The Australian Government is rolling out its new Medicare Mental Health brand around the country.
It delivers free mental health support and advice through bricks-and-mortar clinics, a national telephone service and an interactive website.
As part of the change, the website and telephone service previously branded as Head to Health have been renamed Medicare Mental Health. New and existing clients will receive the same free, expert and targeted service.
The Medicare Mental Health name and logo will appear on some referral pathways for GPs and other primary care professionals. The national telephone intake and assessment service will continue to provide advice and service navigation support to callers and referrers.
The Australian Government, in partnership with states, territories and primary health networks, is also establishing a network of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres by 30 June 2026.
At present only one of these is in Victoria – in Geelong. However, 12 existing Head to Health clinics will operate alongside the new system. Three of these are in the NWMPHN region – in Broadmeadows, Fitzroy and Wyndham Vale.
Primary health networks are working behind the scenes to ensure this change is seamless for people using, working in and referring to these services. Read on for details.
What does Medicare Mental Health mean for clients?
Medicare Mental Health has three components: bricks-and-mortar clinics, a national telephone advice and service navigation service, and a website. All are free to use. You don’t need a Medicare card, Australian citizenship, a formal referral or an appointment.
Website – the first port of call
The Medicare Mental Health website, formerly known as Head to Health, is constantly evolving and expanding. It contains resources and links to mental health support services, emergency contacts, and pathways to allow users to self-refer for treatment and support.
For members of the public seeking non-emergency assistance for mental ill health, the website should be the first port of call.
You can find it at medicarementalhealth.gov.au
Telephone service – to speak with a mental health clinician
Anyone in need of free, confidential mental health advice and support can call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 on any weekday between 8:30am and 5pm (excluding public holidays). This telephone line was formerly known as the Head to Health phone service. The phone number and service haven’t changed.
Staffed by mental health professionals, the Medicare Mental Health phone service will link clients with the services best suited to their needs, regardless of how they are funded. As before, the focus remains firmly on the welfare of the person.
Please note that Medicare Mental Health is not a crisis service. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) or go straight to your closest emergency department.
Bricks and mortar clinics – walk in or phone first
There are many different types of services accessible through the Medicare Mental Health network including those provided at Medicare Mental Health Centres, Head to Health Clinics, and Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals.
You can always walk into these clinics without an appointment. However, if you’re not sure which is right for you or a loved one, please call 1800 595 212 first. You will speak with an expert in the local mental health system who can ensure you get the right type of support, in the right place and at the right time. This may be at one of the clinics mentioned above, or it could be at another location – depending on your location and needs.
What does Medicare Mental Health mean for GPs and other referrers?
All that’s changed is the name and website address.
GPs, primary care providers and other health professionals can advise their patients to visit medicarementalhealth.gov.au or call 1800 595 212. This is not a counselling or crisis service. Instead, Medicare Mental Health provides free advice about local mental health services and connects your patients with the most appropriate care provider.
Posters, flyers and other promotional assets featuring the new Medicare Mental Health branding will be available soon.
The Medicare Mental Health phone service and website are intended for patients. For health professionals seeking fast clinical advice about local referral pathways or wanting to refer a patient to a specific type of local service, try one of these options:
- NWMPHN’s referral and access team comprises experienced clinicians who are available during business hours to process referrals and offer advice. Our team helps your patients access the most clinically appropriate primary mental health support in our region, regardless of who funds or provides it. Health professionals can:
- refer patients using our single referral form; or
- call our clinician-only hotline on (03) 9088 4277.
- HealthPathways Melbourne provides online clinical guidance as well as referral information for many individual services across our region. Visit melbourne.communityhealthpathways.org
What does Medicare Mental Health mean for Head to Health service providers?
Existing Head to Health Clinic providers in the NWMPHN region will continue to deliver services under the Head to Health banner. There is no need to change branding or signage.
Head to Health providers will continue to receive referrals through established pathways. Some of these will now be called Medicare Mental Health, but there will be no changes to process or protocols.
The crucial systems operating behind the scenes – including telephony, data gathering and data security – have not altered.
Medicare Mental Health and primary health networks
Across Australia, primary health networks are working closely with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care to ensure that the transition from Head to Health to Medicare Mental Health is seamless for providers and patients.
NWMPHN plays a central role in this process. Primary health care professionals and mental health service providers looking for advice on any aspect of a referral can contact NWMPHN’s referral and access team on (03) 9088 4277.
