Acute Care Team

About Acute Care Team (ACT)

Acute Care Team (ACT) works intensively, in the community, with people experiencing mental ill-health and their families and supports. ACT is available in Southern Tasmania. 

ACT may be the first point of contact in mental health services – providing assessment and care to individuals who have not previously been seen by mental health services. 

Care is recovery-oriented and trauma-informed, designed to support people to regain their mental health and wellbeing. 

Care is provided for up to 6 weeks with the opportunity to develop a longer-term plan that involves referrals to other services for ongoing care.

ACT provides an extended hours service seven days a week, 8:30am to 10:00pm.

What we offer?

• An assessment to understand what is happening for you and what would be helpful. 
• We will work with you for up to 6 weeks.
• We will see you often during this time – at first if needed, this could be every day. 
• We can visit you at home or in a local clinic. 
• We can talk to you over the phone.
• We can review your medication, offer short term counselling and therapy.
• We can speak to your support networks such as family and friends, or other health professionals to ensure everyone has a good understanding of your needs.
• We will work with you to plan the next steps in your recovery and help you to make connections to support you longer term. 

Our Approach

• We listen to understand your perspective. 
• Care is tailored to your individual strengths, personal recovery goals, choices, and needs.
• We will give clear explanations and information about options available to you.
• We will support you to make choices. 
• We seek permission to connect with important people and support networks in your life.
• We recognise recovery is ongoing and can be enhanced through relationships, connections and supports. 
• We prioritise providing safe care.

How to access?

If you are new to Statewide Mental Health Service (SMHS), you can be referred via Access Mental Health 1800 332 388

People seeking support, families, friends, and support networks, and health professionals including your GP, can contact Access Mental Health to discuss referrals.

Who will support you?

 You will be supported by a specialised and diverse team including: 

• psychiatrists
• nurses
• clinical psychologists
• occupational therapists
• social workers
• peer workers (people with lived experience of mental ill-health, either for themselves or as a family member or support person)
• administration staff.

How to provide feedback

We welcome your feedback to continue to improve what we offer.

View how to provide feedback to Mental Health Services

Other free mental health support services 

Please ask for help if you, or someone you know, is experiencing distress. You can call: 

• Access Mental Health Helpline (1800 332 388)
• Peacock Centre (03 6166 0755)
• Lifeline (13 11 14)
• Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)
• In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).