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 hubs, 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 consumers will receive the same free, expert and targeted service.
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, the 12 existing Victorian Head to Health hubs will operate alongside the new system.
Two of these are in the Gippsland PHN region – in Sale and in Warragul.
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 Gippsland communities?
Medicare Mental Health has three components: bricks-and-mortar clinics, a national telephone advice and 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. These may be one of our two Gippsland Head to Health hubs or they may be another service.
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.
Head to Health hubs – walk in or phone first
There are many different types of services accessible through our Head to Health hubs in Gippsland.
You can always walk into these hubs 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.
What does Medicare Mental Health mean for GPs and other referrers?
All that’s changed is the name of the telephone line and website address. The Head to Health hubs remain the same.
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.
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:
- Contact Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212on any weekday between 8:30am and 5pm (excluding public holidays)
- Gippsland Pathways provides online clinical guidance as well as referral information for many individual services across our region
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicare Mental Health?
Medicare Mental Health is the new name for what was previously known nationally as Head to Health. This service includes a national telephone advice line, a comprehensive interactive website, and physical service hubs throughout Australia.
In Victoria, the service hubs will remain named Head to Health, while in the rest of the country they have become Medicare Mental Health.
What impact will the rebranding of Medicare Mental Health have?
The rebrand and name change will not impact the services or the way the website works for help seekers, carers and health professionals. You will still be able to access information and services through the Medicare Mental Health website, as well as connect with other trusted mental health providers and their services to help you, or someone you care about, support their mental health and wellbeing.
Has the service changed with the new name?
No, the service itself has not changed. Medicare Mental Health continues to provide the same free, expert, and targeted mental health and wellbeing support that was available under Head to Health.
What does Medicare Mental Health do?
Medicare Mental Health provides free, expert mental health support, guidance and advice to anyone, anywhere in Australia. Mental health and wellbeing options you can access on the website include:
- Information about services and support
- Helplines and web chats
- Self-directed education programs and tools
Do I need a Medicare card to use Medicare Mental Health services?
No, you do not need a Medicare card or Australian citizenship to use the services provided by Medicare Mental Health. The services are free, accessible to everyone and you do not need an appointment.
How can I access Medicare Mental Health services?
You can access services through:
- Telephone: By calling 1800 595 212 any weekday between 8:30am and 5pm (excluding public holidays). This telephone line was formerly known as the Head to Health phone service.
- Website: Visiting medicarementalhealth.gov.au for resources, links, and self-referral pathways.
- For in-person services in Gippsland: you can walk into one of our Head to Health hubs in the Gippsland PHN region – in Sale and Warragul.
What should I do in a mental health emergency?
Medicare Mental Health is not a crisis service. In an emergency, you should call triple zero (000) or visit your nearest emergency department. For urgent support, you can also contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service at 1300 659 467.
Can health professionals still refer patients to Medicare Mental Health?
Yes, GPs, primary care providers, and other health professionals can refer patients to the Medicare Mental Health telephone and intake service. The referral pathways remain the same, with additional resources available on the Gippsland Pathways website for clinical guidance.
What does Medicare Mental Health mean for GPs and other referrers?
All that’s changed is the name of the telephone line and website address. The Head to Health hubs in Sale and Warragul remain the same. 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.
Where can I learn more about Medicare Mental Health?
For more information, please visit the Medicare Mental Health website or by calling 1800 595 212 to speak with a mental health professional on any weekday between 8:30am and 5pm (excluding public holidays).
How does the rebranding of Medicare Mental Health affect the services in Gippsland?
The rebranding to Medicare Mental Health will not affect the availability or quality of mental health services in the Gippsland region. All existing services, including local Head to Health hubs in Sale and Warragul , will continue to provide high-quality and trusted support.
Are there any new Medicare Mental Health Centres planned for Gippsland?
Currently, the Gippsland region benefits from two active hubs located in Sale and Warragul. While there are no new centres announced at this moment, these existing hubs will continue to operate and provide crucial mental health services to the Gippsland community.
Where can Gippsland residents find information about local mental health services?
Gippsland residents can access information about local mental health services through the Medicare Mental Health website, which provides links and resources tailored to regional needs. Additionally, residents can call the Medicare Mental Health phone service at 1800 595 212 for personalised advice and service navigation.
What should Gippsland residents do if they need immediate mental health support?
Residents in need of immediate mental health support should contact the national crisis lines such as Lifeline or the Suicide Call Back Service. For emergencies, it’s crucial to call triple zero (000) or visit the nearest emergency department. The Medicare Mental Health phone service is also available for non-crisis advice and support.
