Literature Review: Mental Health Services and Policies in Australia

This literature review examines the current state of mental health services in Australia. It explores the evolution of these services, from the establishment of the first psychiatric hospital in 1811 to the National Mental Health Strategy of 1993, and the more recent reforms and policies. The review covers key aspects such as early intervention programs for youth mental health, the role of organizations like Headspace, and the unique characteristics of mental health regulation and education within the Australian context. The authors highlight the importance of evidence-based practices and the need for continued reforms to improve mental health care provision, including the roll-out of early psychosis services, and the Healthy Kids Check and Better Access schemes. The review also includes references to the work of key researchers and their contributions to the field, providing a comprehensive overview of the topic.

Running head: FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Formative Assessment: Review of Literature
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Review of Literature
Malla, A., Iyer, S., Mcgorry, P., Cannon, M., Coughlan, H., Singh, S., … Joober, R. (2016).
From early intervention in psychosis to youth mental health reform: a review of the
evolution and transformation of mental health services for young people. Social
Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 51(3), 319–326.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-015-1165-4
-In the study, the authors have briefly reviewed the current state of services, challenges and
knowledge in the field of youth mental health. A youth mental health service developed by
Australia is the Headspace and is to be implemented across the country. This service ensures
early intervention for the youth in psychosis.
Pelling, N. (2015). Mental Health in Australia. International Journal of Mental Health, 44(1-
2), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207411.2015.1009741
-The author highlights the unique nature of the psychological regulation and education in
Australia. The diverse population of Australia, be it divided geographically or culturally, has
observed an immense expansion in the mental health knowledge perceived by them.
Whiteford, H. (2017). Mental health services research in Australia. Australian & New
Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 51(11), 1075–1076.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867417738413
-According to the author, the major introductorily event for the Australian Mental Health
Services was observed in the year 1811 with the formation of a psychiatric hospital by the
Governor Macquarie in Sydney. National Mental Health Strategy in the year 1993 was the
first major policy concerned with the mental health care service provisions for the
Australians.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Jorm, A., & Malhi, G. (2013). Evidence-based mental health services reform in Australia:
Where to next? Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 47(8), 693–695.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867413497625
According to the authors, a long overdue in the revision of mental health policies by the
Australian government has been observed in the past decade. The authors highlight the need
of reforms in the early psychosis services roll-out, Healthy Kids Check and Better Access
schemes in the mental health care provision and policies.