Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Medicare Mental Health

If you are looking for mental health support for yourself or someone you care about — Medicare Mental Health is a good place to start.

You don’t need an appointment or a referral to access any of the free services.

Vision and mission

Medicare Mental Health provides free mental health and wellbeing services for anyone in Australia. They aim to create a safe space for you to feel heard and understood.

You can access Medicare Mental Health in different ways including online, by phone or face-to-face.

How Medicare Mental Health can help

Medicare Mental Health can help you find mental health support that’s right for you. Services include:

  • Medicare Mental Health website (medicarementalhealth.gov.au): provides reliable mental health information, services, and resources.
  • Medicare Mental Health (1800 595 212): anyone in Australia can call between 8:30am and 5pm weekdays (except public holidays) for free mental health support and referral.
  • Medicare Mental Health Centres: welcoming places where everyone can access free and confidential mental health information, services and supports.

Information lines / help lines

  • Call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm (except public holidays) for free mental health and wellbeing support.
  • You will speak to a trained professional who can help you access local mental health services and supports that are right for you.

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - Medicare Mental Health.

Last reviewed: June 2025

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

1800 882 436

Video call

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2025 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.