Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals
Mental Health and Wellbeing are a new type of mental health and wellbeing service being introduced in up to 60 locations across Victoria by the end of 2026. They will provide free, voluntary, and easy-to-access treatment, care and support for people aged 26 years and over.
As one of the flagship reforms recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health , Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals (Locals) will care for people who need more support than a general practitioner or private mental health practitioner can offer, but who do not need higher-intensity services, such as hospital-based support services.
The first six Locals are now open in the local government areas of Benalla-Wangaratta-Mansfield, Brimbank, Frankston, Greater Geelong-Queenscliffe, Latrobe and Whittlesea.
As with other public mental health services that operate within Victoria, Locals are also expected to fall under the jurisdiction of the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner (MHCC). The MHCC was created under the Mental Health as an independent body to safeguard rights, resolve complaints and recommend improvements to Victorian public mental health services.
If you, or someone you care for, has had a negative experience while receiving mental health assessment or treatment, at any Victorian public mental health service, including Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, you can make a complaint directly to the service or contact the MHCC. Find out more about making a complaint with the MHCC here.
Reviewed 05 February 2023