Glossary of Terms

Carer
A person whose life is affected by virtue of his or her close relationship with a consumer and who has a caring role with the consumer.

Case Manager
A clinical member of staff who is given the responsibility for looking after the consumer's treatment and support needs within the public mental health system.

Crisis Assessment and Treatment (CAT) Service
Crisis Assessment and Treatment services are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and provide assessment and treatment in the community for consumers experiencing a psychiatric crisis.

Consumer
A person with a serious mental illness who makes use of public mental health services.

Duty Worker
A clinical staff member who undertakes an initial assessment of the consumer's current problem/s and who will guide the consumer to the appropriate service.

Individual Service Plan (ISP)
A working plan outlining the consumer's goals and strategies for recovery that is put together by the case manager, the consumer and-with the consumer's permission-their family or carer. Mental Health Act 1986 This is the law about providing care, treatment and protection for people with a mental illness .

Public Mental Health Service
A range of specialised services, including community mental health centres or clinics and public inpatient facilities, which are free of charge to consumers with a serious mental illness.

Serious Mental Illness
Serious mental illness is a diagnosable psychiatric disorder resulting in significant impairment, disability or disadvantage.