Free mental health therapy now available

Free mental health therapy supported by trained practitioners is now available through the Albanese Government’s Medicare Mental Health Check In, giving more Australians access to early mental health support.
 
The Medicare Mental Health Check In website launched on 1 January 2026 providing information and resources about the service.
 
The next phase to launch is free Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LiCBT) guided by a trained practitioner via telehealth.
 
Anyone aged 16 years or older living in Australia who has, or is at risk of, emerging mental illness or temporary distress is eligible to use the service if LiCBT is suitable for their needs.
 
Like a check-up for your mental health, the Medicare Mental Health Check In helps prevent symptoms from escalating and frees up specialist services for those who need them most.
 
The service is fully funded by the Albanese Government and delivered in partnership with St Vincent’s Health Australia.
 
Available without a GP referral, LiCBT can be accessed after an initial phone intake assessment by a trained professional at Medicare Mental Health.

Medicare Mental Health can be reached on 1800 595 212 between 8:30am and 5:00pm weekdays, excluding public holidays.
 
People seeking help can also visit www.medicarementalhealthcheckin.gov.au for more information on the service and whether LiCBT could help them.
 
Interpreter services are also available in more than 150 languages for guided sessions and the Medicare Mental Health Check In website offers tools and resources translated in the top 10 languages spoken in Australia.
 
The service is expected to support more than 150,000 people each year from 2029.

For footage of the Medicare Mental Health Check In for media use, please visit here.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

“The start of guided therapy delivered by Medicare Mental Health Check In is a major milestone in reform of mental health services in Australia.
 
“For years, this sort of highly accessible, low-intensity service has been recommended by inquiries and experts.
 
“By helping people with mild or temporary challenges, it will head off more serious challenges and free up capacity in the mental health system for those with deep-seated challenges.
 
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:

“We know the importance of early intervention.
 
“Medicare Mental Health Check In has been designed with mental health professionals and those with lived experience to provide the right support.
 
“Anyone over 16 years old can now access free digital mental care, without the need for a diagnosis or referral.
 
“The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by delivering more mental health services, accessible to all Australians.
 
Quotes attributable to St Vincent’s CEO, Chris Blake:

“Medicare Mental Health Check In is a breakthrough for mental health support in Australia – ensuring that everyone has access to free, quality, mental health support.
 
“St Vincent’s is incredibly proud to partner with the Australian Government on this program. We’ve got trained practitioners ready to go, providing practical and evidence-based support that can make a real difference in people's mental health and wellbeing.”