YouthLink

YouthLink is a specialist mental health service for marginalised and at-risk young people aged 13 - 24 years, in the North Metropolitan Region, with serious mental health problems and with significant barriers to accessing mainstream mental health services. The service is managed through the North Metropolitan Area Mental Health Service, and forms part of the Youth Directorate, along with YouthReach South and Youth Axis.

Services provided

Services Provided:

• Triage
• Assessment
• Assertive Case Management
• Mental health counselling and therapy 
• Aboriginal mental health practitioners available 
  
• Outreach services available where appropriate 
• Education and training (including training calendar) for workers with at –risk youth
  
• Consultation for workers and agencies providing services to at-risk young people 
  
• Collaboration with other agencies in community development activities relevant to the needs of at-risk young people

Target Groups

At-risk and marginalised young people (aged 13 -24 ) in North Metro region, with significant mental health problems, and who are experiencing significant barriers to accessing “mainstream” mental health services. Such barriers typically include homelessness and transience, limited support networks, cultural barriers including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, and marginalisation due to diverse sexuality and gender.

Entry Requirements

• YouthLink Triage is integrated with YouthReach South and Youth Axis. Call Triage officer on 1300 362 569, from Mon to Fri 12.30 – 4.30pm. For referral guidelines please visit (http://www.youthlink.perthwa.net/refer.html)
• Referral criteria include the young person must be 13 -24 years, experiencing significant mental health problems, unable to access mainstream government or non-government mental health services, lives within the north Metro area, has agreed to the referral and is willing to engage in counselling