With the recent opening of a new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Campbelltown (New South Wales), there are now 50 Centres operating across Australia — providing more people with access to free, walk-in mental health support and care.

Medicare Mental Health Centres provide access to free and confidential mental health information, services, and supports. They are open extended hours, and no appointment or referral is needed.

Medicare Mental Health Centres offer immediate, short-term and medium-term care for adults with moderate and severe mental health needs, and their family and carers. They can also connect patients to longer-term care that suits their needs.

“A Medicare Mental Health Centre is a safe, welcoming place where people can get free support if they’re in distress or feeling overwhelmed,” said Dr Sophie Davison, the Australian Government’s Chief Psychiatrist.

More Medicare Mental Health Centres will open over time, with a network of 91 to be established by mid-2029.

The centres are part of the range of free Medicare Mental Health services, available online, by phone, or face-to-face.

Dr Davison encouraged health professionals to learn more about Medicare Mental Health and consider referring patients to these services if they suit their level of need.

“General practitioners and other health professionals are often the first point of contact for people seeking help for mental health challenges. They play an important role in helping patients access information, services and supports,” Dr Davison said.

“Medicare Mental Health can be a great option if patients need to speak to someone quickly and cannot wait for an appointment with their regular healthcare provider. The services can also complement care patients may already be receiving through a Mental Health Treatment Plan,” she said.

More information
For more information about Medicare Mental Health Centres, including locations and resources, visit medicarementalhealth.gov.au/centres or call 1800 595 212 (8:30am to 5pm weekdays).