Construction of a new mental health facility in Adelaide is set to reach a significant milestone, bringing a vital resource to those in crisis. The $22 million Crisis Stabilisation Centre, developed by the Malinauskas Labor government, will offer 16 short-stay beds for individuals facing mental health emergencies. The centre is expected to begin operations in early 2026 and will provide a supportive environment for those in distress, allowing stays of up to three nights.
Located on the second floor of the Oldham Road building at Elizabeth Vale, the centre will be part of the expanding Playford Health Precinct. The facility aims to relieve pressure on emergency departments by offering specialized care in a less clinical setting. It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is designed with input from individuals who have experienced mental health crises, ensuring that the services meet real needs.
As construction progresses, the work on the second storey is ready to commence, with the installation of roof steel scheduled for the end of this month. The centre will feature counselling rooms, a family lounge, and communal social areas, fostering a homelike atmosphere for patients. In addition to trained mental health clinicians, the centre will employ lived-experience peer practitioners, Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing workers, and multicultural workers to provide comprehensive support.
The design and care philosophy of the centre have been significantly influenced by LELAN, South Australia’s independent peak body for individuals with lived experience of mental distress. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the services delivered are compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally safe.
The existing Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre will also relocate from Gillingham Road to the ground floor of the new facility. This service, jointly funded by state and federal governments, will continue to offer free, walk-in mental health support year-round, requiring no referrals or Medicare cards.
The tender process for selecting a non-government service provider for the Crisis Stabilisation Centre has already begun. According to Nadia Clancy, a representative of the Malinauskas Labor Government, this initiative is part of a broader commitment to enhance mental health care in South Australia. Clancy stated, “This Crisis Stabilisation Centre will be vital in providing urgent, targeted support to South Australians facing a mental health crisis or challenge.”
The centre aims to reduce the burden on hospitals by delivering best-practice crisis care in a supportive environment. Liz Prowse, Executive Director of Mental Health Strategy and Planning at the Department of Health and Wellbeing, emphasized that the model of care was developed through extensive engagement with the community, particularly those with lived experiences of mental health issues.
Prowse highlighted the centre’s focus on providing care that is responsive to individual needs, stating, “People will be able to stay for up to three nights and will have access to a range of supports, including peer specialists.”
Ellie Hodges, Chief Executive of LELAN, expressed optimism about the centre’s potential impact. She noted, “Once established, the Crisis Stabilisation Centre will be an important service for people experiencing mental health distress and crisis.” Hodges stressed that this model of care represents a significant shift in how mental health support is provided in South Australia.
Karen Puvogel, Chief Executive of the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, reiterated the importance of integrating these new beds into existing care models. She stated, “The Crisis Stabilisation Centre will form a vital part of the Lyell McEwin Hospital Precinct, ensuring a more appropriate emergency pathway to access mental health services.”
As the construction of the Crisis Stabilisation Centre progresses, it is poised to become a beacon of hope for individuals facing mental health challenges, offering essential support in a community-centric environment.
