Head to Health sites are evolving to become Medicare Mental Health Centres by the end of 2024.
The enhanced model of care will enable people with more severe and complex needs to also receive the care they need from a range of mental health professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists.
This is in addition to people with low to moderate mental health needs who are currently able to be cared for at a Head to Health site.
All current sites and services will continue to operate as usual during and after the transition, offering free mental health support with no appointment, referral or Medicare card needed.
To ensure sufficient clinical capacity to support this enhanced level of care safely and appropriately, the Australian Government is funding a new tele-psychology and tele-psychiatry service that will be available at all existing and planned sites.
Additionally, Medicare Mental Health Centre staff will be able to access free secondary consultations with psychiatrists through the national GP Psychiatry Support Line to receive advice on diagnosis, treatment and medication safety.
GPs can call Head to Health on 1800 595 212 for advice and a referral to the most appropriate service. This may be a referral into a Medicare Mental Health Centre, or another suitable service.