Medicare Mental Health is accessible nationally, and designed for people to find the right mental health and wellbeing support for their individual needs, without needing an appointment or referral. 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.
Note: Medicare Mental Health can be accessed by consumers and health professionals. Visit Working alongside Medicare Mental Health services to find how Medicare Mental Health can assist you and your patients. Additionally, GPs and other referrers can contact SEMPHN’s Access and Referral team directly to speak with our experienced mental health clinicians, on 1800 862 363 (8.30am-4.30pm weekdays).
Medicare Mental Health is accessible nationally, and designed for people to find the right mental health and wellbeing support for their individual needs, without needing an appointment or referral. 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.
Note: Medicare Mental Health can be accessed by consumers and health professionals. Visit Working alongside Medicare Mental Health services to find how Medicare Mental Health can assist you and your patients. Additionally, GPs and other referrers can contact SEMPHN’s Access and Referral team directly to speak with our experienced mental health clinicians, on 1800 862 363 (8.30am-4.30pm weekdays).
Phone Service
The Medicare Mental Health phone service (1800 595 212) is staffed by experienced mental health professionals who will listen to your needs and connect you with support options tailored to your individual needs.
This may include:
- Connecting you with suitable services
- Directing you to follow-up care or support through a Head to Health Clinic.
- Referring you to a specialist or acute mental health service (including emergency care).
For more information, visit www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/phone-service
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.
Medicare Mental Health Centres and Head to Health Clinics
Medicare Mental Health Centres and Head to Health Clinics 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 - no appointment or referral is needed.
A Medicare Mental Health Centre is available in Western Melbourne at 8 Station Street, Norlane, Geelong VIC 3214. For more information about the centre, visit Geelong Medicare Mental Health Centre - Neami National.
Head to Health Clinics in Victoria offer a safe and welcoming space for anyone seeking mental health support or help accessing services. The clinics have multidisciplinary teams of mental health workers, which can include psychologists, mental health nurses, social workers, and alcohol and drug workers.
There are two Head to Health Clinics in the SEMPHN region, for children and adults:
Officer/Pakenham Hub: Officer Medical Centre, Arena Shopping Centre, T24/4 Cardinia Rd, Officer VIC 3809
Lynbrook Hub: Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris St, Lynbrook VIC 3975.
See the complete list of Victorian Head to Health Clinics here.
There is also the Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local (Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub) for children only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can refer to Head to Health services?
Anyone can refer to Medicare Mental Health or Head to Health clinics. Support/services are accessible to everyone, at no cost. ID or a Mental Health Care Plan is not required.
The intake team are clinicians who use the Initial Assessment Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) to make an assessment and refer people into the appropriate type of service, with their consent.
How to refer to Head to Health services
Anyone can call Medicare Mental Health on ph: 1800 595 212, Monday to Friday, 8.30 am-5 pm (excluding public holidays). When you call the phone line you will be asked to add your postcode. This will link you to the intake team in your catchment. There is no after-hours or emergency mental health advice or support. In case of emergency, call 000.
