Update on Sonder’s Mental Health Shared with GPs program
For GPs and health professionals
Since 2007, Sonder has delivered the Mental Health Shared Care with GPs program in the Northern and Western regions of Adelaide. The program has been funded by SA Health and was contracted by Adelaide PHN in 2018. The program has supported individuals with severe and complex mental illness through collaborative care coordinated between mental health professionals and GPs.
From 1 July 2025, this program will be replaced by a new SA Health-funded initiative: Pathways to Recovery, which will be available across all metropolitan and regional Local Health Network (LHN) regions.
We’re pleased to share that Sonder has been selected by SA Health as one of the service providers to deliver Pathways to Recovery in the Northern and Western metropolitan region.
About Pathways to Recovery
Pathways to Recovery continues the core intent of the Mental Health Shared Care with GPs program—providing collaborative care for people with severe and complex mental health needs—while enhancing the model with the addition of peer support, alongside therapeutic intervention and care coordination.
Eligibility
Pathways to Recovery is suitable for people aged 16–64 years (inclusive) who:
- Have complex and challenging mental health concerns.
- Are transitioning from tertiary mental health care (including Community Treatment Orders).
- Are ready to move into a recovery-focused community-based program.
- Require support to transition from the tertiary service.
People aged 65+ may be eligible if no other appropriate supports (e.g. NDIS or aged care) are accessible.
The program is not suitable for individuals who:
- Require current crisis support.
- Are acutely unwell and require tertiary services.
- Have a primary diagnosis of alcohol and other drug use disorder requiring detox or residential rehab.
What this means for current clients
Current clients (including clients on the waitlist) will not be impacted and will be seamlessly transitioned into the Pathways to Recovery program.
Referral information
Referrals to the existing Mental Health Shared Care with GPs program remain open until 30 December 2025. GPs may continue to send referrals to the Medicare Mental Health Phone Service via HealthLink (EDI: adphncru), fax (08 8121 1802), or email to MedicareMHps.Adl@neaminational.org.au, or to Sonder directly via HealthLink (EDI: sonderau) or fax (08 8252 943).
From 1 January 2026, only tertiary community mental health teams will be able to refer into the Pathways to Recovery program.
GPs are key partners in mental health and shared care arrangements, and this remains unchanged with Pathways to Recovery. The Pathways to Recovery, team will continue to liaise with GPs regularly, ensuring continuity of care and clinical oversight.
For more information, contact info@sonder.net.au or phone 08 8209 0700.