What is this service?
Psychological Therapy Services (PTS) gives you access to short-term psychological support if you are experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns.
This low-cost program helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and children 11 years old and under access mental health care, especially if you face additional barriers such as financial hardship or living in an area with limited services.
Patients with an active referral who are currently accessing the service will not be impacted and can continue their sessions as planned.
Benefits
Psychological Therapy Services makes it easier to access timely mental health support close to home.
You’ll benefit if you:
- are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns
- are facing financial hardship
- live in an area with limited access to mental health services
- would benefit from structured, short-term psychological support
The program supports early intervention and helps prevent mental health concerns from becoming more severe.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you:
- are experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns
- live in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow or Penrith areas
- are assessed and referred by a GP (or in some cases a psychiatrist or paediatrician)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person
- a child 11 years old or under
Funding
This service is funded by the Department of Health Disability and Ageing.
Referrals
A GP referral is required for this service.
From 4:00pm Friday 28 November 2025, new referrals are limited to:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- children 11 years old and under
GPs can find other mental health supports that may be suitable, including Medicare Mental Health Centres for people 18 years and older and headspace for young people 12 – 25 years old.
Last updated: May 22, 2026 at: 12:43 pm