Mental Health Commission of Western Australia

What Mental Health Commission of Western Australia does

The Mental Health Commission of Western Australia is a statutory agency of the Government of Western Australia responsible for facilitating the delivery of $1.77 billion per annum of mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD) services and programs across the state, and for leading the system-wide reform of those services. Its operating perimeter spans direct service delivery, commissioning of third-party providers, public-health education, training, and policy leadership.

The Commission runs a 24/7 service portfolio anchored by its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Support Service (ADMHSS), which operates the Here For You support line (1800 437 348), the Alcohol and Drug Support Line, the Parent and Family Drug Support Line, and a 7am-9:30pm daily Live Chat service delivered via the third-party LivePerson platform. ADMHSS also delivers the Six STEPS program for families, peer support groups (in-person and Zoom), and Drug Court volunteer support. Other in-house or commissioned services include residential AOD treatment, Step Up/Step Down facilities, Safe Haven Cafes at Royal Perth and Kununurra District Hospitals, the AOD Diversion Program, Cannabis Intervention Requirement and Other Drug Intervention Requirement schemes, the Mental Health Court Diversion Program (Start Court and Links), and youth-focused programs (YPOP, YSTIR).

Beyond direct service delivery, the Commission commissions 160+ non-government organisations to deliver community-based mental health and AOD support across metropolitan, regional, and remote WA, maintains the My Services Online Directory (myservices.org.au), runs the Infant, Child and Adolescent System Transformation Program ($235+ million of dedicated investment), and operates statewide public-health campaigns including Alcohol. Think Again, Drug Aware, Think Mental Health, and the Aboriginal-focused Strong Spirit Strong Mind. The current strategic framework is the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2026-2031, and the Commission holds effective full-scheme NDIS responsibility in WA from 1 July 2025 under a Commonwealth–State agreement. All services are free to Western Australian residents; the Commission itself does not earn commercial revenue and is funded through State appropriation and Commonwealth contributions.

Name

Mental Health Commission of Western Australia

Legal name

Mental Health Commission

Website

https://mhc.wa.gov.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Mental Health Commission of Western Australia is a WA Government statutory agency that facilitates $1.77 billion per annum of mental health and alcohol/other drug services statewide. It operates 24/7 helplines via its ADMHSS subsidiary, commissions 160+ NGO partners, and runs statewide public-health campaigns and education programs serving all Western Australians.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Mental Health Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities (623220), Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) (621330)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Behavioral Health & Substance Use Program Funding (Public Health) (HLAJALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) & Public Behavioral Health Providers (HLAFACAI), Residential Mental Health Treatment Centers (HLAFACAC)

Keywords

• Mental health services
• Alcohol drug support
• Crisis helpline services
• Public health education
• Suicide prevention programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Perth

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: The Mental Health Commission is a WA Government agency that facilitates delivery of $1.77 billion per annum in mental health, alcohol and other drug services and programs. Funding is allocated to commission services from NGOs, deliver support lines directly, and lead system transformation initiatives.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Mental Health Commission of Western Australia is a state government agency that plans, funds, and delivers mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD) services across Western Australia. It operates 24/7 telephone counselling helplines, live chat support, public health education campaigns, residential and community treatment services, court diversion programs, and professional training, while commissioning over 160 NGO partners to deliver community-level services.

Product overview

The Mental Health Commission of Western Australia operates a portfolio of interconnected mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD) services and programs. The core service is the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Support Service (ADMHSS), which provides 24/7 telephone counselling through the Alcohol and Drug Support Line, Parent and Family Drug Support Line, and Here For You Support Line, complemented by support groups, the Six STEPS program, and Drug Court support. The Commission delivers public health education campaigns including Alcohol. Think Again, Drug Aware, Think Mental Health, and Strong Spirit Strong Mind. Diversion programs including the AOD Diversion Program, Cannabis Intervention Requirement, and Mental Health Court Diversion Program connect individuals with treatment. The portfolio includes residential treatment services, Step Up/Step Down services, Safe Haven Cafes, and training programs for professionals. Strategic initiatives like the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2026-2031 and the Infant, Child and Adolescent System Transformation Program guide system-wide reform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Support Service (ADMHSS): 24/7 confidential telephone counselling, information, and referral service for anyone concerned about alcohol, other drug use, or mental health in Western Australia
• Alcohol. Think Again
• Drug Aware
• Think Mental Health
• Strong Spirit Strong Mind

