Medicare Mental Health services
On this page
On this page
Medicare Mental Health services provide free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support for anyone in Australia.
Anyone can use our services, even if you have never reached out for mental health support before. You don’t need a referral or appointment.
Depending on your preferences, you can access Medicare Mental Health services by:
- visiting a local Medicare Mental Health Centre or Kids Hub (formerly ‘Head to Health Kids’) for face-to-face support
- calling 1800 595 212 to speak with a trained professional for advice and connection to appropriate supports.
You can learn more about these options below.
Medicare Mental Health is not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, call 000 or access crisis support services.
Not ready to speak with someone yet?
You can also explore this website at your own pace to find helpful information and resources online. If you are aged 18 or over, you may like to try our online quiz to better understand what you’re experiencing, what to do about it, and get suggestions for relevant and evidence-based mental health services to try.
How we can help
Medicare Mental Health services provide free, immediate, short-term and medium-term care to anyone, including children, young people and families. We can also help you connect to longer-term support if needed.
When you use a Medicare Mental Health service, we will take the time to understand your needs and preferences so we can connect you with the resources and services that are right for you. We make sure these services are free or low-cost, consider wait times, and ensure you’re eligible for any service we recommend. This could include referral to other Medicare Mental Health services, or another trusted, free or low-cost provider.
About our service options
Read more about accessing support from the following Medicare Mental Health services.
Medicare Mental Health Centres
Medicare Mental Health Centres provide a welcoming place where everyone can access free and confidential mental health information, services, and supports.
They offer immediate support for people in distress, including their family and carers. Medicare Mental Health Centres are open extended hours, and no appointment or referral is needed.
Centres are staffed by a team of highly qualified mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health. When you arrive, they will take the time to talk to you to understand your immediate needs. They will work with you to provide you with the care you need.
To access support, you can walk into your nearest Centre, or call 1800 595 212 to book an appointment, if you’d prefer.
Kids Hubs
Kids Hubs provide a welcoming, inclusive place for children aged 0-12 years experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, relational and/or behavioural challenges, while providing support to their families.
Kids Hubs may offer access to a range of health professionals and services, including pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, care coordination, assessment and treatments.
The Australian Government is working with all state and territory governments to establish 17 Kids Hubs across the country by mid-2026.
The national phone service
You can call 1800 595 212 between 8:30am to 5:00pm weekdays (excl. public holidays) to speak with a trained professional about your mental health and wellbeing.
The free phone line is for anyone seeking support and guidance, including family members and carers. The service can connect you to a local service that best meets your needs, including your nearest Medicare Mental Health service, or other trusted mental health providers.