Information for Consumers
GV Health’s mental health services aim to support people to feel safe, heard, and involved in their care.
This page provides information to help you understand what support is available, what your rights and choices are, and what to expect when using mental health services at GV Health. You can explore the sections below to find information that is relevant to you, at your own pace.
What mental health services GV Health provides
GV Health provides a range of public mental health services for people experiencing mental health challenges. Services include inpatient care, community-based support, crisis and acute response, specialist programs, and recovery-focused care. Support is provided across different ages, needs, and levels of intensity, depending on what is most helpful for you at the time.
Who can access these services
GV Health mental health services are available to people living in the Goulburn Valley region who meet eligibility criteria for public mental health care. Access may depend on factors such as your location, level of need, and the type of service required. Some services require referral, while others can be accessed directly in urgent situations.
How to get support (referrals, intake, crisis options)
You can access mental health support through referrals from a GP, health professional, hospital, or other services. Some programs accept self-referrals. If you or someone else is at immediate risk, crisis and acute response services are available. Your GP or local mental health service can help guide you to the most appropriate support.
What to expect when using mental health services
When you engage with mental health services, staff should listen to you, explain options clearly, and involve you in decisions about your care. You may be asked questions about your experiences, needs, and goals. Support should be respectful, recovery-oriented, and focused on what matters to you.
Your rights under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 sets out your rights when accessing mental health services in Victoria. These include the right to dignity, respect, cultural safety, involvement in decisions, least restrictive care, and having your preferences considered. Services must act in ways that uphold these rights.
Read more: What are my rights? | IMHA OR You can access information about your rights here: Your Rights as a Consumer
Your choices in care and treatment
You have the right to be involved in decisions about your care and treatment wherever possible. This includes discussing options, asking questions, expressing preferences, and saying what matters to you. Even when choices are limited, your views should still be listened to and taken seriously.
Supported decision-making and shared decision-making
Supported decision-making means you are helped to understand information, consider options, and express your will and preferences. Shared decision-making involves you and your treating team working together to make decisions about care. Both approaches aim to respect your autonomy and support informed choices.
Advance Statements of Preferences
An Advance Statement allows you to record your preferences for treatment and care if you become unwell in the future. This can include what helps, what does not help, and your values and priorities. Advance Statements should be considered by clinicians when decisions are made about your care.
Read more: I want to make an advance statement of preferences | IMHA
Nominated Support Person
A Nominated Support Person is someone you choose to support you and help represent your views. They may receive information, be involved in discussions, and support you to understand decisions. You can choose who your Nominated Person is and change this at any time.
Consent and confidentiality
Your personal information is treated confidentially and shared only when necessary for your care, safety, or legal reasons. You should be informed about how your information is used and any limits to confidentiality. Your consent should be sought wherever possible.
Inpatient care information
Inpatient mental health care provides support when people need a higher level of care and safety. While in hospital, you should be involved in care planning, supported to understand what is happening, and treated with dignity and respect. The aim is to support recovery and plan for safe discharge.
Community and outpatient care information
Community and outpatient services provide support while you live at home or in the community. This may include appointments, outreach, therapy, and practical support. Care is focused on recovery, independence, and connection with everyday life.
What compulsory treatment means
Compulsory treatment means treatment is provided without your consent under the Mental Health Act, usually when there are serious concerns about safety. This is meant to be used only when necessary and for the shortest time possible. Even under compulsory treatment, your rights, dignity, and preferences must still be respected.
How to raise concerns or give feedback
You have the right to raise concerns or provide feedback about your care. This can be done by speaking with your treating team, a manager, or a lived and living experience worker. Feedback helps services improve and should be taken seriously.
How to make a complaint or seek advocacy
If you are unhappy with your care, you can make a formal complaint through GV Health or seek independent advocacy support. Advocacy services can help you understand your rights, prepare complaints, and support you to have your concerns heard.
Information about lived and living experience support
Lived and Living Experience staff use their personal experience of mental health and services to provide support, understanding, and system insight. They can listen, help you understand your rights, support decision-making, and assist with navigating services.
Cultural safety and inclusive care
GV Health is committed to providing culturally safe and inclusive mental health care. Services should respect your identity, background, beliefs, and experiences, and work in ways that feel safe and respectful for you.
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can access culturally appropriate mental health support. Services aim to work in partnership with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and respect connection to culture, family, and Country.
Support for culturally and linguistically diverse communities
Support is available for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Services should be respectful of culture, language, and beliefs, and work to reduce barriers to care.
Interpreters and communication support
Interpreters and communication supports are available at no cost if you need them. You can request an interpreter to help you understand information and communicate clearly with staff.
Carer involvement (what consumers can choose)
You can choose how and whether carers, family, or supporters are involved in your care. Your preferences should be respected, and involvement should occur in ways that support your wellbeing and rights.
Leaving hospital and ongoing supports
Planning for discharge should begin early and involve you. This includes arranging follow-up care, supports, and information to help you transition safely back into the community.
Emergency and crisis contacts
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. Crisis mental health support is also available through local mental health services and 24-hour helplines. Your GP or mental health service can help you find the right support.
- ADDRESS
Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health Service
Monash Street
Shepparton, 3630
Beta Street
Seymour, 3660
- CONTACT
- REFERRALS
For referrals please contact Mental Health triage 1300 369 005