Step Thru Care (STC) is a Neami National service in partnership with Drummond Street Services, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, and Windana, providing services to people of all ages.

Step Thru Care is a new integrated Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support service being delivered across western Victoria. The new service model was developed in response to community needs and key mental health and AOD reform recommendations such as the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

Who Can Access Step Thru Care Services

Step Thru Care is available to support people with low-level needs to those with mild and severe mental health issues and/or alcohol and other drugs support needs. The program is particularly available to people in the following priority groups:

  • People on low income (hold a healthcare or other concession card).
  • People living in rural and remote communities who do not have access to other appropriate services.
  • People experiencing short-term displacement or homelessness.
  • People who identify as LGBTQIA+.
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • People in areas impacted by natural disaster (e.g., drought).
  • People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
  • Children under the age of 12 years.
  • People experiencing perinatal depression.
  • People with an intellectual disability and who are experiencing AOD and/or mental health issues and who encounter barriers when accessing care.
  • People experiencing or at risk of domestic violence.
  • Young people who do not have access to other appropriate services such as headspace.

Step Thru Care does not require a Mental Health Care Treatment Plan nor a completed Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) to access the program.

Download the Step Thru Care Information for GPs in Geelong Otway flyer (PDF 159KB)