The ACT has among the lowest level of subsidised mental health care treatment, but Canberrans are most likely in the country to receive subsidised community-based treatment.
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The latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report showed more Canberrans were reaching out for support in addressing mental health concerns.
The report, based on 2015–16 data, showed the ACT had the highest rate of community-based mental health care services in the country.
Canberrans were accessing community mental health services at rates about twice the national average.
There were 769.7 community services per 1000 people in the ACT, compared to 365.2 per 1000 population.
The territory also had the highest rate of service contacts with Indigenous consumers in the country - 2611.7 per 1000 population, compared to 1189.9 per 1000 population.
However the report also showed the ACT had the second lowest rate of medicare subsidised mental health services, behind on the Northern Territory.
It showed 8.4 per cent of people in the ACT accessed subsidised mental health services, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and GPs.
Access to medicare-funded psychiatrists has fallen since 2008-09, while people accessing subsidised GP visits for mental health has risen.
The ACT lagged significantly behind most jurisdictions when it came to access to psychiatrist services, but fared better in clinical psychology services.
Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury said the figures were encouraging to see during Mental Health Week.
"This means that more Canberrans are reaching out for support, and feel that they can do so, and that our services are responding their needs,” he said.
“We know that early intervention and reaching out, and conversations with individuals in our community who are struggling, can make all the difference,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“The report also highlights that the ACT is rather unique in its higher levels of service delivery when compared to other, larger jurisdictions.
“We know that early intervention and reaching out, and conversations with individuals in our community who are struggling, can make all the difference.
“The report also highlights that the ACT is rather unique in its higher levels of service delivery when compared to other, larger jurisdictions.”
Minister Rattenbury said that Mental Health Month gives us all the chance to share the message that it’s okay to get help for mental illness and it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
“Through raising awareness and promoting mental health and wellbeing we increasingly break down the stigma associated with mental illness.”
