Mental health information for health professionals

Most of our mental health information has moved.

Go to the Northern Territory Government website for hospital mental health services, mental health hotlines, community based mental health services and more.

Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch

The Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch is a specialist policy and project unit within the Department of Health, Health Policy and Strategy Division.

The unit is responsible for monitoring the delivery of mental health alcohol and other drugs services as well as:

• service development and integration
• mental health and alcohol and other drug legislative reform matters
• National mental health and alcohol and other drug reform agenda activities and projects
• provision of funding to non-government organisations.

Read the Mental Health Service Strategic Plan 2015-2021.

Mental Health and Related Services Act 1998

The Mental Health and Related Services Act 1998 (the Act) is the framework that balances the rights and treatment of those with acute mental illness in the Northern Territory.

It is underpinned by international, national and Northern Territory legislation, principles and quality standards. The Act is to be interpreted so that a person who has a mental illness receives the best possible care and treatment in the least restrictive and least intrusive environment enabling the care and treatment to be effectively given. The objective of treatment under the Act is directed towards the purpose of preserving and enhancing personal autonomy.

Approved Procedures

The purpose of the Approved Procedures is to provide guidance to procedural requirements arising from the administration of the Act in the day-to-day operation of mental health services. The Approved Procedures have been approved by the Chief Executive of the Department of Health in accordance with section 18 of the Act.

Admission and treatment

Any medical practitioner registered to practice in the Northern Territory can make a Recommendation for Psychiatric Examination.

Before you submit a Recommendation (form 9) call the mental health helpline on 1800 682 288.

• Form 9 - Entry to Mental Health Services

Appointments and delegations

• #21: Authorised Psychiatric Practitioners (APP) Appointment Procedure
  • #58: Authorised Psychiatric Practitioner (APP) Appointment Application Form
• #22: Designated Mental Health Practitioners (DMHP) Appointment Procedure
  • #59: Designated Mental Health Practitioner (DMHP) Appointment Application Form

External monitoring and review

• #19: Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) hearings procedure
• #19A: Assessment Warrants procedure
  • #8: Assessment Warrant Application Form

Regulated treatment and measures

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
  • #12: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Procedure
    • #26: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Informed Consent Form
    • #27: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Authorisation or Notification Form
  • #12A: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Licensing of Premises Procedure
    • #29: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Licensing of Premises Application Form
• Non psychiatric treatment, major medical procedures and clinical trials
  • #30: Non-psychiatric Treatment, Major Medical Procedures, Clinical Trials and Experimental Treatments Procedure
    • #23: Non-psychiatric Treatment or Major Medical Procedure Approval or Notification Form
    • #24: Clinical Trial or Experimental Treatment Approval Form
    • #25: Clinical Trial or Experimental Treatment Informed Consent Form

Any questions regarding the approved procedures should be directed to the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch on (08) 8999 2691 or emailed to mhaod.DoH@nt.gov.au

Approved Procedures and Quality Assurance Committee (APQAC)

The Approved Procedures and Quality Assurance Committee (APQAC) is a statutory Committee established under Part 17 of the Act. Membership is outlined in the Terms of Reference, and endorsed by the Chief Executive of the Department of Health.

Pursuant to section 145(2) of the Act, the function of APQAC is to:

• monitor and review the approved procedures and forms and where appropriate, recommend amendments to them
• assess and evaluate the quality of mental health services, including clinical practices and privileges, and where appropriate, recommend changes to them.

Any questions regarding APQAC should be directed to the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch on (08) 8999 2691 or emailed to mhaod.DoH@nt.gov.au

Related information

The peak body for community-managed mental health is the Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition (NTMHC).

For a list of non-government services go to community based mental health services.

Publications

Contact

Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch  - Darwin
PO Box 40596
Casuarina NT 0811
Phone: (08) 8999 2829

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