New program bridges critical gap in mental health

A new Sunshine Coast hinterland program is stepping into a critical gap in mental health care, supporting people before their struggles escalate into a crisis requiring hospital treatment.

Foundations Mental Health in Montville has established an intensive group day program for people experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, aiming to fill the gap between individual therapy and crisis services.

The four-week, in-person program combines therapeutic support with exercise, lifestyle practices and practical recovery skills. Workbooks and other resources are included, while participants’ family members and loved ones can also receive support during the recovery process.

Foundations Mental Health’s Nioda Kensington said an estimated one in four Sunshine Coast adults would experience a mental health condition during the next 12 months, yet accessible intermediate care remained limited across the Hinterland.

“The public system treats crisis. Private options treat the wallet. Almost nothing treats the middle,” Ms Kensington said.

“We exist in the gap between occasional one-on-one therapy and crisis or hospital-based care, supporting people early, before a mental health or addiction issue has the chance to escalate further.”

The non-clinical program provides a confidential, stigma-free setting where participants can build connections, learn practical skills and work towards changing their perspectives or addictive behaviours.

Therapists delivering the program have lived experience and are trained in trauma-informed mental health and addiction recovery.

Ms Kensington said the program was designed to help people apply what they learned to everyday situations as they occurred.

“Integration happens in real time,” she said.

“We support people during daily life, so learning can be immediately held, reflected upon and strengthened as it unfolds, one day at a time.”

She said early intervention generally produced better outcomes than waiting for a problem to develop into a crisis.

“Taking the first step towards your own recovery is never going to be easy, but we promise it’s worth it,” Ms Kensington said.

“Mental health recovery begins with community, and no matter where you’re at today, we are ready to welcome you.”

• For more information, phone 0494 716 008, email nioda@foundationsmentalhealth.com.au or visit www.foundationsmentalhealth.com.au. 

Foundations Mental Health’s Nioda Kensington.