On Wednesday, the Victorian Government announced a funding boost that will double the capacity of Victoria's Youth Prevention and Recovery Care network, which includes new centres in regional areas Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton, Heidelberg and Traralgon, while updating existing facilities in Bendigo, Dandenong and Frankston.

However, mental health supports continue to be a growing issue in the Wimmera.

State member for Lowan and Shadow Mental Health Emma Kealy said people in the region deserve better.

"We know there are substantial gaps in access to support for rural and regional Victorians, particularly in our part of the state, with many people stuck on waitlists for months or forced to travel hundreds of kilometres to the next available service, and even further still for crisis-level support," she said.

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"The Wimmera desperately needs and deserves better mental health supports and bed-based services, but Labor has again put their focus into Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong rather than targeting a service black hole in the Wimmera."

"It is absolutely vital that the Andrews Labor Government makes the necessary investments to give Wimmera communities the mental health services they need and deserve."

Uniting, who provide counselling such as Headspace, support services and co-ordination, had found an increase in the need for mental health support.

"We have seen sharp rises in demand for our mental health and crisis support services over the past few years," Uniting executive officer for Western Community Services Josh Koenig said.

"It's never been more important to invest in mental health and as one of Victoria's leading mental health support agencies, we stand ready to partner with the Government on initiatives which improve the mental health of all Victorians."

Ms Kealy said vulnerable young people were being pushed to crisis point while waiting months to speak to a psychologist or mental health specialist.

"We know from the Royal Commission into Mental Health that there was enormous pressure on our mental health system long before 2020," she said.

"Demand has only risen through the pandemic.

"It means that vulnerable Victorians seeking desperate help are being told they'll have to wait months, or years, to access treatment.

"Anxiety, depression and eating disorders among young people have recorded harrowing increases through the past 12 months and we're seeing the workforce fail to keep up with growing demand for support."

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