RFT to develop a national approach to digitally navigating Australia's mental health service system for help-seekers

The Department is undertaking a competitive tender process to commission an Australian mental health service provider, or a group of service providers led by a single provider (with extensive experience in the design and/or delivery of digital mental health service) to work directly with help seekers, carers, and their support networks to co-design a connected and fit for purpose approach to modernising Australia’s mental health service navigation. The focus will be on augmenting existing help seeker awareness and enhancing the user experience through improvements in navigation to digital resources, low intensity services and online evidence-based treatment and support programs, tools, and services in the first instance. This work will build on previous engagement and consultation with the mental health sector, and align with relevant policy frameworks, such as the National Digital Mental Health Framework.

The service provider (or group of service providers – led by a single provider) would leverage their unique position within the service system by drawing upon their help seeker networks (e.g., those with lived/living experience), brand recognition, public trust and their expert knowledge in mental health service delivery to provide best in class knowledge and insights. This would ensure help seekers from a diverse background including priority populations, people living with disabilities and people with lived or living experience of mental ill health are all consulted and able to contribute to improvements in national navigation to digital resources, low intensity products and services and evidence-based support programs (including clinician-supported and self-supported programs) to support help seekers find services appropriate to their needs.