QUEENSLAND women and girls will soon have greater access to mental health support, with the state government announcing an $18 million investment in virtual health services.
The new counselling and support service is the first initiative under the Queensland Women and Girls Health Strategy, part of a forthcoming $250 million plan aimed at improving women’s mental health and wellbeing.
From 1 July 2024, the service will provide early access to improved counselling and therapeutic mental health support, addressing key gaps in wrap-around care for pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and neonatal death.
Qualified mental health practitioners will be available to provide counselling, referrals, and support to women and girls, particularly those in rural and remote areas who face challenges in accessing local services.
Queensland Health will partner with community-based providers to deliver the service. Enhancements to the existing 13 HEALTH phone and online channels will also direct women and girls to relevant local services and referrals for counselling.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the government was committed to improving women’s health outcomes across the state.
“As both the Minister for Health and the Minister for Women, I have made it one of my top priorities to improve the lives of Queensland’s women and girls, no matter where they live,” she said.
“We know that women in Australia, and in Queensland, experience different health outcomes than men.
“It’s why I’m thrilled to announce our first initiatives as part of Queensland’s first Women and Girls Health Strategy.”
