Mental Health Care Gap Widens as Treatment Costs Rise

Monash University research reveals a widening gap in access to psychological treatment, with disadvantaged children hardest hit and out-of-pocket costs more than doubling.

Monash University research reveals a widening gap in access to psychological treatment, with disadvantaged children hardest hit and out-of-pocket costs more than doubling.

A new psychiatrist-led outpatient program for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression is set to operate at Avive Clinic Mornington Peninsula in Mount Eliza from July–September 2026, improving access to specialised mental health care locally.

Peninsula University Hospital will begin caring for patients from Tuesday, 20 January, following its official opening in Frankston. The site was previously known as Frankston Hospital and operated under Peninsula Health before the health service was folded into the newly…

Burnout played a significant role for many workers in 2025, with stress and exhaustion affecting wellbeing and productivity. Burnout specialist Nick Orchard, founder of The Big Refresh, shares practical tips to help Mornington Peninsula and Frankston residents recognise early warning signs and reduce the risk of burnout in 2026.

Hannah Swinnerton has transformed her experience of years of bullying into a platform for resilience and connection. Now station manager at Radio Western Port and host of Inspired to Soar, she says the station has given her purpose and a supportive space to help others share their stories.

New ABS data shows suicide remains the leading cause of death for young Australians. Local figures in Mornington Peninsula and Frankston highlight growing pressure on mental-health services, with suicide rates higher than the state and national averages.

Peninsula Health has been named a finalist in the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards for its success in ending seclusion and mechanical restraints across its mental-health units at Frankston Hospital.

Mornington Peninsula MP Zoe McKenzie has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Mental Health in Susan Ley’s new shadow ministry, giving the region a direct voice in national policy.