Improved access to early intervention services will help spare many families the anguish of watching helplessly as someone they love suffers.

Under the reforms announced by federal Health Minister Sussan Ley and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, gone are the days of a one-size fits all approach.

Instead, the nation’s primary health networks will be empowered to deliver treatment to those in need when they need it most.

The result, particularly for residents of regional and remote Australia – including children – promises to be a more flexible and efficient system.

The reforms come in response to the National Mental Health Commission’s review of mental health services handed down last year.

That sobering report included the shocking statistic that suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged between 15 and 44 years.

One of the commission’s key recommendations was the need for a system less focused on crisis and acute care.

Rather, it proposed funnelling more resources towards programs aimed at prevention and early intervention.

The commission identified this as a pivotal step in its ambition to halve the number of suicides and suicide attempts over the next 10 years.

While the Turnbull government has stopped short of committing to this goal, it has responded by directing some $380 million away from federal programs and towards the primary health networks.

But for all the positives of the package there remains, however, one giant, lingering question mark over the reforms.

At this stage, there is no additional funding being made available in this space.

Can the changes so desperately needed to the mental health care system be achieved from the existing pool of money? Many have their doubts.

Blindly throwing money at a problem is a recipe for disaster. But if this new system is to work, it must be adequately funded.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness, contact Lifeline on 131 114.

- Ross Tyson, deputy editor