Stepped Care Approach

Background Information

WQPHN plays a vital role in funding mental health, suicide prevention, and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services across Western Queensland. At the heart of our approach is the concept of stepped care, which serves as a guiding principle for planning, commissioning, and coordinating primary mental health care services.

Stepped care acknowledges the diverse spectrum of needs within our communities and recognises the necessity for a corresponding array of services. Within a stepped care framework, there exist multiple levels of support, each tailored to address varying degrees of need. Importantly, these levels do not function in isolation or follow a linear progression; instead, they form a continuum of service interventions aligned with the spectrum of mental health needs.

• Stepped Care in Primary Mental Health: The intensity of intervention is matched to the individual's specific issue or condition.
• Non-linear Approach: Stepped care does not adhere to a linear progression but rather adapts to best support individuals at their particular level of need within the continuum of care.
• Flexibility: Individuals may access multiple service streams simultaneously, ensuring a holistic approach to their mental health care.
• Referral Process: All referrals for commissioned Primary Mental Health Services can be conveniently completed through refeRHEALTH.

By embracing the principles of stepped care, we aim to provide tailored and effective support to individuals throughout their mental health journey, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of care when and where they need it most.

For more information on services and providers in your area, or to download the factsheets select the links below:

South West

• South West
• Far South West
• Roma
• St George
• Charleville
• Cunnamulla

Central West

• Central West
• Western Corridor
• Winton

North West

• Cloncurry
• Mount Isa
• Normanton
• Julia Creek