About the centres
The Australian Government is working in partnership with states and territories to establish Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia. The centres provide a safe and welcoming place for anyone to access free, quality mental health care over extended hours.
The Medicare Mental Health Centres are staffed by a team of highly qualified mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health. They will listen and work with you to provide you with the care you need.
Support through the centres is free for everyone who walks in the door. You do not need an appointment or a GP referral.
The National Service Model outlines the scope of services the centres will offer.
Why are they important
The centres provide free, immediate, short and medium-term care to anyone. They aim to make it easier for anyone living in Australia to access equitable, free, and quality mental health support closer to home.
Centres will help connect you with other services to support you into the future, from health to mental health, and social supports like housing and employment.
Find out more about how we are improving access to mental health services and support.
Who can access
Anyone can access Medicare Mental Health Centres even if you have never reached out for mental health support before.
How to access
You can walk into any centre for free mental health support.
When you arrive, a trained professional will take the time to talk to you to understand your immediate needs. They may also make an appointment for you to visit again.
You can also call 1800 595 212 for information about local mental health supports or to book an appointment with your nearest centre.
Who we work with
We are working with state and territory governments and Primary Health Networks to establish 61 centres across the country by mid-2026. The centres will build on the existing Head to Health network.
Find your nearest centre
Centres across New South Wales (NSW) may be impacted by current weather events. Please call 1800 595 212 before visiting a centre.
Available services in Victoria
Head to Health Clinics provide a safe and welcoming space to talk to someone if you, or someone you care about, are in distress, or need help finding the right mental health support to meet your needs. For more information, visit: https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/head-to-health-clinics-victoria.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are a free service that provides treatment, care and support. For more information, visit: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/mental-health-services/mental-health-and-wellbeing-locals.
Resources
Medicare Mental Health Centres resources
Contact
