Medicare Mental Health Centres (formerly Head to Health) mental health support clinics and referral line have been established in NSW and ACT to help those whose mental health may be suffering.
What are Medicare Mental Health Centres (formerly Head to Health)?
Medicare Mental Health Centres provide a welcoming place where everyone can access free and confidential mental health information, services and supports.
The Medicare Mental Health Centres offer immediate support for people in distress, including their families and carers.
NSW and ACT Primary Health Networks (PHNs) have established clinics and a referral line in collaboration with the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC). These services aim to assist community members in receiving the right care, at the right time, for any mental health concerns they may be experiencing. This initiative is an expansion of DoHAC’s Head to Health and will create a central hub for community members and health professionals to access appropriate services recommended by a trained mental health professional.
Head to Health Phone Line
The Head to Health phoneline is a national phone line for anyone experiencing mental ill-health. This is an alternative option to contacting services directly.
Calling 1800 595 212 will have you connected to a trained professional, who will give advice and connect you to the best support or service for your needs.
The sooner you begin to talk about your mental health, the sooner you’ll get the help and support you need to help you move forward and feel better.
The Head to Health phoneline operates Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
Access Medicare Mental Health Centre Support
The Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre is located on the Ground Floor, Suite 1, 150 George Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150.
The Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre is a significant addition to the network of mental health services operating in our region and provides a stand-alone, multidisciplinary, collaborative service for people aged 18 years and over, experiencing moderate to high levels of mental health needs. The service is free to access, located close to public transport, and requires no referral, appointment or prior mental health diagnosis.
If you’re not feeling OK, Head to Health can help direct you to appropriate support networks.
By calling 1800 595 212 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5:00pm), a trained mental health professional will talk to you and discuss mental health options to fit your needs.
The health professional will ask a range of questions to ensure the right services are identified to support you.
Following the assessment, you could be connected to any of the recommended services, including:
- headspace
- Care at a Head to Health clinic
- Specialist, or acute mental health services, including emergency care
You may have recognised a change in behaviour in someone around you, or you are aware of someone who has a clinically diagnosed mental health condition.
Head to Health services can help the people you care about, find the right mental health services. You can help support someone by calling 1800 595 212.
Anyone can contact Head to Health for someone else. This includes referrals from GPs and other mental health providers, friends or family members.
You may need to get the person’s consent.
If you are calling on behalf of someone else, you may need to receive their verbal consent, giving you permission to contact Head to Health on their behalf. This will allow staff to contact the individual if needed.
Crisis Support
Medicare Mental Health Centres are not a crisis support service. If you, or the person you are supporting, needs urgent care, call triple zero ( 000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help our community members find out more about Head to Health services and what to expect, we have provided answers to some common questions you may have.
Anyone can access Medicare Mental Health Centres. No appointment, referral or Medicare card is needed, and you don’t need to be an Australian citizen to access support.
Medicare Mental Health Centres are staffed by qualified professionals and people with lived experience of mental ill health. These centres provide the free support you need, now and into the future.
Medicare Mental Health Centres offer:
- immediate help and follow-up for people who are in distress
- support for people with mental health concerns
- support for carers and families of people experiencing mental health distress
- help connecting people with other services to support them in the future, from health to mental health, and social supports like housing and employment
Inside every Medicare Mental Health Centre are professionals who can listen and help people to deal with whatever they are going through. When you arrive, a qualified professional or person with lived experience of mental ill health will take the time to talk to you and understand your immediate needs. They may also make an appointment for you to visit again.
Medicare Mental Health Centres are a normal part of everyday health care, offering a welcoming place to get free and confidential mental health support.
Sometimes finding the support you need can seem overwhelming. Rather than jumping straight into a service that might not suit you, it can be helpful to talk to someone who can guide you to the right service for you.
Staff on 1800 595 212 are trained health professionals and can help you access the right services for your needs.
Phone Medicare Mental Health Centre on 1800 595 212 from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays). This is not a crisis service, if you require urgent care, call 000.
Medicare Mental Health Centres can provide both telehealth and face-to-face appointments, meaning you can choose to meet with someone in person at a centre or have a consultation via video call depending on your preference; you can contact them through the 1800 595 212 number to discuss your options.
Yes, all Medicare Mental Health Centre services are free.
Medicare Mental Health Centre staff will be able to explain consent and ensure you are comfortable with the process. Additional information about this is available on the Medicare Mental Health Centre website.
If you need mental health support in your language, Medicare Mental Health Centres have access to the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National). TIS delivers high quality and secure interpreting services over the phone for people who do not speak English.
Medicare Mental Health Centres will support you to contact TIS when you need it. A TIS translator will interpret your conversation and help you communicate with centre staff.