals, acute care facilities and community services in Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. 

Operating Perth’s four Head to Health adult mental health centres contributes to our organisation’s mental health strategy, which seeks to expand our services in response to community need and to design services with a strong person-centred philosophy to provide better access and experience for mental health consumers.

For more information visit sjog.org.au/headtohealth.

VIRTUAL TOUR: See inside Armadale Head to Health