Medicare Mental Health

January 12, 2026

The Medicare Mental Health phone service provides free mental health, social and emotional wellbeing support for anyone in Australia. 

Medicare Mental Health is accessible nationally, and designed for people to find the right mental health, and alcohol and other drug supports for their individual needs, without needing an appointment or referral. 

Medicare Mental Health is here to make it easier for GPs and other health professionals when you are unsure of what service to refer your patient to.   

Medicare Mental Health provides: 

  • A mental health assessment and service navigation phone service, from 8.30 – 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). 
  • Access to a range of options based on patient choice, affordability, and clinical need. 
  • Streamlined referrals onward to the most appropriate service. 
  • Feedback to the referrer regarding outcome. 

Patients can find support that is right for their needs by: 

• Going to medicarementalhealth.gov.au 

• Calling Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 (between 8:30am and 5pm weekdays, except public holidays) 

• Visiting their local Head to Health Clinic (children and adults) 

• Visiting the Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local (Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub) (children only) 


Find out more

Latest news

March 19, 2026
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) has released updated mental health training standards for 2026–2028, offering clearer guidance on training pathways required by GPs to access Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items related to mental health care under the Better Access Initiative.
March 17, 2026
From April 2026, SEMPHN’s Vulnerable Peoples Homebound Vaccination Program can receive referrals for Flu vaccination only, to eligible homebound individuals. Previously, the Flu vaccination was not available on its own.
March 16, 2026
Statewide referral criteria is now in effect for adult lung nodule conditions in public hospitals.