Deafness and Mental Health Services

Queensland Health offers a Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service that connects Deaf and hard of hearing people with appropriate and accessible mental health care.

This is the only government service of its kind in Australia.

Getting a referral

If you are Deaf or hard of hearing and need help accessing appropriate mental health care, download the Deafness and Mental Health Service referral request form (PDF, 151kB) and have your GP complete it. Forms can be submitted by fax to (07) 3317 1296 or via email to deafness_mhs@health.qld.gov.au.

Therapy programs and counselling

We also offer some therapy and counselling programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for Deaf and hard of hearing people. The team works with other health professionals, including psychologists and counsellors, to provide sessions that meet your needs.

Mind and Memory Research for Older Deaf People project

The Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service is committed to research. The service’s Mind and Memory Research for Older Deaf People project invited Deaf people over the age of 50 to participate in a test that measured memory decline. The test will be used to create a culturally validated tool equal to that of hearing people.

Resources

• Self-care for sign language interpreters (PDF, 187kB)
• YouTube playlist - mental health questions and answers for the Deaf community
• Interpreting and translating guidelines and resources
• Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service information for health professionals