New free mental telehealth program for regional Queensland

The new telehealth program removes barriers to accessing mental healthcare and means rural and regional patients no longer need to travel or face a long wait to see a someone in their time of need.

A new telehealth program is expected to help remove barriers to accessing mental health in rural and regional areas.

The virtual consultations mean residents outside Brisbane will have access to a team of 40 allied healthcare professionals for free.

White Cloud Foundation founder Adam Scott said the STRATUS Tele-Mental Health Solution was all about offering greater care to rural and regional Queensland.

“This is one of the most comprehensive virtual mental healthcare programs in Australia and it’s now available to all Queenslanders, no matter where they live, free of charge in their own home,” Professor Scott said.

“We have assembled a talented team of 40 allied healthcare professionals, from psychologists, social workers to exercise physiologists, mental health nurses and dietitians to provide tailored, holistic, clinical and practical care to treat depression from multiple fronts.

White Cloud Foundation founder Professor Adam Scott. Picture: Contributed

“This exceptional and experienced group of specialists will work together to develop individualised treatment plans to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduce risk factors, build resilience and provide patients with strategies to better manage their mental and emotional health.

“The best part is it will all happen via technology using telehealth consultations (via phone or video conferencing) so Queenslanders can access the right treatment at the right time and at the right place.”

The new STRATUS Tele-Mental Health Solution hope farmers will be among those who phone for help from the 40 allied healthcare professionals offering to help people in rural and regional Queensland. generic farmer Picture: Contributed

Professor Scott said the STRATUS solution ultimately removed the barriers to accessing mental healthcare and meant rural and regional residents no longer needed to travel, or face a long wait to see a someone, in their time of need.

“This has been years in the making and is tried, tested and works,” he said.

“I’m so are pleased to replicate the success of my world renowned Tele-Cardiac Investigations Solution, which has saved countless lives and bridges the gap that exists between the city, regional centres and the bush.

“You don’t need a mental health plan from your GP and there is no limit to how many sessions you can access, rather it’s about what’s right for the patient to get them well.”

Longreach GP David Walker said White Cloud Foundation’s STRATUS solution would be an important boost for rural, remote and regional Queenslanders.

“Rural communities have endured years of drought, bushfires and floods. This is on top of being geographically isolated and working on the land,” the Central West Hospital and Health Service Executive Director of Medical Services said.

The STRATUS Tele-Mental Health Solution seeks to bring greater care to rural and regional Queensland. Picture: Contributed

“Any mental health service that supports someone at those really important early stages is a positive and welcomed enhancement in our community.

“We now have a dedicated program providing tailored care that is easily accessible in someone’s time of need, no matter where they live.

“This allows for more patients to be cared for at home.”

Dr Walker said Professor Scott had been dedicated to bridging the “wide divide that exists in rural and regional Queensland through his work in cardiac services” and it had been a “huge deal for us doctors and our patients”.

He said the mental health program would “further bolster support for people living on the land and in our towns”.

“As doctors, we know preventive mental healthcare saves lives and now it’s available to everyone,” he said

North Queensland grazier Col Archer also welcomed the launch of the STRATUS program.

“Too often I hear of family and friends who have suffered from depression in rural areas due to many variables the bush can throw at you,” he said.

“To be able to reach out and seek assistance and direction from the porch or shed when you need help can only be a good thing.”

North Queensland Grazier Col Archer said he too often heard of family and friends suffering from depression in rural areas, hoping this new STRATUS Tele-Mental Health Solution program will help. Picture: Contributed

The STRATUS solution connects Queenslanders with White Cloud Foundation’s Brisbane-based Integrated Practice Unit, which provides assessment, advice about the best form of support and individualised plans using video and telecommunications.

The enhanced and multidisciplinary approach has been designed in partnership with consumers, clinicians, universities, mental health services and clinicians.

Anyone can access this service at the cost of a local call.

Phone [phone] or you can be referred through a GP, hospital, workplace and local community groups.

For crisis support in Queensland, phone 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255).