Infant Child and Youth Area Mental Health Services (ICYMHS)

Within ICYMHS we have a dedicated 0-11 year old team and 12-25 year old team. We also have a dedicated intake and short-term care team for 12-25 year olds. The ICYMHS team see people with complex and severe emotional, behavioural or social difficulties.

Our team is made up of Mental Health Clinicians from the disciplines of psychology, social work, occupational therapy, and mental health nursing, and includes a psychiatry team. We provide services across the South West area and have offices located in Warrnambool Portland, Camperdown and Hamilton.

To make a referral or get more information contact the Mental Health and Wellbeing Referral Services Team on 1800 808 284 and select option 1.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Referrals are accepted, and information released only with consumer, parent or guardian consent depending on the age of the young person. Exceptions may apply under mandatory reporting and duty of care legislation.

We see infants and children with complex and severe emotional, behavioural or social difficulties.

Concerns may include:

• Mood and anxiety disorders
• Eating and feeding disorders
• Significant behavioural issues
• Difficulty relating to others, including attachment to parents or carers
• Developmental concerns
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Other services provided:

• An assessment service for Autism Spectrum Disorders (for children over 6 years of age) with a paediatrician referral
• School based early intervention group (CASEA) which is via school referral only
• Parent based intervention in group and individual settings.

Anyone can make a referral

We accept referrals for young people up to 11 years of age. Information required for a referral includes:

• Details of the child being referred
• Details of parents, carers and/or legal guardians
• Current concerns and symptoms
• Day to day functioning such as at preschool or school.
• Family circumstances and relationships
• Risk factors including trauma, self-harm and family violence
• Current medication and medical information
• Copy of any Family Law Court or other orders

To make a referral or get more information contact the Mental Health Referral Services Team on 1800 808 284 and select option 1.

What to expect

When you first call to get help or obtain support you will talk with our Mental Health Referral Services Team. They will talk to you (and other relevant people with consent) about the concerns you have. Referral Services will work with you to determine what help is needed and the best service to support you and your family. This advice might be provided over the phone or if we are the right service for you, then an initial appointment will be offered.

If an infant, child or family require ongoing support we will work with the family and services to develop an individual plan for care and work together to reach these goals. Part of what we offer is providing further assessment and observation, this helps us understand the difficulties and tailor supports to individual needs. Services are evidence based and family inclusive.

We see youth aged 12-25 with complex and severe emotional, behavioural or social difficulties.

Concerns may include:

• Mood and anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Behavioural issues
• Psychosis
• Self-harm
• Suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts

Other services provided:

• Secondary consultation for interagency support
• An assessment service for Autism Spectrum Disorders for 6 and above year olds with referral from paediatrician
• Parent based intervention in groups and individual settings
• Referral with consent to the Moderated Online Social Therapy (MOST) – Orygen Mental Health

On the day of the intake appointment

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

The intake appointment will occur in person or via telehealth. A link will be sent to your nominated phone number or accessed through the SWH website.

The aim of meeting with us is to complete an assessment of your mental health and work with you to determine what help is needed and the best service to support your needs.

Helpful information on the day and what will be discussed further with you:

• Information about the concern and symptoms you were referred for
• Information about day-to-day functioning such as education/employment, relationships, and self-care
• Family and social circumstances
• Information about risk factors, including trauma, self-harm or alcohol & substance use
• Medications- past and current
• Copies of any relevant past assessments you may have

What happens after my intake appointment?

You will be contacted with an outcome and provided with tailored recommendations depending on your difficulties and situation.

This may include:

• An offer of a single session consultation to provide a follow-up appointment
• An offer of short-term intervention which is 2-3 planned sessions to provide intervention and support
• Progression to our Continuing Care team for ongoing support and treatment

If we are not the right service for you, we will make suggestions about more appropriate services to meet your needs. Referrals are made with your consent and recommendations may include:

• Headspace,
• Mental Health Care Plan with your GP, or
• Psychosocial supports such as Youth Outreach Programs
• Increased support for the family/carer through referrals to the Orange Door, Carer Gateway, or Catholic Care.