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How mental health care works in Australia
Seven simple steps, written in plain English and checked against official government websites. Share this page with anyone who needs it.
If it is an emergency, call 000 or go to hospital
If someone’s life is in danger, someone is badly hurt, or someone may hurt themselves or others, call 000 (Triple Zero). The call is free and you can ask for an interpreter. You can also go straight to the emergency department at your nearest hospital.
If you need to talk to someone now and it is not an emergency, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, day or night. You can text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online. If you prefer your own language, call 131 450, say your language, then ask for Lifeline.
Checked 29 September 2026. Sources: Triple Zero Lifeline language support
Talk to a GP. You can ask for a free interpreter
A GP (family doctor) is often the best first step. You can talk about your feelings, sleep, stress, worries or anything else. The GP can help you and, if needed, send you to other services.
You can ask your GP to use an interpreter. GPs in private practice can get a free phone interpreter through TIS National (the Medical Practitioners’ Priority Line). It is free when the visit is covered by Medicare. Some psychologists and other allied health workers can also get free interpreters, depending on where they work. Ask them.
Not sure where to go? The free healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 has nurses you can talk to, 24 hours a day. In Victoria, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
Recent change: the “Doctors Priority Line” is now called the “Medical Practitioners’ Priority Line”.
Checked 29 September 2026. Sources: TIS National healthdirect
A Mental Health Treatment Plan can lower the cost of therapy
Your GP can write a Mental Health Treatment Plan with you. This is part of a Medicare program called Better Access. With a plan, Medicare pays part of the cost of up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions each calendar year with a psychologist, or an eligible social worker or occupational therapist. Your first referral is for up to 6 sessions.
Sessions can be in person, by video or by phone. Medicare usually pays only part of the fee. Some practitioners bulk bill, which means you pay nothing. Always ask about fees before you book.
Recent change (from 1 November 2025): your plan and referrals must now come from the GP practice where you are registered for MyMedicare, or from your usual GP.
Checked 29 September 2026. Sources: Department of Health: Better Access healthdirect
Some free services do not need a referral
- Medicare Mental Health Centres. Walk in and talk to someone. Free and confidential. No referral, appointment or plan needed. You do not need to be an Australian citizen. Call 1800 595 212.
- Medicare Mental Health phone service on 1800 595 212, 8:30am to 5pm on weekdays. A trained worker helps you find local support. Family and carers can call too. It is not a crisis line.
- Medicare Mental Health Check In. Free support for people aged 16 and over who are starting to feel down, worried or overwhelmed. New in 2026.
- headspace for young people aged 12 to 25. Free or low cost. eheadspace gives online and phone support on 1800 650 890.
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (ages 5 to 25), both free and open 24 hours.
Recent change: “Head to Health” is now called “Medicare Mental Health”.
Checked 29 September 2026. Sources: Medicare Mental Health headspace Beyond Blue
If you survived torture, war or refugee trauma, free specialist help is here
Every state and territory has a specialist service for people from refugee backgrounds. Together they are called FASSTT. Most services are free, use professional interpreters and let you refer yourself.
If war or conflict overseas is affecting you or your family, the free Witness to War hotline is on 1800 845 198. People seeking asylum in Victoria without Medicare can get free health care at the ASRC Health Centre on (03) 9274 9898.
Checked 29 September 2026. Sources: FASSTT Witness to War ASRC
Each state has its own public mental health services
Checked 29 September 2026. Sources: NSW Health Better Health Channel Queensland Health SA Health WA Mental Health Commission Canberra Health Services NT Government
Know your rights
The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights says you have the right to ask questions and get clear answers, to include the people you want (such as family) in decisions about your care, to have your privacy respected, and to make a complaint without it changing how you are treated.
You have the right to ask for an interpreter. TIS National on 131 450 works in more than 150 languages, 24 hours a day.
If something goes wrong, first try talking to the service. In Victoria, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission takes complaints about public mental health services on 1800 246 054, and can arrange an interpreter. Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) can help if you are getting treatment you did not agree to, on 1300 947 820.
Checked 29 September 2026. Sources: ACSQHC Charter TIS National MHWC IMHA
Words you might hear
GP (general practitioner)
A family doctor. Usually the first person to see about your health, including mental health.
Psychologist
A trained professional who helps with thoughts, feelings and behaviour through talking therapy. Psychologists do not prescribe medicine.
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor who specialises in mental health. They can diagnose conditions and prescribe medicine. You usually need a referral.
Counsellor
A person trained to listen and help you work through problems by talking. Training and registration can be different for each counsellor.
Peer worker
A worker who has lived through mental health challenges, or has supported someone who has. They use that experience to support you.
Bicultural worker
A worker who shares or knows your culture and language. They help services understand you, and help you understand services.
Mental Health Treatment Plan
A plan your GP writes with you. It lets Medicare pay part of the cost of up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions a year.
Referral
A letter or note from one health worker that sends you to another. Some services need one and some do not.
Bulk billing
When the doctor or service bills Medicare directly, so you pay nothing for that visit.
This guide is general information and does not replace advice from a health professional. Services change, so please check with them before you go. See something out of date? Tell us.