AMA backs Headspace mental health initiative

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is supporting a new program that will change the way mental health services are delivered to young people.

The Federal Government has committed $50 million to the Headspace initiative - which is expected to see 30 youth-friendly sites established across the country.

Non-government organisations that already provide similar services will be able to apply for grants to restructure and expand activities.

AMA president Dr Mukesh Haikerwal says extra counselling, health advice and vocational support should be available to people aged between 12 and 25.

"If we can get young people early on in the piece when they may be developing or have risks of developing mental illness, we can actually reduce the severity of their disease," he said.

"[We can] make sure it can actually be kept under control rather than developing a full-blown disease later on in time."