Your mental health is important. We have information here that can help.
If you, or someone else, is in immediate danger please contact 000.
For other immediate but less urgent help see what options you have on the Medicare Mental Health crisis support services page.
Understanding mental health
“Mental health and wellbeing” describes how you think and feel about yourself and the world. It includes your mood, emotions and confidence.
Good mental health helps you:
- handle life’s stresses
- do well in school or work
- connect with others
- give back to your community.
Remember, mental health can change daily, and many things affect it. If you’re struggling or worried about someone else, you’re not alone. There’s plenty of support out there!
What is Medicare Mental Health?
Medicare Mental Health provides free mental health, social and emotional wellbeing support for anyone in Australia. They help you find the care that supports your needs and goals – whether that’s at a Medicare Mental Health Centre or Kids Hub, over the phone, or online.
Medicare Mental Health website
Medicare Mental Health supports better mental health, social and emotional wellbeing. The website connects you with reliable information, services, and resources – whether you’re helping yourself, someone you care about, or supporting someone as a health professional.
The website also has information for people who are:
Medicare Mental Health national phone service
Anyone in Australia can call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 for free mental health, social and emotional wellbeing support that is specific to your needs and goals.
The Medicare Mental Health phone service can:
- give you free mental health advice and support
- connect you to the right local mental health services.
Call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 (between 8:30am to 5pm weekdays, excluding public holidays).
It is not a crisis or emergency service.
Medicare Mental Health Centres
Medicare Mental Health Centres provide a welcoming space for anyone to access free mental health, social and emotional wellbeing support.
Their experienced staff and peer support workers will take the time to listen, understand, and provide guidance that is specific to your needs.
No referral or appointment needed.
Find a Medicare Mental Health Centre or call 1800 595 212 for more information.
Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs
Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs provide a welcoming place where children (aged 0–12 years) and their families, carers and kin can access free supports.
The Kids Hubs provide a range of services that support healthy development and social and emotional wellbeing.
Find a Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub.
Getting help
For urgent support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
If you, or someone else, is in immediate danger call 000.
If you need support, it’s important to remember you are not alone. There are lots of places you can go for help.
Kids Helpline is a counselling service that's:
- for people aged 5 to 25
- free (even from a mobile)
- confidential
- available 24/7.
Call 1800 55 1800
Chat onlineheadspace is a youth mental health service that is:
- for people aged 12 to 25
- available from 9 am to 1 am (AEDT), Monday to Sunday.
Call 1800 650 890
Visit a headspace centreAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can call 13YARN (13 92 76) for support. It’s:
- available 24/7
- staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- a non-judgemental, confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about needs, worries or concerns.