Medicare Mental Health Centres

You do not need to make an appointment to visit a Medicare Mental Health Centre. When you arrive, a trained mental health professional will take the time to talk to you and understand your immediate needs. An appointment may be made for further care after this initial conversation.

Medicare Mental Health Centre sites provide free and immediate mental health support for people in distress or crisis, and short to medium-term mental health care for people who need it.

Medicare Mental Health Centre staff will talk with you about your individual concerns to identify the support you need. This may involve receiving mental health care from a Medicare Mental Health Centre site or referring you to other services and supports available in your region.

Medicare Mental Health take a broad approach when considering your circumstances, mental health and wellbeing, recognising that there are many factors that can have a negative impact on someone’s wellbeing. Whether you have experienced mental ill-health in the past, or if this is the first time you have reached out for support, Medicare Mental Health is here to help.

All Medicare Mental Health Centre services are free. If we believe you will benefit from the support of another provider, where possible, we will ensure this is also a free or low-cost service.

Medicare Mental Health Centre sites offer immediate, short and medium-term care and can help you find the most appropriate services for your ongoing needs. This may be support offered from one or more services, depending on what’s best for you.

Your initial conversation with a mental health professional will help to understand your individual circumstances. Medicare Mental Health is not intended to duplicate existing services or provide long-term care. If you need long-term care, Medicare Mental Health will help you find the support you need.

Medicare Mental Health Centre services are available to everyone, at no cost. An individual or their referring provider can call 
1800 595 212 for advice and with their consent, referral into the most appropriate local service.