Interpreting Services for Primary Health Network-commissioned mental health services

Interpreting services for PHN mental health providers

The Australian Government’s Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) provides:

• immediate phone interpreting – 24 hours a day, 7 days per week
• automated Telephone Interpreting Service (ATIS)
• pre-booked phone interpreting
• on-site interpreting
• video interpreting.

For Primary Health Networks

Approved PHN-funded mental health service providers can now use TIS National’s interpreting services for free to:

• set up appointments and referrals
• support discussing available services with care recipients
• talk to their clients about their mental health needs.

This ensures all people who are non-English speakers can access the mental health care that they need.

Eligibility

You can use TIS National for free when delivering mental health services that receive funding by a PHN.

When delivering mental health services that are not PHN funded, allied health professionals may be eligible for the Australian Government’s Free Interpreting Service.

More information is available from TIS National.

For mental health service providers

If you are a mental health service provider funded by a PHN, you are entitled to free access to TIS National's interpreting services to support clients from multicultural backgrounds in accessing mental health care.

To access services

• Ensure your service is registered for a TIS National Client Code
• Speak with your local PHN if you are unsure of your registration status or need support.
• Contact the TIS National Client Engagement team.

Registering for TIS National

To access TIS National, you must get a TIS National client code. To get a TIS National client code, you will need to register for TIS online by completing an online form.

When completing the form, you will need to answer the first 4 questions with:

1. Category – choose ‘Commonwealth Government Agency’
2. Sub-category – choose ‘Other Commonwealth Government agency’
3. Name of organisation or agency – enter the name of your organisation/service
4. Section name – type ‘PHN-Funded Mental Health Program’

You will also need to provide some contact information and other details about your organisation. TIS National will email you the client code once you’ve completed and submitted this form. If there are any issues with your submission TIS National will contact you.

Accessing TIS National

Once you have a client code, you can start using interpreting services through TIS. You can begin making bookings through TIS Online. If you need to make an immediate booking, you can call TIS National. You need to provide your TIS National client code when you use TIS National or book a TIS National service.

The TIS National Services e-brochure, found on the TIS National promotional materials catalogue, contains information about what services are available and how to use them. There are a number of other resources and task cards available on the catalogue to assist you.

If you're looking for mental health support in your language

If you need mental health support and speak a language other than English, TIS National provides free interpreting services when you visit mental health services funded by your local Primary Health Network.

These mental health care providers include (but are not limited to):

• Medicare Mental Health Centres
• Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Program
• headspace Support Services

To access a free interpreter

1. Call TIS National on 131 450.
2. Confirm the language you need.
3. A TIS operator will find an available interpreter to help.
4. Provide the name and phone number of the mental health service you need.
5. The operator will transfer your call with the interpreter on the line.

Learn more

To learn more, visit the TIS National website.

Resources

Contacts