New Medicare Mental Health Centre opens in Logan
Brisbane South PHN is pleased to announce the opening of the new Logan Medicare Mental Health Centre (MMHC). The new service provides people with free, walk-in mental health support and advice from trained mental health professionals. The Logan Medicare Mental Health Centre was officially opened on Thursday, 5 December 2024, by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride and Treasurer and Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers.
This new centre, located in Logan Central, is operated by Footprints Communities and was commissioned via open tender by Brisbane South PHN though funding provided by the Australian Government as part of a broader initiative to improve access to free, immediate mental health care across Australia.
About the Logan Medicare Mental Health Centre
The centre offers people 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. A Medicare card is not required to access the service.
Key features of the centre include:
no requirement for appointments, referrals, or prior diagnoses
access to peer workers with lived mental health experience
multidisciplinary teams of social workers and counsellors offering short and medium-term care.
"This new Medicare Mental Health Centre means people across Logan can access free, walk-in mental health care and support from a multidisciplinary care team."
—Hon. Emma Mc Bride, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health,
Breaking down access barriers to mental health care
National demand for better access to mental health services is well documented. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that nearly half of Australians aged 16 to 85 will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.
“The model of care offered by the Logan Medicare Mental Health Centre–providing free and immediate mental health advice and care to people presenting to the qualified mental health professionals working at the centre–is a significant step in reducing barriers to receiving mental health care at the point when it is most needed.”
—Michael Bosel, Brisbane South PHN CEO,
Designed with input from local health professionals and community members, the centre aims to be a culturally safe, inclusive space.
Acknowleging the Commonwealth’s funding commitment and the collective efforts of local mental health service partners and professionals, Mike Bosel added, “The Logan Medicare Mental Health Centre is a great reflection of what can be achieved together when we collaborate to place people and their unique needs at the heart of mental health care delivery.”
Courtney Milham, General Manager for Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Alcohol and Other Drugs programs at Brisbane South PHN said, “We’re excited to see the positive impact the Logan Medicare Mental Health Centre will have for people living locally, and we remain committed to working with our valued partners and health professionals to ensure the service continues to meet the needs of our community.”
The Logan Medicare Mental Health Centre is the first to open in the Brisbane South PHN region, with the Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centre expected to open late January 2025. Subscribe to our news to stay up to date with primary health developments in our region.
Location and operating hours
The Logan Medicare Mental Health Centre is located at 91 Wembley Road, Logan Central, QLD 4114.
It operates from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
People do not need an appointment or referral for care. They can walk in and wait to be seen by the centre’s staff.
Links to more information
Further information about the Medicare Mental Health Centres in the Brisbane South PHN region can be found at footprintscommunity.org.au/services/medicare-mental-health-centres/.
See the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website: health.gov.au/our-work/medicare-mental-health-centres.
See our website’s mental health pages: Mental health | Brisbane South PHN.
Visit findcarefast.com.au to explore all available urgent care options located in the wider Brisbane region.