Whether at home or elsewhere, the CATT assesses the person's current mental state, their psychiatric history, what social support they have and more.
In Werribee, the Crisis Assessment Team Melbourne (CATT) is part of the broader mental health services provided by Western Health. The CATT team is dedicated to offering immediate, short-term interventions for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. Their primary goal is to provide rapid assessment and stabilization to prevent the need for hospitalization and to support individuals within the community.
Purpose
Immediate Response: Provide prompt mental health assessments and crisis interventions.
Crisis Management: Stabilize individuals experiencing acute mental health episodes.
Assessment and Referral: Conduct comprehensive mental health evaluations and refer individuals to appropriate ongoing services.
Assessment:
Conduct thorough mental health assessments to determine the nature and severity of the crisis.
Evaluate risk factors, including the potential for harm to self or others.
Intervention:
Utilize crisis intervention strategies to de-escalate situations.
Provide necessary medical treatments, including medication management.
Short-Term Support:
Offer short-term follow-up care to ensure the individual remains stable.
Develop and implement crisis management and safety plans.
Referral and Coordination:
Facilitate referrals to long-term mental health services and other support systems.
Coordinate care with healthcare providers, social services, and support networks.
Community Outreach:
Engage with community resources and educate the public about available crisis services.
Support families and caregivers of individuals in crisis.
The CATT services in Werribee are available 24/7 and can be accessed through various channels:
Emergency Services: Call 000 for immediate emergency assistance.
Mental Health Triage Service: Contact the Western Health mental health triage line for crisis situations.
Healthcare Providers: General practitioners, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers can refer individuals to the CATT team.
Direct Contact: Individuals or their families may directly contact the CATT team werribee for help in certain situations.
Western Health - CATT
Service Area: Werribee and surrounding areas in the western suburbs of CATT Team Melbourne.
Contact: 1300 657 259 (24-hour Mental Health Triage Service)
Rapid Response: Quick and efficient intervention to manage and stabilize mental health crises.
Community-Based Care: Providing support in a familiar environment to reduce the stress and stigma associated with hospital admissions.
Comprehensive Approach: Addressing both immediate and long-term needs through coordinated care.
Prevention of Hospitalization: Aiming to manage crises within the community to avoid unnecessary hospital stays.
Michael’s Experience with the Werribee CATT Team
Crisis Situation: Michael, experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks, contacts the mental health triage service.
Immediate Response: The CATT team is dispatched to his home to assess his condition.
Assessment: A mental health nurse and social worker conduct a comprehensive assessment, identifying immediate risks and needs.
Intervention: The team provides crisis counseling and administers medication to help stabilize Michael’s symptoms.
Short-Term Support: Over the following days, the team follows up with Michael, ensuring he remains safe and connected to support.
Referral: Michael is referred to a local mental health clinic for ongoing therapy and psychiatric care.
Coordination: The CATT team works with Michael’s GP and family to create a long-term care plan.
The Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team in Werribee is a vital resource for individuals experiencing mental health crises. By providing immediate, expert intervention, these teams help stabilize situations, support individuals within their community, and connect them with the necessary resources for ongoing care and recovery.