The Australian Government is rolling out its new Medicare Mental Health brand around the country. At present only one of these is in Victoria – in Geelong.
The Geelong service delivers free mental health support and advice through its site in Norlane, and the Commonwealth is supporting 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.
However, 12 existing Head to Health clinics (one in Ballarat) will operate alongside the new system.
Primary health networks are working behind the scenes to ensure this change is seamless for people using, working in and referring to these services.
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:
Counselling and mental health support in the Great South Coast region.
Counselling and mental health support in the Wimmera Grampians region
HealthPathways Western Victoria provides online clinical guidance as well as referral information for many individual services across our region. Visit westvic.healthpathways.org.au
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.