Acute mental health team moves to Curran Centre

The Western NSW Local Health District's mental health, drug and alcohol, acute and continuing care team (ACCT) started at the Curran Centre at 145-147 March Street on Monday after moving from the LikeMind building in Kite Street.

Mental health, drug and alcohol director Jason Crisp said the move became necessary because the team was recruiting more staff.

"It's always tough to recruit people to western NSW, but as we get closer to a full complement of staff, it's pretty tight in there," he said.

Up to eight clinicians have been working fro LikeMind since it opened three years ago, but the team is set to grow to 13.5 full-time equivalents to manage the 158 cases currently on the books.

Mr Crisp said while LikeMind helped those experiencing depression and anxiety, the ACCT worked with those with other disorders, including bipolar and schizophrenia, until they could manage their symptoms.

"They work to keep them out of hospital - there's really intensive follow-up in those early phases," he said.

He also said clinicians helped patients overcome any side effects from their medication.

However, Mr Crisp said the team would continue a presence at LikeMind, running clinics for clients and being available to assess more complex cases.

The team can now be reached on 6369 2030.