Joint Health Command

Regional Mental Health Teams

There are a number of organisations within Defence that deliver comprehensive mental health services, but due to a lack of integration they sometimes work at best in parallel and have the potential to work in opposition. A fundamental outcome of the strategy is the development of an Australian Defence Force (ADF) multi-disciplinary mental health service model that:

• facilitates for ADF personnel access to the most appropriate services,
• is cost effective and avoids duplication of services,
• facilities early identification and intervention,
• is governed by common doctrine and procedures,
• has centralised supervision, and
• conforms to privacy and confidentiality requirements.

While the Directorate of Mental Health coordinates the integration of mental health services at a policy and strategic level, Regional Mental Health Teams (RMHT) have been established at a local level to implement mental health policy and facilitate the delivery of products and training.

RMHT are multi-disciplinary bodies comprised of representatives from the range of ADF mental health services. Usually, the Team includes the local Command, Chaplain, Social Worker, Psychologist, Medical Officer, and Psychiatrist. Other mental health professionals may be invited to participate as regional need dictates.

The role of the RMHT is to facilitate the development of mental health support at a regional level across the ADF. Broadly, the RMHT functions to:

1. endorse and promote the strategic and policy framework for the management of mental health in the ADF,
2. ensure the viability of and enhance regional mental health initiatives in the region, and
3. assist regional command(s) to ensure compliance with all legislative and policy obligations relevant to managing mental health in the ADF context.

23 November, 2009