We provide phone-based advice and assessments as outlined below.
Phone-based advice
The VDDS provides advice to anyone about the mental health of people with an intellectual disability in relation to:
- Presentation of mental disorders
- Mental health assessment
- Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Treatment for a mental disorder
- Management of mental and behavioural disorders
- Services available in Victoria and how to access these services
Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm. If no one can take your call or if you call out of office hours you may leave a message and we will return your call within one working day.
Assessment
Who can request an assessment?
- Clinicians from specialist area mental health services can request an assessment by phoning us on (03) 9288 2950
- Employees of Disability Services North and West Metropolitan Region and the Loddon Mallee region can request an assessment by phoning us on (03) 9288 2950
- If you are a person with a disability, a carer, a family member, a private psychiatrist or a GP you are welcome to phone us for advice on how to request an assessment.
What does the assessment provide?
- Our understanding of the problem
- Diagnostic opinion
- Recommendations about treatment and management
- Recommendations on what services should be involved
Case management
We do not provide case management.
Treatment
We do not provide direct treatment.
If you need urgent medical or psychological support, we recommend you consult your local doctor or the emergency department of your local hospital. To find your local specialist mental health service provider follow the link to Victorian Public Mental Health Services.
To contact the crisis telephone counselling service call Lifeline (Australia)
Tel: 13 11 14