Estimating levels of mental health service need by small geographic area: A case study for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults living in South East Queensland.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine regional variation in need for mental health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (18+ years).

Methods: Three Australian Indigenous health surveys were analysed, and prevalence rates of high/very high psychological distress (as per the Kessler-5 tool) by the Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage were computed and combined via meta-analysis. These estimates were applied to census population data to estimate regional needs and summed to geographic planning regions.

A review of excluded groups and non-response in population-based mental health surveys from high-income countries.

National mental health surveys play a critical role in determining the prevalence of mental disorders in a population and informing service planning. However, current surveys have important limitations, including the exclusion of key vulnerable groups and increasing rates of non-response. This review aims to synthesise information on excluded and undersampled groups in national mental health surveys.

Modelling mental health service needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: a review of existing evidence and expert consensus.

Objective: To identify key mental health service components required for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and develop proposed modelling to modify the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework to account for the unique needs of these populations.

Methods: Service areas and corresponding modelling rules were informed by a review and analysis of literature and data (on existing service models and policy directions) and expert group discussions on the important aspects of mental health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Results: Eight key service areas were identified and translated into proposed modelling rules for service planning: culturally appropriate assessment; increased care coordination; more family and carer involvement and support; specified workforce; holistic primary care teams; enhanced staffing for inpatient care; integrating culture; and earlier support for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Key service components for age-appropriate mental health service planning for young adults.

Aim: To identify and describe key service components that should be incorporated into age-appropriate integrated mental health care for young adults aged 18-24 years.

Methods: Key service components were identified through a mixed-methods approach including targeted examinations of the literature and structured discussions with experts in youth mental health.

Results: Seven key components were identified as important for providing age-appropriate mental health care to young adults.

Service demand for psychological interventions among Australian adults: a population perspective.

Background: Psychological interventions (PIs) are good practice treatment for both subthreshold and diagnosed mental disorders. Australia has implemented major reforms to expand the provision of subsidised psychological services for individuals with a diagnosed mental disorder. But there are gaps in knowledge about demand for PIs (i.

A mixed methods evaluation of an integrated adult mental health service model.

Background: The Floresco integrated service model was designed to address the fragmentation of community mental health treatment and support services. Floresco was established in Queensland, Australia, by a consortium of non-government organisations that sought to partner with general practitioners (GPs), private mental health providers and public mental health services to operate a 'one-stop' mental health service hub.

Methods: We conducted an independent mixed-methods evaluation of client outcomes following engagement with Floresco (outcome evaluation) and factors influencing service integration (process evaluation).