MORE mental health services are needed in Horsham, a Wimmera medical practice manager says.
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Lister House Medical Clinic Horsham practice manager Rob Phillips said mental health was a major concern.
"We feel as though there is a need for extra services within Horsham. There's definitely room for more preventative care as well as critical care," he said.
Wimmera Health Care Group chief executive Catherine Morley also told the Mail-Times last month that health care services weren't meeting region's needs.
Ms Morley said more mental health services were needed throughout the region and across a range of levels.
Lister House Medical Clinic has one mental health clinician - Lara Infeld - who consults with patients five days a week. She is also a mental health social worker.
"We do also offer psychiatric services via telehealth and have a psychiatrist who visits the clinic once a fortnight from Ballarat," Mr Phillips said.
"There are other services in Horsham people can use. We will refer people onto them if needed."
Mr Phillips said the clinic was often the first point of contact for people seeking mental health care.
"If people are feeling unwell in their mental health and want to speak to somebody, their first action should be coming to see their GP," he said.
"The doctors can give them some basic counselling for a start and talk through how they are feeling.
"The doctors can then refer them, if necessary, to the psychological services that we have available at Lister House, or they can be referred to a mental health professional in town or a psychiatrist if needed."
He said the clinic had not been approached to put a submission into the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System.
"What we'd like to see is more trained professionals on the ground in the mental health field, such as psychologists and psychiatric services," Mr Phillips said.
Mr Phillips said people could book an appointment to see a GP at the clinic by calling 5382 0011 or visiting 146 Baillie Street, Horsham.
- If you, or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Help on 1800 55 1800 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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