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population across a region’ (Wakerman et al., 2006, p. 2). The same authors stated that a minimum population base of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people for remote communities is required to support an appropriate and sustainable range of primary healthcare services (Wakerman et al., 2006). The average total cost of funding a primary healthcare service tends to increase with population size and remoteness (Zhao & Malyon, 2010). Zhao and Malyon (2010) found that average per capita expenditure was highest in clinics servicing populations of less than 200 people, and lowest for populations of between 600 and 999. These economies of scale are important drivers that influence the delivery of remote healthcare, including mental health. The vast majority of remote areas have a small primary healthcare presence (varying from one to five nurses) under the categories (see Table 2.17) of ‘Integrated Services’, some Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services (depending on local circumstances) but overwhelmingly outreach services, particularly hub-and-spoke, visiting and FIFO. Telehealth and telemedicine are also increasingly adopted into remote mental healthcare. The discussion above has highlighted the drivers or conditions that affect the majority of models of remote healthcare delivery (including mental health) in Australia. Wakerman et al. (2008) identified a typology of four remote and rural primary healthcare delivery models (including mental health):

1. Discrete Services, 2. Integrated Services, 3. Comprehensive PHC Services, 4. Outreach Services.