Gold Coast residents will soon have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care with a new Medicare Mental Health Centre set to open.
The centre will offer mental health support and care for people in distress, without the need for an appointment, referral or mental health treatment plan.
Staffed by a multidisciplinary care team, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person who visits the centre.
The Gold Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments and is expected to open mid-2026.
The Albanese Government is building a national network of 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 23 in Queensland.
There are 43 Medicare Mental Health Centres now open and supporting communities, including 13 in Queensland.
The centre is being commissioned by the Gold Coast Primary Health Network with Open Minds chosen to be the service provider.
People seeking information or support can be connected with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Government is strengthening Medicare by delivering more mental health services across the country.
“Gold Coasters will soon be able to walk into the Medicare Mental Health Centre and access the mental health support and care they need for free.
“Our government is working in collaboration with the Queensland Government to improve mental health services in the sunshine state.”
Quotes attributable to Rowan Holzberger, Member for Forde:
“I’m thrilled that locals in my community will soon have this new mental health service, backed by Medicare.
“Located on the Northern Gold Coast, locals will be able to walk into the new Medicare Mental Health Centre and access free support from clinicians and peer workers.”
Quotes attributable to the Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Minister Nicholls:
“The Crisafulli Government welcomes this partnership with the Commonwealth to give Queenslanders easier access to mental health support.
“With one in five Australians experiencing mental illness each year, and nearly half facing mental ill-health in their lifetime, we’re committed to helping Queenslanders get the specialist care they need.”