The mental health visitor and psychiatric after-care

The results of a project, originating in South Australia, designed to assist the discharge of psychiatric patients are described. The project introduced a new category of mental health worker, the mental health visitor. These mature-age "subprofessionals" attached to social work departments after a brief, specific, in-service training, have worked closely with Mental Health Services psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers in various situations. They have established good relationships with social workers in other agencies and with general practitioners and their activities have included initial assessment, liaison and after-care. The demand for them appears to be increasing.