Pilbara Mental Health and Drug Service

The Pilbara Mental Health and Drug Service (PMHDS) provides assessment, counselling, referral and support to people who are experiencing problems as a result of alcohol or drug use or mental health. Ongoing treatment is voluntary and there is no legislative mandate for people unwilling to engage to be coerced to do so.

Services provided

• Individual counselling and group work
• Education and information
• Advice and consultation to professional services
• Support to the local community to prevent and reduce drug related problems and assist individuals affected by mental health

Target Groups

• Individuals worried about their own alcohol and other drug use 
• Families affected by alcohol or other drug issues 
• Families affected by mental health issues
• Schools, professionals and other service providers
• Communities tackling local alcohol and other drug and/or mental health issues

Entry Requirements

Inclusion Criteria:

• Concerns about their own or someone else’s substance use.
• People seeking referral to access residential rehabilitation services or opiate pharmacotherapy.
• People seeking information and education about the health and social effects of substance use.
• “Dual diagnosis” - clients with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder with co-existent substance abuse. 
• People who are mandated or referred by the courts for assessment and/or intervention for substance use. Mandated clients that are assessed by the service as ‘unwilling to engage’ will not be offered ongoing contact. 

Exclusion Criteria

• Unwillingness to engage in AOD treatment. 
• Acute intoxication at time of presentation.
• Aggressive and threatening behaviour on PMHDS premises.
• Requests for support in the area of family and domestic violence, sexual assault, and relationships where not related to substance use.
• People whose primary reason for presentation is to seek a third party report (e.g. workers’ compensation claims or medico legal matters).