Pilbara's new residential service boosts regional mental health care

The Karratha Step Up/Step Down (SUSD) service is complete, delivering a purpose-built residential mental health care facility for the community.

The new six-bed residential facility will soon provide vital help for people in the Pilbara experiencing challenges in their mental health.

Centrally located on Gregory Way in Bulgarra, the purpose-built service will offer short-term residential support for people aged 18 and over. Special consideration may be given for people aged 16 and 17 on a case-by-case basis.

The SUSD model assists people in their recovery, helping them avoid hospitalisation or transition safely back into the community following a hospital stay.

Each resident will have access to an individual unit for stays up to 28 days, along with shared indoor and outdoor communal spaces for social and therapeutic activities.

Residents will be free to come and go, attend work or study, and engage in recreational activities - making SUSD a flexible option for people seeking support.

The Karratha service will be operated by Richmind WA in partnership with Hope Community Services, with clinical support provided by the WA Country Health Service.

Psychosocial benefits include education, coping strategies and daily living skills, while clinical services such as counselling, nursing and medical will be provided by WA Country Health Service.

The delivery of the new service forms part of the State Government's $4.9 billion health infrastructure program.