Would your patient benefit from Psychological Support Services (PSS)?

The PSS program is open to referrals and mental health practitioners are available to commence working with patients. With a track record of over 8 years of delivering quality psychological support to vulnerable community members, PSS can provide an effective and accessible treatment option for patients experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns.

Below is a case study from the program with PSS provider APMHA

Presenting Problem:

The client was referred with symptoms of depression and anxiety. She reported that mental illness is heavily stigmatised in her culture, leading her to feel unsafe to explore her emotions.

Client Demographics:

The client is a 30-year-old woman from a Southeast Asian background.

Relevant Background:

The client was experiencing co-occurring depression and anxiety. With limited social supports due to cultural stigma of mental illness, she found it difficult to explore her emotions.

Assessment/Diagnosis:

An initial assessment included a comprehensive client history, goals for therapy and evaluation of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms, The client’s initial K10 score was 46. The client reported an inability to find enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities, accompanied by persistent fatigue. She noted weight gain, attributed to a lack of energy for exercise and poor dietary habits.  

Treatment Plan:

Goals of therapy included: understanding and articulating emotions, developing effective communication skills, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, and increasing self-acceptance and assertiveness.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) were the therapeutic tools used in conjunction with prescribed antidepressant medication, which was closely monitored by the mental health clinician.

Outcome:

Following 8 sessions of psychotherapy, the client’s K10 score decreased significantly from 46 to 20. The client also reported feeling more confident and assertive, leading to improved communication with her partner and the ability to set and maintain boundaries with her family. The client also reported enhanced levels of functioning and enjoyment of life.

Referrals to PSS can be made via our online referral form or Healthlink.

Eligibility and Program Overview

The PSS program provides access to psychological therapies for people who would otherwise not be able to access cared due to cost or other access barriers. Eligibility was updated in July 2024 to ensure this program is available for those who need it most. Patients must be residents of the Central and Eastern Sydney region with an individual income below $67,000 or family income below $140,000.

Delivered by qualified mental health professionals, the program provides free, high-quality care through face-to-face and telehealth modalities. With a team of bilingual clinicians fluent in languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Hebrew, the program provides comprehensive and culturally sensitive mental health services for the diverse community of the region.

The PSS program also offers access to the Suicide Prevention Service for individuals who are considered at risk following a suicide attempt, self-harm, or who have heightened suicidal ideation and are best supported in the primary health care setting.

If you have questions about the program or would like to discuss the most suitable referral pathways for your patients, you can contact the PSS intake and triage team on 1300 170 554 or at mentalhealth@cesphn.com.au