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In this article, the author reports on the utility of telepsychiatry service provided by the Distance Consultation arm of the Rural and Remote Mental Health Service (RRMHS) for Aboriginal Australians. As reported, the use of live videoconferencing to provide psychiatric care has demonstrated its utility in Australia. Also, the patient satisfaction with the situation is reflected by a continuous increase in demand for this service since its inception in 2006.

The Social Justice Report 2005[1] recommended that the governments of Australia commit to achieving equal health status for all Australians “within a generation”. Improving the accessibility of mainstream health services for Aboriginal people is highlighted as a central requirement. This paper describes the establishment, roles and functions of the ‘Indigenous team’ embedded within the South Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Service (RRMHS) as one strategy to improve access and responsiveness of mental health services to Aboriginal patients in South Australia. We report on our progress to date and possible future directions for the team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]