Products and services

• Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Support Service (ADMHSS) A 24/7 confidential telephone counselling, information, and referral service for anyone in Western Australia concerned about alcohol, other drug use, or mental health issues. Operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mental Health Commission.
• Alcohol and Drug Support Line A confidential 24/7 phone line for anyone in Western Australia concerned about their own or someone else's alcohol and/or other drug use.
• Parent and Family Drug Support Line A 24/7 phone line for anyone in Western Australia concerned about the alcohol and/or drug use of someone they support.
• Here For You Support Line A mental health, alcohol and drug support line for anyone in Western Australia seeking help for their own or someone else's mental health, alcohol and/or other drug related challenges. Operating 7am to 10pm daily.
• CAMHS Crisis Connect Mental health advice and support service for children and young people in Western Australia, available 24/7.
• Mental Health Emergency Response Line Emergency mental health support line available for Western Australians in crisis.
• Residential Treatment Services for Alcohol and Other Drugs Specialist treatment, advice and support services including withdrawal services, residential rehabilitation, and transition services for people dealing with alcohol and drug issues.
• Safe Haven Cafes Peer-based support cafes operating alongside emergency departments for people experiencing mental health issues who may not need intensive clinical support. Located at Royal Perth Hospital and Kununurra District Hospital.
• Step Up/Step Down Services Mental health services providing intermediate care between hospital and community for people experiencing mental health challenges.
• AOD Diversion Program A free voluntary court diversion program available in most Magistrates Courts in Western Australia for adults with alcohol and other drug problems who plead guilty.
• Mental Health Court Diversion Program (Start Court and Links) Tailored response for people whose offending is linked to mental illness. Start Court is for adults; Links is for young people in the Children's Court.
• Community Alcohol and Drug Services Services providing community-based support and treatment for individuals and families affected by alcohol and drug use across Western Australia.
• Drug and Alcohol Youth Service Service providing young people aged 12-21 and their families with access to a comprehensive range of alcohol and drug services.
• Aftercare Services Program supporting people discharged from hospital and emergency departments following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis.
• Infant, Child and Adolescent System Transformation Program Government program transforming and improving the mental health system for infants, children and adolescents in Western Australia.
• My Services Online Directory Online directory helping people find mental health, alcohol and other drug services near them in Western Australia.
• Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training Two-day workshop training program for professionals to identify and respond to people at risk of suicide.
• Alcohol and Other Drug Training Training and development opportunities for professionals working in mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors.
• Alcohol. Think Again Campaign State-wide public health education campaign to reduce alcohol-related harm and ill-health in Western Australia.
• Drug Aware Campaign Campaign providing credible evidence-based information about illicit drugs, their effects and harms to help Western Australians make informed decisions.
• Think Mental Health Campaign Campaign supporting the community to make informed decisions about mental health and wellbeing.
• Strong Spirit Strong Mind

Quantifiable outcome

• 14,000+ instances of support provided annually by the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Support Service
• +2 more outcomes

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Butterfly FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2026State Government partnership with Butterfly Foundation to significantly expand eating disorder services across Western Australia. Butterfly will deliver programs targeting schools, families, and sporting organisations, focusing on prevention, early recognition of warning signs, and care navigation. This partnership aims to improve early intervention and support for Western Australians living with eating disorders.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Mind Australia: One of Australia's largest community-managed mental health service providers, delivering psychosocial support, NDIS services, and recovery-focused programs nationwide. Comparable as a large commissioned NGO within MHCWA's partner ecosystem and as a broader sector incumbent.
• headspace (National Youth Mental Health Foundation): National youth mental health foundation operating a network of >150 centres for 12-25 year-olds, with services co-funded by the Australian Government and PHNs. Comparable as a youth mental health service platform overlapping MHCWA's youth portfolio.
• Wellways Australia: National community mental health and disability services provider operating across multiple states. Comparable as a large commissioned NGO delivering community-based mental health and psychosocial services at scale.

Direct peers

• Queensland Mental Health Commission: Queensland's whole-of-government mental health commission focused on system reform, suicide prevention, and lived-experience engagement — a direct jurisdictional peer with similar commissioning and reform remit.
• Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA): South Australian state government alcohol and other drug treatment service network — closely comparable to MHCWA's AOD portfolio (withdrawal, residential rehab, community treatment) and its public-sector delivery model.
• Turning Point (Eastern Health): National addiction treatment, research and workforce development organisation. Comparable on the AOD treatment and workforce-training dimensions of MHCWA's portfolio, including clinical research output and residential service models.
• Victorian Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission: Statutory Victorian state commission with an analogous mandate to oversee and advise on mental health system performance, undertake system reform, and engage with community. Most structurally comparable peer as another Australian state-level mental health commissioner.
• NSW Mental Health Commission: New South Wales' state mental health commission driving mental health reform, commissioning services, and providing independent system oversight — directly comparable statutory function in the largest Australian state.

Emerging players

• Orygen: Youth-focused mental health organisation combining clinical services, research, and workforce training. Comparable to MHCWA's Infant, Child and Adolescent System Transformation Program and youth-focused Step Up/Step Down initiatives.

Others

• Butterfly Foundation: National eating disorders organisation now formally partnered with MHCWA (June 2026) to expand eating disorder services in WA. Comparable as a peer organisation delivering prevention, early intervention, and care-navigation programs in a niche MHCWA is actively expanding into.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/mentalhealthwa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mental-health-commission-of-western-australia
• Instagraminstagram.com/mentalhealthwa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Mental Health Commission of Western Australia