The State government is in discussions with local health districts across NSW to expand a pioneering mental health training and treatment program aimed at helping those living with complex personality disorders.
Mental Health Minister Jai Rowell visited one of the trial sites of the Project Air Strategy for Personality Disorders in Sydney last week to pledge $600,000 for the program.
"The expansion of 'Project Air' will significantly improve the capacity of health services to diagnose, manage and provide effective treatment for people with personality disorders," Mr Rowell said.
Project Air director Brin Grenyer said the treatment of personality disorders was much needed in the mental health sector.
"About 6.5 per cent of the Australian population has a diagnosable personality disorder," Professor Grenyer said.
"Of the roughly 33,000 admissions to NSW mental health units each year, about one in six are people with a diagnosis of personality disorder."
