This report provides an overview of the extant economic evidence available in relation to psychosocial support programs within Australia’s mental health system. The key framing question is: what do we know about the mental health, social and economic outcomes of investing in psychosocial support?

Key findings

1. Economic evaluations of psychosocial support programs that do exist show strong results in terms of value and cost offsets.
2. There is a very limited number of economic evaluation studies of psychosocial support.
3. Systemic factors limit effective economic evaluation.

The report concludes there is promising, but limited, evidence to demonstrate that psychosocial supports not only improve the wellbeing and quality of life for individuals but also lead to economic gains. Strengthening the evidence base for psychosocial support is critical and timely, especially within the context of a mental health system facing cost pressures and increasing demand.