Mental health service delivery: a profile of mental health non-government organisations in south-east Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Non-government organizations make a substantial contribution to the provision of mental health services; despite this, there has been little research and evaluation targeted at understanding the role played by these services within the community mental health sector. The aim of the present study was to examine the depth and breadth of services offered by these organizations in south-east Queensland, Australia, across five key aspects of reach and delivery. Representatives from 52 purposively targeted non-government organizations providing mental health services to individuals with significant mental health challenges were interviewed regarding their approach to mental health service provision. The findings indicated a diverse pattern of service frameworks across the sector. This paper offers an important first look at the nature of non-government service provision within the mental health sector and highlights the importance of these organizations within the community sector.