Head to Health Centres to rebrand as Medicare Mental Health Centres
The 2024 Federal Budget measures proposed by the Albanese Government will see the rebrand and upgrade of 61 free, walk-in adult Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia, building on the existing Head to Health model. To align with other trusted, clinical services funded by the Australian Government, Head to Health mental health centres will be renamed Medicare Mental Health Centres.
The name change will not impact the services currently available at Head to Health centres.
'Medicare Mental Health Centres offer free, walk-in adult mental health support and follow-up care to people presenting in crisis, as well as short to medium-term care for people with moderate to severe mental health needs. No appointment or GP referral is required.' — https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-emma-mcbride-mp/media/medicare-mental-health-centre-opens-in-ipswich
New Medicare Mental Health Centres in the Brisbane South PHN region
Logan and Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centres will be opening in the Brisbane South PHN region from July 2024. The centres will offer adults with access to a safe, welcoming space to talk to mental health professionals if they or someone they care about, are in distress or need help finding the right mental health support.
Further information about the Medicare Mental Health Centres in the Brisbane South PHN region can be found at https://footprintscommunity.org.au/services/medicare-mental-health-centres/.
How to stay informed about Medicare Mental Health Centres
Details about the name change, as well as answers to frequently asked questions are available on the official fact sheet.
More information about Medicare Mental Health Centres will soon become available on www.health.gov.au.
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What are the changes to Head to Health services?
Only the name for the adult mental health centres is changing. There will no changes to the free service provided through existing Head to Health mental health centres.
Other Head to Health branded services will remain unchanged, including the:
- national Head to Health Phone Service (1800 595 212)
- Head to Health website (www.headtohealth.gov.au)
- network of Head to Health Kids Hubs being established across Australia.
Head to Health Phone Service continues to connect people to local support services
People who are not able to visit a Medicare Mental Health Centre in person can call 1800 595 212 to speak to a trained professional or receive a referral to a suitable mental health service.
GPs and other health professionals are encouraged to access the phone service for advice in supporting their patients and navigating local mental health services that meet the needs of the patient.
Phone service staff ensure that your patient is referred to the appropriate mental health support service with a warm handover.
Head to Health Phone Service will continue to keep in touch with the patient until they are connected with the appropriate service provider.
How to refer your patient to the Head to Health Phone service
Download, complete and submit the referral form:
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Best Practice or Medical Director Software – ‘Mental Health’ Referral Templates – Brisbane South PHN (bsphn.org.au)
Phone 1800 595 212 for advice.