What is a youth prevention and recovery care centre?

Over 75 per cent of mental health issues begin before the age of 25.

That's why the Victorian Government is working to improve access to mental health support and care for young people.

This includes investing $141 million to deliver five new youth prevention and recovery care (YPARC) centres across Victoria. We'll also be refurbishing three existing YPARC centres.

But what is a YPARC centre? Who do they support? How do they operate? And how can young people access them?

What is a YPARC centre?

A YPARC centre provides support to young people experiencing mental health challenges and/or psychological distress. This includes depression and anxiety which are the leading cause of disability in young people.

Young people aged 16-25 can access YPARC centres.

At the YPARC centre young people receive around the clock treatment and care. The centres are voluntary, referral-based services.

Young people can continue to attend work or school while receiving the appropriate treatment, care and support they need in a safe, home-like environment. Based on their needs, a young person can stay at a YPARC centre for up to 28 days. The average stay is 19 days.

How do YPARC centres help young people?

YPARC centres are live-in facilities. They provide care and support to young people experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

YPARC services help young people experiencing mental health challenges by providing short term, live-in treatment.

The supportive and calm environment gives them the chance to focus on their recovery and wellbeing.

At the centre, young people receive tailored one-to-one support based on their needs and goals. They can also take part in group activities with other young people.

YPARC centres do not provide withdrawal or rehabilitation services.

Young people who use the facilities would otherwise be living in their own homes in the local community. Or accessing hospital-based supports or acute inpatient care.

How can young people access a YPARC service?

YPARC services are voluntary, referral-based services.

To access YPARC services, a young person will need a referral from a local mental health and wellbeing service.

This could be:

• a general practitioner (GP)
• a specialist medical practitioner
• Headspace
• an infant, child or youth mental health and wellbeing service.