Our services
We walk with you, every step of the way.
Everyone’s mental health journey is unique. Our services are designed to provide the right support at the right time, adapting to your changing needs. Whether you’re experiencing a crisis or need a longer period of support, we’re here for you every step of the way.
We’re here for young people aged 12-25 in Melbourne’s north and west. That includes the areas of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Melton, Merri-bek, Moonee Valley and Wyndham.
Young people access our services in different ways depending on their needs. You don’t need to figure this out on your own.
Through our assessment process, our clinical team will work with you to determine what care best matches your needs, experiences, and goals.
How do I access support?
Many of our young people access our service via the Youth Access Team (YAT). Anyone is welcome to make a referral, including the young person themselves. You can reach us on 8345 7400 during business hours, or call our 24/7 support line at 1800 888 320.
Their role is to gather information and then talk with you about what support is available. If you’re already receiving care from PYMHWS, you can talk to your case manager.
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Getting started
How we help
Many of our young people access our service via the Youth Access Team (YAT).
The YAT team also provides crisis assessment and short-term interventions for young people experiencing acute mental health issues.
If you’re already receiving services from us, you can call after hours for support during a crisis or if you need urgent assistance.
YAT is not the only pathway into our program, and you may be referred in another way. No matter how you come to PYMWHS your journey will begin with you meeting with someone from our service to discuss what’s going on for you, your needs, experiences, and goals.
How it works
Triage staff will discuss the young person’s difficulties with the referrer, the young person if possible, and other relevant people or professionals. The aim of these conversations is to obtain a comprehensive overview of the young person’s mental state and risk. Our team uses this information to develop a plan together with the young person and other important people in their lives. This might include further assessment.
Treatment and Support
Our Continuing Care Teams provide support for young people in the community through several specialised streams of care. Each stream has its own evidence-based treatment programs and research programs.
When you are first assessed, the team working with you will consider the difficulties you are presenting with and refer you to the stream that best matches your needs.
Early Psychosis Services
How we help
Early Psychosis Services provide specialised treatment and support for young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis or who are at high risk of developing psychosis. We work with young people at all stages – from those experiencing early warning signs to those who have already had their first psychotic episode.
How it works
Our team aims to support you with the things that are most important to you, and to reduce the impact of psychosis on your life. A case manager will work with you to coordinate the support you receive.
Our comprehensive approach is different for everyone, but may include medication, psychological interventions, family support, and support with practical things like work and school.
Youth Mood Clinic
How we help
The Youth Mood Clinic specialises in the assessment and treatment of mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.
How it works
Our approach is tailored to your specific symptoms and needs. We aim to support you with the things that are most important to you. A case manager will work with you to coordinate the support you receive from the Youth Mood Clinic.
Treatment may include psychological therapies, medication, family support, and support with practical things like work or school.
HYPE (Helping Young People Early)
How we help
HYPE provides specialised support for young people experiencing difficulties with emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, and self-identity, which may be associated with personality disorders or traits.
How it works
HYPE focuses on helping you develop skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and build a stronger sense of self. The program uses an evidence-based approach that may include individual therapy, medication, family support, and support with practical things like work or school. A case manager will work with you to coordinate the support you receive from HYPE.
Eating Disorders Services
How we help
Our Eating Disorders Service provides specialised assessment and treatment for young people experiencing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other eating disorders.
How it works
We support young people with their relationships with food and their bodies, to improve their health and their ability to do the things that are important to them, such as work, study or spending time with others.
Treatment may include a combination of medical monitoring, nutritional rehabilitation, psychological interventions, family-based treatment, and support with practical things like work or school. A case manager will work with you to coordinate the support you receive from the Eating Disorders Service.
Inpatient Unit
How we help
Our hospital-based unit provides 24-hour care in a safe environment for young people experiencing mental health crises.
How it works
Access to our inpatient unit is typically arranged with the support of a healthcare provider. The unit includes private rooms, therapeutic activities, and a team of specialists to support your recovery. Our multidisciplinary team works with you to stabilise your mental health and develop a plan for ongoing support. Young people aged 12-17 years old will be supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Parkville YPARC
How we help
Parkville YPARC fills an important gap between community services and acute inpatient mental health services.
How it works
Parkville YPARC is a service designed by and for young people aged 16-25. It is based at the PYMHWS Parkville site, off Poplar Road, Parkville (near Melbourne Zoo). It offers care for up to 20 young people with a length of stay tailored to the individual needs of each young person. The maximum stay is 28 days.
Hospital Outreach Post-suicide Engagement (HOPE) program
How we help
HOPE is a voluntary, person-centred 12-week program. The service supports young people aged 12-25 years who have had a recent experience in a hospital setting due to experiencing distressing suicidal thoughts, have engaged in self-harm, or have attempted suicide.
How it works
The HOPE team focuses on supporting you to:
- Develop plans to keep yourself safe
- Reduce distress and improve skills for coping
- Support community participation and engagement
- Work with your identified support network
The program is staffed by mental health clinicians, medical staff, and lived experience staff.
Hospital in the Home
How we help
Most young people receiving services at PYMHWS can be safely supported while living at home. Our Hospital in the Home program provides more intensive support than other types of community outpatient care, but still in your home environment. This is a time-limited acute intervention.
