Victorian government launches Personality Disorder Initiative

Victorians living with a severe personality disorder will soon have better access to the ongoing care and support they need, thanks to a new initiative from the Andrews Labor government.

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley has announced almost $10 million in funding for the Personality Disorder Initiative, which is now being delivered at six Victorian health services including Alfred, Monash, Melbourne, Barwon and Goulburn Valley Health Services and Forensicare.

The program will help these services assess, treat and support people with severe personality disorders at high risk of suicide, self-harm and or challenging behaviours.

It will also build the expertise and capability of the mental health workforce, creating an estimated 13 full-time positions for clinicians known as Specialist Personality Disorder Clinicians.

The health services involved and Forensicare are offering the program in partnership with Victoria’s state-wide specialist personality disorder service, Spectrum.

The Labor government has invested almost $10 million over four years to support the program.

The Labor government has also established Victoria’s first Royal Commission into Mental Health, which will map out a plan of action that drives major changes to Victoria’s mental health services to support all Victorians with mental illness.

It will deliver an interim report in November, followed by the final report in October 2020. The Labor government has committed to implementing all the royal commission’s recommendations.

“This initiative will ensure people who have a personality disorder and are struggling with their mental health can get care which is compassionate, responsive and ongoing,” Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley said. 

“We all have a role to play in creating a mentally healthy community—one that is inclusive and supports recovery and programs like this help make that happen.

“We are ensuring Victorians with complex needs don’t fall through the cracks. The royal commission will prompt the most significant reform of our mental health system Victoria has ever seen.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.