Building Sustainable Community Capability Whilst Improving Access: The Value of a Specialist Outreach Consultation Service
Tracks
Jacaranda
| Friday, November 6, 2026 |
| 11:55 AM - 12:15 PM |
Overview
Robyn McNeil, University Of Melbourne- Department Of Rural Health
Three Key Learnings
The value and power of community, importance of relationships and cross sector partnerships
Presenter
Ms Robyn McNeil
Research Fellow
University Of Melbourne- Department Of Rural Health
Building Sustainable Community Capability Whilst Improving Access: The Value of a Specialist Outreach Consultation Service
Presentation Overview
Introduction
In Australia, approximately one in seven adolescents experience a mental health condition within a 12-month period, yet only 22% of rural adolescents with a mental health condition access mental health support. This is due in part to limited availability of appropriate services. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System emphasised community-based models where people receive care and support ‘close to home’. This encompasses primary and secondary health and related services, supported by tertiary-level services from Area Mental Health Services where needs are more complex or higher intensity. In response, a regional Infant Child and Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (ICYHWS) introduced a dedicated Specialist Outreach Consultation Service (SOCS) to provide secondary consultations supporting professionals in primary care and community settings who work with adolescents.
This study aims to explore the experiences of nonmedical professionals who have used
SOCS.
Methods
This study used a qualitative approach, involving semi structured interviews conducted with nonmedical professionals that had used the SOCS service. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Sixteen professionals from health, education and the community sector were interviewed.
Key themes identified in the data related to challenges in accessing specialised mental health services in rural areas prior to SOCS, benefits of access to specialised mental health expertise, and building local community practitioner capability and capacity.
Conclusion
The SOCS pilot was highly valued across the broader health and community sectors with non-medical professionals reporting increased confidence and capability in managing young people’s mental health. This was particularly so for those with limited or no formal mental health training. As a result, young people are being seen close to home in a timely manner, by professionals with whom they already have established, trusted relationships; coupled with peripheral support of mental health specialist care.
In Australia, approximately one in seven adolescents experience a mental health condition within a 12-month period, yet only 22% of rural adolescents with a mental health condition access mental health support. This is due in part to limited availability of appropriate services. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System emphasised community-based models where people receive care and support ‘close to home’. This encompasses primary and secondary health and related services, supported by tertiary-level services from Area Mental Health Services where needs are more complex or higher intensity. In response, a regional Infant Child and Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (ICYHWS) introduced a dedicated Specialist Outreach Consultation Service (SOCS) to provide secondary consultations supporting professionals in primary care and community settings who work with adolescents.
This study aims to explore the experiences of nonmedical professionals who have used
SOCS.
Methods
This study used a qualitative approach, involving semi structured interviews conducted with nonmedical professionals that had used the SOCS service. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Sixteen professionals from health, education and the community sector were interviewed.
Key themes identified in the data related to challenges in accessing specialised mental health services in rural areas prior to SOCS, benefits of access to specialised mental health expertise, and building local community practitioner capability and capacity.
Conclusion
The SOCS pilot was highly valued across the broader health and community sectors with non-medical professionals reporting increased confidence and capability in managing young people’s mental health. This was particularly so for those with limited or no formal mental health training. As a result, young people are being seen close to home in a timely manner, by professionals with whom they already have established, trusted relationships; coupled with peripheral support of mental health specialist care.
Biography
Robyn has over 20 years’ experience in research and evaluation in qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Robyn works in rural health with special interests in adolescent mental health, rural health workforce and innovative models of care for rural communities. Her research interests are driven by lived experience of living and working in a rural community to ensure rural communities experience quality health, education and social services to deliver optimal outcomes.
Robyn's principles of practice include social and spatial justice, inclusion, respect and using an equity lens for delivering reform in health including addressing political, social, structural and economic determinants of health.
