Creative therapy pilot launches on North Coast

PEOPLE across the North Coast experiencing moderate to severe mental health challenges now have access to new free creative therapy services, thanks to the launch of the North Coast Creative Therapies Pilot.

Launched by Healthy North Coast and funded by the Australian Government through the Primary Health Network program at a value of $1.03 million, the pilot will run until 30 June 2027, providing evidence-based creative arts therapy and music therapy to support mental health and wellbeing across the region.

The pilot was launched on Tuesday 17 March at the Salvation Army Church in Coffs Harbour.

Healthy North Coast is one of three Primary Health Networks (PHNs) nationally selected to deliver the initiative, which aims to expand access to innovative, person-centred mental health supports.

Creative therapies offered through the program are delivered by qualified practitioners accredited through the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) or the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

These therapies support people to express themselves and process experiences in ways that do not rely solely on words.

Delivered alongside other mental health supports, creative therapies can help individuals explore emotions, reduce anxiety, improve communication and strengthen overall wellbeing.

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the pilot would provide new pathways to care for people who might benefit from innovative approaches to mental health treatment:

“Creative therapies offer powerful ways for people to explore their thoughts and emotions, particularly when talk-based therapies may not feel accessible or sufficient.

“Through this pilot, we’re expanding the range of mental health supports available on the North Coast and ensuring people can access approaches that work best for them.

“By working with skilled and accredited local providers, we’re helping people connect with therapies that can improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience and support recovery.”

Under the pilot, eligible participants can access up to ten sessions, delivered in individual or group formats.

Referrals are managed through the Medicare Mental Health Phone Service, ensuring people receive the most appropriate care program based on their needs.

Participants assessed at Level of Care 3 or 4 may be eligible for the program.

The pilot is open to people of all ages.

Tania Miller, Registered Art Therapist from ReCreate Art Therapy – one of the successful providers following an expression of interest process – said the program helps people engage with their mental health in new and meaningful ways:

“Sometimes words can’t fully express the depth of an emotion. Through art, images can reach into those deeper places and help people express visually what may be difficult to say aloud,” said Ms Miller.

The pilot also includes creative therapies delivered in collaboration with local participating Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

Creative therapists will work alongside ACCHO social and emotion wellbeing teams and will operate from the ACCHO facility or an agreed community location.

The full list of creative therapy providers delivering services in the pilot is: Art To Be – Tweed Shire; Golden Threads – Sleepy Hollow; Fionn Batchelor – Mullumbimby; Amanda Scott Art Therapy – Byron Bay; Creative Arts Therapy (Linda Devonshire) – Lennox Head; Create Therapy – Lismore; Experiencing Colour – James Creek

ReCreate Art Therapy – Coffs Harbour & Grafton; Happymess Studio – Bellingen; Bonnie Nilsson – Valla; Soul Sounds Music Therapy – Port Macquarie; ARTTI – Dunbogan; Play Sing Music Therapy – Grafton; Ballina Byron Music Therapy – Newrybar; Megan Thamm Music Therapy – Lismore.