Mental health therapist appointed to SA town

For the first time, a permanent mental health therapist will be based on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara lands in South Australia's far north.

The State Government says reduced administration costs will fund the new appointment.

The therapist will work with children in the remote Aboriginal community.

But Mental Health Minister Carmel Zollo admits one new worker will not solve the region's mental health issues.

"This is, I think, a good beginning," she said.

"It's a start, an acknowledgment that yes we realise more work needs to be done.

"But $70,000 is a start to get the ball rolling."

Ms Zollo says the new worker will face some complex problems.

"We probably also realise that the abuse of petrol, alcohol and other substances is sometimes associated with mental illness," she said.

A starting date for the therapist is yet to be announced.

Source: ABC Health News Online 12/01/2006

Date:13/01/06