Construction of the new Crisis Stabilisation Centre in Elizabeth Vale, Adelaide, is set to reach a significant milestone, with the facility on track to open in early 2026. This $22 million project, initiated by the Malinauskas Labor government, will offer essential mental health support, catering to individuals in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The centre will provide up to 16 beds for short stays of up to three nights, ensuring 24/7 access to mental health care. Designed in collaboration with individuals who have lived experience of mental health crises, the facility aims to create a supportive environment that feels homelike. The service will include counselling rooms, a family lounge, and communal areas to foster a therapeutic atmosphere.
Community-Centric Design and Care Model
Located on the second floor of the Oldham Road building, the Crisis Stabilisation Centre is part of the expanding Playford Health Precinct. The construction will soon see the installation of roof steel, marking the progression of this vital facility. The project aligns with the State Government’s broader initiative to develop over 130 new mental health beds, enabling patients to receive the necessary care while alleviating pressure on emergency departments.
As stated by Nadia Clancy, the Minister for Mental Health, the government is committed to enhancing mental health services across South Australia. “This Crisis Stabilisation Centre will be vital in providing urgent, targeted support to South Australians facing a mental health crisis or challenge,” Clancy remarked. She emphasized the importance of creating accessible and effective crisis care that meets the community’s evolving needs.
The facility’s operational model is influenced by extensive engagement with the local community, particularly those with personal experiences of mental health challenges. Liz Prowse, Executive Director of Mental Health Strategy and Planning, highlighted that the centre will offer compassionate and culturally safe care tailored to individual needs, including access to peer support specialists.
Collaborative Approach to Mental Health Support
The integration of peer workers will be a distinctive feature of the Crisis Stabilisation Centre, as noted by Ellie Hodges, Chief Executive of LELAN (South Australia’s independent peak body for individuals with lived experience of mental distress). She expressed optimism about the centre’s potential to provide crucial support during difficult times without the need for emergency department visits. “The model for the service is more contemporary than any we have elsewhere in South Australia,” Hodges stated.
Additionally, the new facility will house the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre, which will relocate from its current site. This service, funded by both state and federal governments, will offer free, walk-in mental health support every day of the year, eliminating the need for referrals or Medicare cards.
The tender process for selecting a non-government service provider for the Crisis Stabilisation Centre has commenced, ensuring the centre will be staffed by qualified professionals dedicated to mental health care. Karen Puvogel, Chief Executive of the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, emphasized the importance of integrating this new facility into existing health care models, stating, “The ability to integrate these new beds into our existing models of care will ensure we can provide an emergency pathway to access mental health services in a far more appropriate way.”
As the construction progresses, the establishment of the Crisis Stabilisation Centre marks a significant step forward in addressing mental health needs within the community, providing an alternative to traditional hospital settings and fostering a supportive environment for those in crisis.
