Mental Health and Drugs Division
Our Vision
Victorians can access timely information, programs and services that promote mental health and wellbeing and prevent and reduce the harm and disadvantage associated with mental illness and substance use.
Our Aims
- High quality, sustainable mental health and alcohol and other drug services and workforces
- Responsive, effective and safe mental health and alcohol and other drug programs, services and products
- Research and knowledge building that improves evidence, strengthens practice and fosters innovation
- Earlier intervention at the most effective point to prevent and reduce harm and disadvantage caused by mental illness and substance use
- Improved health and wellbeing outcomes for Indigenous Victorians
The Mental Health and Drugs Division is responsible for mental health and drugs policy, planning, strategy and programs that deliver prevention, early intervention, treatment and support to Victorians experiencing mental health or substance misuse issues, and their carers or other family members.
The work of the division includes a range of statutory responsibilities including regulation and monitoring, the development of policy and quality standards, workforce development, and the delivery and monitoring of specialist mental health and alcohol and other drug services. Programs are delivered in partnership with health service providers, non-government organisations, and other public sector agencies.
Mental Health and Drugs Operations Branch
The Mental Health and Drugs Operations Branch is one of two branches of the Mental Health and Drugs Division. The Branch includes teams responsible for quality and workforce development and service system improvement, as well as the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist and the Senior Nurse Advisor, Mental Health. The branch is also responsible for overseeing the operation and development of specialist mental health services and drug treatment services delivered in partnership with health services, non-government organisations or other public sector agencies.
Policy, Planning and Strategy Branch
Policy, Planning and Strategy is one of two branches of the Mental Health and Drugs Division. The Branch includes teams responsible for mental health and drugs policy, alcohol strategy, prevention and secretariat support and legislative reviews. The branch also provides divisional services for financial and reporting systems, capital programs, data analysis, strategic planning, and whole-of-government coordination and cross-jurisdictional work as it relates to mental health and drugs matters.