The headspace Plus Model of Care

Young people in Australia are growing up in a rapidly changing world, with social, economic and technological changes creating new challenges for their mental health and wellbeing.

The headspace Plus Model of Care has been developed to respond to these changing needs, building on the existing headspace centre model while expanding the range of support available. It aims to better meet the needs of more young people, including those with diverse, intersecting and evolving needs, by providing more accessible, coordinated and responsive care.

The headspace Plus Model of Care builds on the strengths of the headspace model, which has been developed, evaluated and refined over 20 years, while introducing enhancements across access, engagement and the support provided to young people and their family. It recognises that mental health is closely connected to other aspects of a young person's life, including physical health, education, employment, relationships and community participation. Through stronger care coordination, improved navigation and deliberate consideration of blended care that combines in-person, digital and outreach support, the headspace Plus Model of Care aims to make it easier for young people and their families to access the right support in the way that works best for them.

A key feature of the headspace Plus Model of Care is stronger integration with local services, communities and partners. Centres will have flexibility to respond to local needs while working collaboratively with other organisations to create clearer pathways into care and better continuity of support. Together, these enhancements are designed to reduce fragmentation and help more young people receive holistic support that adapts as their needs change over time.

Collaboration with young people

The headspace Plus Model of Care has been shaped through extensive consultation and collaboration. Its development drew on the experiences and insights of young people, family, service providers, the headspace network and partners from across the mental health and social service sectors. Their feedback helped identify opportunities to strengthen access, improve coordination and ensure the model reflects the diverse needs of young people and communities across Australia. The result is a model that builds on the foundations of headspace while reflecting the voices, expertise and lived experience of those who use, deliver and support youth mental health services.

Implementing the headspace Plus Model of Care

30 headspace centres have been identified to deliver the enhanced headspace Plus Model of Care from July 2027, when the first 10 centres will begin operating.

The selected headspace centres are:

  • headspace Ashfield
  • headspace Bankstown
  • headspace Gosford
  • headspace Hurstville
  • headspace Liverpool
  • headspace Newcastle
  • headspace Parramatta
  • headspace Wagga Wagga
  • headspace Wollongong
  • headspace Bendigo
  • headspace Dandenong
  • headspace Frankston
  • headspace Geelong
  • headspace Knox
  • headspace Melton
  • headspace South Melbourne
  • headspace Sunshine
  • headspace Cairns
  • headspace Indooroopilly
  • headspace Maroochydore
  • headspace Meadowbrook
  • headspace Southport
  • headspace Toowoomba
  • headspace Townsville
  • headspace Woolloongabba
  • headspace Cannington
  • headspace Midland
  • headspace Edinburgh North 
  • headspace Launceston 
  • headspace Darwin 

You can see the headspace Plus Model of Care on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/headspace-plus-model-of-care

 

headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to develop this model of care.