Summary

This Mental health services – in brief 2016 report is the companion publication to the Mental health services in Australia site. The report provides an annual overview of key statistics and related information on mental health services, while incorporating updates made to the website over the 12 months to October 2016. The most recent data from a number of data sources inform this report. As such, the reference year reported may vary between sections.

This report briefly describes the prevalence and impact of mental illness in Australia, followed by an overview of the mental health care system that supports people in Australia. Later sections provide insights into mental health-related services, medications and resources accessed by Australians with mental health issues. The report concludes by reporting on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Australian Public Mental Health Services.

For readers interested in further information, the Mental health services in Australia site provides detailed data on the national response of the health and welfare system to the mental health care need of Australians.