New crisis hubs, expanded hospital wards and more support before things hit breaking point – here’s how South Australia’s mental health care is evolving.
If you’ve been to an emergency department, you know it can be a really stressful time. And if you or someone you know has needed mental health support? It can be even worse when what you really need is a proper space to recover.
Here’s the thing: emergency departments aren’t designed for mental health crises. They’re loud, busy, and really not the right environment when you’re struggling.
More beds for people experiencing a mental health crisis
The good news? South Australia is doing something about it. We’re getting 600 new hospital beds across the state, and more than 130 of them are specifically for mental health. There’s also heaps of new services available now in the community, to support people so they don’t end up in hospital.
Let’s break down what’s actually happening.
The West
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital just opened a brand new 24-bed mental health rehabilitation service in September. This is the first of three specialist mental health units opening across Adelaide, and it’s a pretty big deal.
What makes it different? The whole place was designed with actual patients and carers giving input. Instead of feeling like a hospital, each room is set up more like a home – private ensuite, outdoor spaces, therapy rooms. The idea is to help people transition back into everyday life after they’ve had acute care, and are designed for longer stays.
The North
Adelaide’s northern suburbs are growing fast, and mental health services need to catch up.
The Crisis Stabilisation Centre is opening early next year at Elizabeth Vale – think of it as an alternative to the ED when you’re in crisis. It’s a 16-bed facility where you can be referred to stay for up to three nights if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal distress. It’ll be open 24/7, and here’s the best part: they co-designed it with people who’ve actually been through mental health crises.
Inside, you’ll find counselling rooms, family lounges, and communal areas. They’re bringing in peer practitioners (people with lived experience), mental health clinicians, Aboriginal wellbeing workers, and multicultural support workers. The whole vibe is meant to feel therapeutic and homelike, not clinical.
Modbury Hospital is also getting a massive upgrade – they’re doubling the mental health capacity there with 44 new mental health beds, including a 24-bed mental health rehabilitation unit and a new 20-bed older person’s mental health unit delivering specialist care for older residents experiencing acute dementia or other conditions requiring high-level care.
And the Northern Suburbs will also be the site of 12 more alcohol and drug rehab beds for people who might be struggling with substance use.
The South
Down south, the Margaret Tobin Centre is expanding from 38 to 50 mental health beds. The big addition here is a new 12-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) – that’s the high-needs unit for people who need that level of care.
Down the hill, Noarlunga Hospital is getting even bigger upgrades – increasing capacity by more than 50% with 60 new beds, including a whole new 24-bed Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit.
Plus, if you’ve got kids, there’s the Marion Kids Hub opening soon in partnership with the Federal Government. Free mental health and wellbeing care for children under 12, with plans to expand to Aldinga and the northern suburbs later.
Regional areas
Mount Gambier is doubling its mental health beds with a new six-bed service, plus adding a two-bed Drug and Alcohol Unit for medically managed withdrawal.
Mount Barker is getting something totally new – a 12-bed mental health ward in the new hospital. This is actually the first inpatient mental health service in the Adelaide Hills, which is awesome.
Not just beds
All these beds are great, but honestly? The best mental health care can happen before you end up in hospital.
That’s why there’s also a bunch of community-level stuff happening:
- More funding for community mental health teams.
- 20 mental health community beds (so you can get help without being hospitalised).
- 10 more child psychologists and five psychiatrists for kids and teens.
- 100 new mental health specialists working in public schools.
- Safe Haven – a drop-in mental health space in northern Adelaide where you can just show up if you need support.
- A program where mental health clinicians go with police to assess people in crisis (so you don’t automatically end up in the ED).
- More funding for non-government organisations providing mental health support.
- Child and Adolescent Virtual Urgent Care Service that now includes mental health.
- Medicare Mental Health walk-in centres in Mount Barker, Mount Gambier, Port Pirie, Elizabeth, and a 24/7 one in the city.
The Elizabeth Medicare centre is going to be co-located at the new Crisis Stabilisation Centre, which makes sense – having everything in one spot.
Why this actually matters
Instead of ending up in an ED waiting room when you’re having the worst day of your life, there’ll be more options – crisis centres, community beds, drop-in spaces, people who can help.
The goal is to catch people earlier, support them in the community, and only use hospital beds when they’re really needed. But when hospital-level care is required, there’ll be more beds available to provide that much-needed care. That’s how it should work.
Want to find out what health services are available in your area? Check here for the latest info.
For a list of mental health supports, visit the SA Health website. Help is available.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, make sure to reach out to one of the mental health services available 24/7:
LifeLine: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36Mental Health Triage Services: 131 465
SA mental health services register
