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Stepped Care is an evidence-based, staged approach to mental health services, where individuals have access to interventions and support tailored to their needs and preferences. As these needs evolve, the services are adjusted accordingly. This person-centred model supports early intervention to ensure that individuals experiencing mental illness receive appropriate support before their conditions worsen and require more intensive intervention.
Stepped care encourages more effective and efficient use of existing primary mental healthcare services, including Medicare-based psychological therapy services and SEWB programs.
The Northern Territory Stepped Care Model provides a structured, culturally responsive approach to improve mental health and wellbeing services, built on the foundation of Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) principles.
These guidelines and framework were developed to address the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, recognising the high rates of social and emotional wellbeing challenges and mental health concerns within these communities. It aims at establishing clear guidelines for meaningful reform and delivering accessible care across both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific services and mainstream health organisations. The support services ranges from online resources to specialised in-patient care services.