Medicare Mental Health phone service
About the Medicare Mental Health phone service
The national Medicare Mental Health phone service (1800 595 212), funded by the Australian Government, provides callers with a free, confidential first step for advice, guidance and connection to local services.
Anyone in Australia can call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 for free mental health and wellbeing support that is specific to their needs. Whether a person is seeking help, looking for advice, or supporting someone they care about, the experienced phone service staff are there to listen and link people to further help.
Connect to the right care and support
Medicare Mental Health phone service staff create time and space to understand each person’s needs and goals. and connect them with the right support, whether that’s with one of our Medicare Mental Health Centres or from another free or low-cost mental health provider in the area.
Neami National is commissioned by Brisbane South PHN to deliver the Medicare Mental Health national phone service locally.
The phone service is the preferred referral pathway for people to access mental health care and support in the Brisbane South PHN region. For people in mental health crisis, contact MHCALL on
How to refer patients using the Medicare Mental Health phone service
Medicare Mental Health accepts referrals from healthcare professionals and service providers, mental health services, community services, carers, families and individuals.
Contact the Medicare Mental Health phone service on behalf of patients and clients to find the best mental health and wellbeing support for them. There are 2 options for doing this:
1) Phone for advice
Medicare Mental Health staff use the Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Decision Support Tool to establish the patient’s level of need and can advise on available services that may assist the patient.
For more information, call 1800 595 212.
2) Download, complete and submit the referral form
Best Practice or Medical Director Software – ‘Mental Health’ Referral Templates – Brisbane South PHN (bsphn.org.au)
Patient contact
The patient is referred to the appropriate mental health support service with a warm handover.
Medicare Mental Health phone service will continue to keep in touch with the patient until they are connected with the appropriate service provider.