How it works
Hospital in the Home is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and lived experience workers. Our clinicians include doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists, family therapists, and an Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing worker. Our lived experience workers include youth peer workers and family/carer peer workers.
Our team will usually visit you twice a day initially, then reduce to once a day as your recovery progresses. Care focuses on helping you get the right level of support at home, the place that is usually most comfortable for you.
Psychosocial Recovery Program
How we help
Our Psychosocial Recovery Program supports young people who are engaged with Continuing Care Teams to work toward personal recovery goals. We focus on helping you rebuild confidence, develop skills, and reconnect with education, employment, and social activities that are meaningful to you.
Many young people find that Psychosocial Recovery Programs are an important part of their treatment at PYMHWS, providing opportunities to re-connect to others, to rebuild interest and purpose, and to find ways to restore long-term wellbeing.
How it works
The Psychosocial Recovery Program combines three key elements:
Group Activities
Our diverse range of small, supportive groups (typically 4-8 people) meet weekly and are led by experienced facilitators. These groups provide opportunities to:
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Rebuild social confidence and social connections
- Manage stress and anxiety
- Explore creative expression through art and music
- Participate in physical activities and team sports
- Learn practical coping strategies
- Connect with peers who understand similar experiences.
Educational Support
Through our partnership with the Department of Education Travancore School, qualified teachers are available at our Sunshine, Parkville and Werribee sites to help you:
- Maintain or return to your education
- Receive individual or small group classroom support
- Navigate school challenges while managing your mental health
- Develop study skills and routines
Vocational Recovery
We work with specialist mental health vocational recovery workers and partner with job agencies to support you in:
- Exploring career interests and opportunities
- Developing job-seeking skills
- Finding and maintaining meaningful employment
- Accessing training and skill development
- Building workplace confidence and resilience
Moving forward
How we help
When you’ve completed your treatment with PYMHWS, we help you move to your next chapter with confidence and support. This is called discharge.
Everyone feels differently about this transition – some are excited to move on while others worry about what comes next. Your discharge pathway is unique to you and depends on your recovery progress, ongoing support needs, and personal preferences.
We help you plan your next steps by connecting you with the right ongoing support. We also support you in maintaining good support structures – your GP, family and friends, or community programs – along with your self-care strategies for ongoing wellbeing.
How it works
You and your case manager work together to plan your discharge pathway. The process includes reviewing your progress and goals, updating your Recovery and Wellness Plan, finding out about local services and programs, and arranging any necessary referrals or meetings with new service providers.
During this time, you can discuss how you’re feeling about discharge, what services might be helpful, what type of ongoing support you’d like, and any help you need getting connected with a GP. The planning happens gradually so you have plenty of time to go over all the details and feel prepared for your next chapter.
Your questions answered
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Are your services free?
Yes, our services are free for young people with a Medicare card. If you don’t have a Medicare card, please let us know when you contact us, and we can discuss options.
How long will I receive support for?
The length of support varies for each person depending on their needs. Some young people might access our services for a few weeks, while others might benefit from support for several months or longer. We regularly review your care plan with you to ensure you’re getting the right level of support.
Can I access more than one program at a time?
Yes, many young people access multiple parts of our service depending on their needs. For example, you might have regular appointments with your case manager while also participating in group programs. Your care is coordinated to ensure all services work together effectively.
What if I’m not happy with my case manager or clinician?
Building a good relationship with your support person is important. If you don’t feel comfortable with your assigned case manager or clinician, please let us know. You can do this via our Feedback process. We can discuss your concerns and a path forward.
How are families, carers, supporters and kin involved in treatment?
We recognise that families and carers play an important role in supporting young people’s mental health. We work with you to understand the right amount of involvement for your family, carers, supporters and kin to have in your care. We understand this is different for everyone. We can involve your supporters in some or all of your appointments, or we can offer separate appointments just for them. We can provide them with support to understand your mental health needs, and we can work together to understand the best ways for them to support you.
Access more Information for families, carers, supporters and kin.
What if I miss an appointment?
If you need to miss an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible by calling your case manager or our reception. We understand that things come up, and we’ll work with you to reschedule.
Do you offer telehealth or online appointments?
Can you provide care under the Better Access Scheme?
PYMHWS accepts direct referrals from GPs but we do not take referrals under Mental Health Care Plans or Item 291.
How do I get to your locations?
Each of our locations is accessible by public transport. Visit Our locations page for detailed information about how to get to each site, including public transport options, parking information, and maps.
Can I be involved in research while receiving care?
Yes, we have a strong research program and sometimes invite young people to participate in research studies. Participation is always voluntary and will not affect your access to care. If you’re interested in research opportunities, let your case manager know. Read more about our research partnership with Orygen at Research and innovation.
How does the transition between different services work?
What happens when I turn 26?
If I’ve been discharged, can I come back if I need help again?
Yes, you can be re-referred to our services if you need support again after discharge. Simply contact YAT at 1800 888 320 to discuss your situation and arrange a reassessment if appropriate.
Find a location near you
Footscray
Footscray Hospital, Corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads, Footscray VIC 3011
Sunshine
Visy Cares Hub, First Floor, 80B Harvester Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020
Werribee
Victoria University Campus at Building 12 (Gate 1), 235 Hoppers Lane, Werribee VIC 3030
