Young people in Hobsons Bay are facing an unprecedented six-month wait for free mental health counselling through the council’s youth services.
Hobsons Bay’s youth aged 12-25 experience more psychological distress and psychiatric hospitalisations than anywhere in Victoria, data from the Department of Early Education and Childhood Development reveals.
In 2009-10, the rate of psychiatric hospitalisations for 10-17 years olds in Hobsons Bay was almost double that of the western metropolitan region, and the state.
Last week’s council meeting heard there had been an unprecedented spike in young people seeking counselling for issues such as depression and anger management.
Cr Sandra Wilson said she became aware of the issue through a friend whose daughter was unable to access counselling.
“There’s been – I’m reluctant to use the term but we’ll say – a bit of a blowout in the waiting list,” she said. “It’s a 23-week waiting list. What happens in the circumstances where young people aren’t able to access the services that we’re providing?”
Council director Peter Hunt said young people assessed as being in need of urgent assistance could be referred to other agencies.
“There’s been pretty much an unprecedented level of demand,” Mr Hunt said.
“There’s been a real spike in demand for service in the last few months. We have no real explanation or rationale for that.”
Hobsons Bay’s Youth Services provided counselling for 37 young people between June 24 and July 21. The main presenting issues were depression, anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis, anger management and family problems.
Emergency relief was also provided to 39 young people and their families.
The council says there is a shortage of mental health support in the municipality with the closest Headspace counselling services located at Sunshine and Werribee. Accessing these services by public transport is another barrier.
