Description
The Acute Community Intervention Service provides assessment and treatment programs to people experiencing a mental health crisis. These programs are intensive and community-based and offer an alternative to hospitalisation.
Services provided
- Quick access to assessment over the phone (telephone triage)
- Emergency department care (face-to-face)
- Short- to medium-term evidence-based treatment
- Recovery-oriented treatment and support
Eligibility
Available to anyone in Victoria
How to access
Telephone triage
Visit the Departments of Health's Victoria's Mental Health page for your closest approved mental health service.
Emergency departments
A dedicated assessment and treatment response is available in major Victorian metropolitan and regional hospitals.
Costs
The Acute Community Intervention Service may be partly or fully covered by Medicare.
Acute Community Intervention Service fees are covered by some private health funds, but the amount will depend on your insurance policy. Contact your insurer for information.
Contact the service before you attend if you would like more information about cost.
Calls to Victoria’s approved mental health services are charged at the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria.
Tip
- Provide as much information as you can when speaking to the mental health specialist.
Important
In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
For crisis counselling, call:
- Tel. 131 114 (Australia-wide)
- NURSE-ON-CALL. Tel. 1300 60 60 24 (Victoria only)
- 1300 651 251 (Victoria only).