The Youth Mental Health Hospital In the Home (Y-HiTH) in the North West of Tasmania is a 2 year pilot program funded by the Tasmanian Government to increase access to much needed mental health care supports for young people (aged 15 -25) and supports for family/significant others. The program aims to provide intensive mental health care for young people who are experiencing acute poor mental health in their home and community rather than in a hospital, thus being a hospital avoidance program. The program also provides a step down option for young people who are admitted, potentially reducing the length of an admission. The evidence based model provides comparative treatment as if the young person was in hospital.

The Y-HiTH is a multidisciplinary team (ie Allied health, peer workers, medical, nursing) that works with the young person and their family in their young person's home and community for a 3 week intensive admission, aiming to assist them to develop a robust recovery journey plan.

The Y-HiTH program commenced operations on the 1st July 2024, with a planned implementation of reduced capacity based on the difficulties in recruitment. Rather than the 12 bed, 7 day a week extended hours model, the service commenced with 3 beds weekday business hours, and has gradually increased capacity as staffing capacity increased.

The outcomes have been incredibly positive, especially in relation to support for the family through the peer workforce, where we have supported a range of young people who are unwell to plan their recovery, through engagement in their community, work or education.