Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

The Pilbara Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service offers specialised assessment, treatment and support to children, young people and their families who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health problems.

Our multidisciplinary team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and Aboriginal Mental Health workers.

We have clinics based in Newman, Hedland, and Karratha with visiting services available across the region. Contact us to make an appointment.


Hedland

How to find us:

Our clinic is located at the Hedland Health Campus at the opposite end to the emergency department and next to the dialysis unit.

Opening hours:

8.30am to 4:30pm weekdays, excluding public holidays  


Karratha

How to find us:

Our clinic is located at the Karratha Health Campus.

Opening hours:

8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays, excluding public holidays  





Newman

How to find us:

Our clinic is located at the Newman Health Service.

Opening hours:

8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays, excluding public holidays  


How can I get a referral?

There are several ways you can be referred to our service including:

  • Self-referral – where you walk in or ring and ask for help.
  • Family / carers referral – where someone who cares for you asks for help.
  • Doctors, GPs, hospital or other primary care providers – when they feel specialised services may help you.
  • Other service providers – schools, court, government agencies, support groups, private counselling, psychology or support services and non-profit organisations.

What happens when you are referred?

Following the Choice and Partnership Approach, we work with patients and service providers to choose the right care plan based on the individual’s strengths and goals.

Once we have received your referral, it is reviewed on the same business day. You will be contacted to book an appointment with a member of our team. If we are unable to reach you via phone, we will send a letter inviting you to come in and see us.

 

What to expect at the first appointment?

The first appointment usually takes an hour, where we aim to:

  • Understand some of the problems you are facing and begin working on an action plan together.
  • Discuss options for help and treatment that we or other agencies can offer. 
  • Connect you with an appropriate person or service to suit your specific circumstances.

During this appointment, you will make a choice about how you want to work towards your goals, such as:

  • Returning to your GP
  • Self-help material
  • Group or individual treatment
  • An assessment with a psychiatrist
  • Referral to other community-based services. 

The team will treat all information in confidence. Your information will remain at the mental health clinic. Permission is sought in writing before contacting other agencies unless there are concerns about safety.

Information may be shared with other mental health services that are providing care to you. Find out more about your rights and responsibilities:

If you have a comment, complaint, or compliment to make about our service then please do not hesitate to let us know.

In person

  • Talk to the staff caring for you; or
  • Ask to speak to a senior staff member or our service manager; or
  • Ask to speak with an Aboriginal Mental Health Worker.

Email us

  • Tell us what happened, where and when with dates and times, if possible.
  • Include information on who was involved.
  • Let us know what you would like to see happen because of your feedback.
  • Please include your contact details if you would like someone to contact you.
  • You can also contact the Pilbara Regional Director with your feedback directly.

Online

You can publicly and anonymously share your story about your experience through the Care Opinion website. The website allows you to tell us what is important to you, and we can show how we are listening and responding to patients, carers and families to improve our services. 

You can also complete surveys and questionnaires about your experience with us so we can continue to improve our services. Taking part in the surveys is voluntary and anonymous:

Resolving complaints 

You can reach out to independent authorities to help resolve any complaints you have, including:

If you’re looking for after hours or immediate access to mental health support, you can call a helpline:

For more information, visit WA Mental Health Commission. 
Last Updated: 26/09/2023