The ACT government is on track to have an office of mental health running by July after hiring a consultant to design and develop it.
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Before the 2016 election the government promised to start work on the office within the first 100 days.
But it came under fire this year when it was not established almost a year after the election.
The office was a key part of the Parliamentary Agreement between Labor and the Greens.
Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury said the wait was necessary to make sure they get the model right.
He said with more people coming forward for treatment thanks to a decrease in stigma, the office would help make sure they don't "hit a brick wall" when they do.
About $500,000 was set aside for the project in the June budget, with a total of $2.9 million allocated over the next four years.
The $163,625 contract awarded to Synergia Consulting states it will provide options for the design and development of the office, to be informed by public consultation and scoping of appropriate models.
The consultant is due to deliver its final report on preferred models on February 23.
The government is asking the public to have its say on the office with an online survey now open.
Mr Rattenbury said the office was on track to be operating by July 1.
He said when established it would improve the coordination of services and make the ACT a more attractive jurisdiction for sought-after specialists to work in.
Mr Rattenbury said he was frustrated by criticism about the time taken for the office to be established.
"It has taken a little while but it's been worth it in terms of having conversations with the community," Mr Rattenbury.
"The new office for mental health is a key government priority that has the potential to make real, lasting, positive change for mental health consumers, carers and their families.
"Establishing the office is an exciting chance for us to hear from the community about what they see as the key challenges facing mental health in the ACT, and how the new office can address these challenges in the future.
"We want to hear from people who access mental health services and their families and carers.
"We also want to hear from stakeholders and members of the public with experience in the mental health sector, with this feedback crucial to ensuring the office will be able to drive a better Territory-wide integration of our mental health system."
If you need help or support contact, Lifeline: 13 11 14, beyondblue: 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7 crisis support), or headspace: 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au.
