The centre would service clients, aged 25 years and over, across the Territory.

Katherine already has a free Headspace service which caters for eligible young people aged between 12 and 25 years.

As part of a national project, Darwin was selected as one of eight trial sites and NT PHN will receive $14 million funding over four years to establish the centre.

NT Primary Health Network chief executive officer, Gill Yearsley said "The model for the centre will be developed based on national guidelines, whilst responding to local Northern Territory needs.

Individuals and their families and carers will be able to seek on the spot assessment, advice and treatment if required, and be supported to access a range of services suited to their level of need, without a prior appointment.

A location for the Adult Mental Health Centre is being confirmed, with utilisation of existing infrastructure being considered rather than new construction to maximise available funds for the delivery of services.

The centre will be located in an easily accessed and convenient location, close to public transport.

The centre will address some of the current gaps existing for people experiencing high levels of distress or suicidal crisis and will connect them with longer term care through integration with other local services.

Ms Yearsley said: "The NT PHN's key role is to find opportunities for integration across the primary health sector and this type of centre is a strong example of that. It will help people get the assistance they need, whilst providing an inviting, culturally appropriate and less clinical environment for people to seek help.

The centre will provide a safe, welcoming environment and also have extended hours, which will ease some of the burden currently on our hospital emergency departments.

"We will be starting consultation across the sector in October and working to have a model for the centre by March 2021, with the centre commissioned by June 2021. This means Territorians will be able to access these services in the second half of 2021," Ms Yearsley said.

Lifeline can be contacted on 131114, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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