Crisis support spaces

Improving crisis care for Queenslanders

Emergency departments are an essential part of Queensland’s crisis care system. However, they’re not always suitable for people experiencing mental health crises.

Crisis support spaces are one of the options available to people in crisis as an alternative to the emergency department.

What is a crisis support space?

Our crisis support spaces are located on hospital grounds and provide personalised care in a welcoming environment for people who are experiencing significant mental health distress.

They’re a free and voluntary alternative to the emergency department for people who don’t need emergency care, but are:

• feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope
• experiencing trauma, grief or a personal crisis
• thinking about suicide or self-harm.

Our teams of peer workers and clinicians can listen without judgment, share coping strategies and connect people with supports in the community if needed.

Co-designed for a better experience

Crisis support spaces have been designed in partnership with people who have lived experience of mental health crisis.

Our research shows the spaces are improving consumer outcomes and quality of life, and are also helping to reduce:

• severity of distress
• long waits for mental health support
• unnecessary stays in emergency departments
• the need for inpatient care.

Hear from visitors and staff

Watch our videos to hear from peer workers, clinicians and patients as they share how:

• our crisis support spaces work
• peers use their own lived experience to support others
• the service is changing people’s lives.

How to access

Most spaces are open 7 days a week and offer extended hours.

Support is available to people from the age of 18, and as young as 16 at some locations.

Find your nearest Crisis Support Space