headspace (organisation)

headspace, formally the headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, is an Australian non-profit organisation for youth mental health established by the Australian Government in 2006.[1] The project is funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care under the Youth Mental Health Initiative Program, and indirectly supported through the Better Access Scheme.

headspace
headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Formation2006; 18 years ago (2006)
TypeNon-governmental organisation
ABN 26 137 533 843
Legal statusFoundation
PurposeProviding mental health support to young Australians
HeadquartersLevel 2, 485 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria
Region
Australia
ServicesPsychology, psychiatry, therapy, nutrition and general health care
MethodsIn-person, online and over the phone
Board Chair
Ben Shields
CEO
Jason Trethowan
Parent organisation
Department of Health and Aged Care
Revenue (2023)
A$74.6 million
Expenses (2023)A$81.2 million
Websiteheadspace.org.au

headspace delivers support to young people aged from 12 to 25 years to reduce the impact of depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug use, and to improve relationship issues associated with sexuality, sexual health, families, and bullying. Young people and their families can get support at a headspace centre as well as online and telephone support service, eheadspace.[2][3] Many hospitals, especially in metropolitan areas, refer patients that are not a current threat to themselves or others to headspace for longer-term mental health care.

Centres

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headspace has more than 156 centres across Australia which can be accessed for free or at low cost.[4] Staff include doctors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses, youth workers, peer workers, counselors and alcohol and drug workers.[5][6] headspace can help with psychotherapy, counselling, education and employment services, as well as drug and alcohol issues.[7]

eheadspace

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eheadspace is confidential and free space where a young person can call, chat or email with a qualified youth mental health professional. Unlike Lifeline or Kids Helpline, eheadspace is not an emergency or crisis service. eheadspace is available 9am – 1am (Melbourne time), 7 days a week.[8][9]

headspace schools

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headspace Schools and Communities ("headspace schools") is an initiative funded by the Department of Health that provides support to secondary schools affected by the suicide of a student.[10]

Staff, board and ambassadors

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headspace is directed by the headspace Board, chaired by Ben Shields.[11] The Chief Executive Officer of headspace is Jason Trethowan, who also sits on the Board as a Director.[12]

References

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  1. ^ McGorry, Patrick D.; Tanti, Chris; Stokes, Ryan; Hickie, Ian B.; Carnell, Kate; Littlefield, Lyndel K.; Moran, John (1 October 2007). "headspace: Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation--where young minds come first". The Medical Journal of Australia. 187 (S7): S68–70. doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2007.tb01342.x. ISSN 0025-729X. PMID 17908032.
  2. ^ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-16/rise-in-aboriginal-youth-seeking-headspace-mental-health-service/725147[dead link]
  3. ^ "headspace". healthdirect - free Australian health advice. Australian Government. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  4. ^ https://headspace.org.au/assets/Reports/Headspace-Annual-Report-2023_RGB-DIGI-FINAL.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  5. ^ "Annual Report 2018" (PDF). headspace. 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  6. ^ "How Headspace can help" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  7. ^ "We must all work together to prevent youth suicide". The West Australian. 13 April 2016.
  8. ^ "Who we are | headspace". headspace.org.au. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
  9. ^ "eheadspace Support | headspace". headspace.org.au. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
  10. ^ "Lisa Helps Put Bullies in Their Place with the Help of headspace". South Coast Register. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  11. ^ "Board | headspace". headspace.org.au. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  12. ^ "Our executive team | headspace". headspace.org.au. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
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