About us

We are a Western Australian Government agency that facilitates the delivery of mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD) services and programs, while leading the transformation required across the system to better meet the needs of the community into the future.

The Commission was established on 8 March 2010 to lead mental health reform throughout the state and work towards a modern, effective mental health system that places the individual and their recovery at the centre of its focus. On 1 July 2015, the Mental Health Commission and the Drug and Alcohol Office amalgamated, establishing an integrated approach to mental health and AOD service delivery for Western Australia (WA).

The Commission is guided by the Western Australian Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015 – 2025. A new Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025-2030 is being developed.

This year, the Commission began work to introduce a package of reforms arising from the Independent Review of the WA Health System Governance. This work included changes to governance, collaborative commissioning practices and progressive leadership structures. The Commission progressed the establishment of Office of Alcohol and Other Drugs, which began operating from 1 July 2024. The reforms will strengthen planning, coordination and delivery of mental health and AOD initiatives in WA to provide better outcomes for people, families and carers.

For more information about our role see our Annual Reports or the Our services pages.

Our Vision

Western Australians lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Our Mission

Leading and transforming mental health and alcohol and other drugs systems that empower people in health and wellbeing.

Our Values

We are:

Respecting individuals and culture

• We promote respect and strive for equality for everyone.
• We work to reduce the incidence and negative impacts of stigma.
• We encourage diversity.

Engaged and accountable

• We support engagement and participation at all levels.
• We take accountability for our commitments and actions and expect no less of others.
• We listen deeply, are reflective and open to feedback.

Leading with courage

• We communicate honestly and compassionately.
• We champion change to advance progress that is in the best interests of the community.
• We speak up, for ourselves and for others, when we see something that does not seem right.

Keeping integrity at our core

• We use evidence to inform our decisions which are fair and ethical.
• We continue to research, learn and grow to deliver best practice.
• We are open, honest and trustworthy.