About Medicare Mental Health
Whether you are looking for mental health support for yourself, someone you care about, or just trying to improve your wellbeing – Medicare Mental Health is a good place to start.
Medicare Mental Health helps you access the mental health and wellbeing resources and services that are right for you. It makes it easier to navigate and choose the most suitable care options, whether that’s face-to-face, via phone, or online.
Medicare Mental Health is not a crisis or emergency service. For urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 000 now.
Medicare Mental Health website
The national Medicare Mental Health website provides easy access to Medicare Mental Health initiatives, as well as other trusted mental health providers and their services, information and support.
Mental health and wellbeing service options you can access on the website include:
- multi-purpose support
- crisis support
- helplines and web chats
- clinician-supported online therapy
- self-directed education programs and tools
- moderated peer support forums
You can also make a free call to 1800 595 212 between 8:30am – 5pm weekdays (except public holidays) and be connected with a trained professional. They can help you access local mental health services and supports that are right for you.
Tell us what you think
The Medicare Mental Health Website aims to be accessible and relevant for everyone. As you explore the Website, please let us know what’s working well and what you would like to see on offer in the future by answering a few questions.
Medicare Mental Health Centres
The Australian Government is working in partnership with states and territories to establish Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia. The Centres provide a safe and welcoming place for anyone to access free, quality mental health care over extended hours.
The Medicare Mental Health Centres are staffed by a team of highly qualified mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health. They will listen and work with you to provide you with the care you need.
Support through the Centres is free. You do not need an appointment or GP referral.
For more information about Medicare Mental Health Centres and how they can support your mental health journey, visit www.health.gov.au/medicare-mental-health or call 1800 595 212.
Mental Health Clinics in Victoria
If you are in Victoria, you can access Head to Health Clinics by calling 1800 595 212 and asking for support, or by visiting your nearest location.
Head to Health Clinics in Victoria offer a safe and welcoming space for anyone seeking mental health support, or help accessing services.
Complaints or concerns
The Medicare Mental Health website is provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. If you have any concerns or complaints about the website you would like to raise, please contact the department.
If you would like to make a complaint about your experience at a Medicare Mental Health Centre, including about the care you have received, please consider in the first instance contacting the service provider at the Medicare Mental Health Centre. If you prefer not to raise with your service provider, or it is not appropriate to do so, you can direct your complaint to the relevant Primary Health Network (PHN). The PHN appoints the service provider to deliver care at the Medicare Mental Health Centre. You can find your local PHN contact details here.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you can contact the independent health complaints agency in your state or territory, using the contact details here.
Acknowledgement
A special thanks is made to the late Jackie Crowe and all contributors to the development of the original Mental Health Gateway. Sadly, Jackie passed away shortly after the Gateway was launched. Jackie was the driving force in bringing a diverse group of people with experience of mental illness together to share the vision of positive end user engagement to improve mental health access and supports. Jackie will be missed, and it is hoped she would be proud of what the Medicare Mental Health Website continues to do.