Medicare Mental Health Centres offer free, confidential mental health information, services and support for adults aged 18 years and over.
The Centres are staffed by qualified professionals and people with lived experience of mental health challenges. No referral, diagnosis, appointment or Medicare card is required to access support.
What types of support is provided?
- Short to medium term care for people with mental health concerns.
- Support for carers and families of people experiencing mental health distress.
- Help connecting people with other services to support them, from health to mental health, and social supports like housing and employment.
Not everyone who attends a Medicare Mental Health Centre will require ongoing support from the centre. Following assessment, some people may be best supported through digital mental health services, primary care, community supports, specialist services, or other local programs. The centre’s role is to ensure people are connected to the most appropriate support for their needs.
What is not offered by Medicare Mental Health services?
Medicare Mental Health services are not designed to provide long term, ongoing mental health care. Medicare Mental Health services do not provide:
- Crisis or emergency services.
- Services for people whose needs cannot be addressed safely within the Medicare Mental Health Centre environment.
- Pathology, radiology or pharmacy services and general health care.
- Ongoing, long-term psychosocial support, psychological therapies or recreational services.
- Direct financial support.
- Residential or bed-based services, including short-stay services.
- Disability support services provided through the NDIS.
- Child and youth-specific services which could be provided more appropriately by Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs, headspace or similar organisations.
How to access services?
- Walk into your nearest Medicare Mental Health Centre.
- Call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 for advice and support.
- Visit the Medicare Mental Health website to find a centre near you and learn more about available services.
In Western Australia, Medicare Mental Health Centres are currently located in Armadale, Gosnells, Midland, Mirrabooka and Northam.
Unsure of the most appropriate referral pathway?
The Medicare Mental Health Stepped Care Continuum provides recommended government-funded referral points based on determined level of need. If unsure, call the Medicare Mental Health phone line on 1800 595 212.
Find out more about the range of free mental health and wellbeing services available through Medicare Mental Health and information for health professionals working alongside Medicare Mental Health services.
This service is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the PHN Program and is commissioned by WA Primary Health Alliance.