Provider identified to deliver National Early Intervention Service

The Albanese Government has selected St Vincent’s Health Australia to deliver a new free digital mental health service, Medicare Mental Health Check In, launching on 1 January 2026.
 
Previously announced as the National Early Intervention Service, Medicare Mental Health Check In is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to ensure Australians can receive free mental health care when they need it.
 
Australians will soon have access to a new free digital mental health self-help tools and Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), delivered by trained professionals, via phone or video, with Medicare Mental Health Check In.
 
St Vincent’s Health Australia was chosen to run the service, following an open, competitive tender process.
 
Medicare Mental Health Check In has been designed in consultation with people with lived experience and more than 90 organisations working in mental health.
 
It will be available to anyone aged over 16 without the need for a referral from a GP.
 
Australians will be encouraged to seek help early, so their mental health challenges can be managed before they become more serious, without waiting for a referral or being concerned about a gap fee.
 
It will be rolled out in stages over three years, beginning 1 January 2026. By 2029, it is expected to help over 150,000 people each year.
 
Like a GP check-up, the Medicare Mental Health Check In helps prevent symptoms from escalating and frees up specialist services for those who need them most.
 
The Australian Government has provided $588.5 million over eight years from 2024-25, and $113.4 million each year ongoing for Medicare Mental Health Check In.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
 
“The Albanese Government wants everyone to be able to access the mental health care they need, without cost and referral wait times being a barrier.
 
“Medicare Mental Health Check In will help people early before their problems get worse and they need more intensive clinical care.
 
“It will build on our Government’s major investments in free, high-quality services to address critical gaps in mental health care and suicide prevention.
 
“Through our network of Medicare Mental Health Centres, headspace youth mental health centres and other specialised free services, we are making sure Australians can get the right care for their needs.”
 
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
 
“As a former specialist mental health pharmacist, I saw firsthand the impact of mental health challenges on individuals, families and communities.
 
“Medicare Mental Health Check In will provide mental health care and support to people earlier and for free, wherever they live.
 
“We will continue to work in partnership with the mental health sector to develop the workforce so our mental health system can provide better support to all Australians.”
 
Quotes attributable to St Vincent’s Health Australia CEO, Chris Blake:
 
“This announcement is an exciting step forward in helping as many Australians as possible access quality mental health support, and St Vincent’s is proud to partner with the Australian Government on this critical initiative. 
 
“St Vincent’s has a long track record in providing mental health care to Australians. Part of that history includes establishing Australia's largest and longest-operating digital mental health treatment service – more than two decades ago.
 
“We look forward to bringing our depth of experience – along with our strong clinical track record – to making sure that Medicare Mental Health Check In becomes a key service for Australians needing mental health support.”