Victorian government to fund 20 new pop-up mental health service centres

The Victorian government is setting up 20 pop-up mental health service centres to deal with the increased demand due to COVID-19 lockdowns.

James Merlino announced a fresh $22 million package for Victoria’s mental health services on Tuesday.

More than $13 million of that will be spent on the new clinics.

Some 90 clinicians will help provide the service.

It will be free to use.

“I really welcome this announcement today,” Professor Patrick McGorry, one of Australia’s leading mental health experts, said in response to the announcement.

“This is a government that listens.”