Medicare Mental Health - PCCS Global Site

Find the service that’s right for your mental health needs - Medicare Mental Health

Are you a GP or Referrer?

Referral Forms are available in the Resources section or by clicking here

Finding the right services can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. That’s where Medicare Mental Health can help.

Medicare Mental Health is an open door to a range of supports for people who are experiencing anxiety, stress, depression or other mental health challenges. It’s a safe place to be heard and understood. Whether you want to feel happier, sleep better, feel calmer, or get support to live with a diagnosed condition, our PCCS team will help you find and access the service that meets your needs. This includes free and low-cost mental health services and tools.

Just call 1800 595 212 (free) Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5.00pm (except public holidays).

Medicare Mental Health is an Australian Government initiative delivered by PCCS in Northern Sydney, Gold Coast, and North Queensland to support individuals affected by mental ill-health.

Please note Medicare Mental Health is not a crisis/emergency service. If you or someone you know is in any immediate risk of harm, please call 000 or click here for more crisis services and after-hours support.

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About Medicare Mental Health

What is Medicare Mental Health, and how does it help?

Medicare Mental Health is an Australian Government initiative delivered by PCCS in Northern Sydney, Gold Coast, and North Queensland to support individuals affected by mental ill-health. It provides tailored assistance to find the best mental health services for your needs through phone support and hubs.

Who can use this service?

Medicare Mental Health is designed for individuals of all ages who have been impacted by mental health challenges. It also supports carers and families, with consent from the person seeking help. Services, including Medicare Mental Health Centres, are accessible nationwide. For more information, click here.

What health conditions does Medicare Mental Health support?

Medicare Mental Health focuses on mental wellbeing, offering support for challenges like anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.

What makes Medicare Mental Health different from other mental health services?

Medicare Mental Health acts as a guide through the mental health system, helping you identify the right service instead of leaving you to navigate alone.

Accessing the Service

How can I access Medicare Mental Health?

Call 1800 595 212 to speak with a trained mental health professional who will assess your needs and connect you with appropriate services.

Can I access the service anonymously?

Yes, you can remain anonymous when calling the service. This may, however, impact the level of service we are able to provide.

Do I need a mental health treatment plan from my GP to use the service?

No, anyone can access the service. If needed with your consent, Medicare Mental Health can coordinate with your GP.

I already have a private psychologist. Can I still use Medicare Mental Health?

Yes, Medicare Mental Health can complement your existing care by connecting you to additional support services, ensuring no duplication.

Supports and Services Offered

What kind of support does Medicare Mental Health provide?

Medicare Mental Health offers phone-based assessments, referrals to Medicare Mental Health Centres, and connections to other mental health services tailored to your situation.

Can I meet with someone face-to-face, or is this a telehealth-only service?

You can choose from telehealth or face-to-face appointments at Medicare Mental Health Centres.

Will my GP or other healthcare providers be involved?

With your consent, advice and plans can be shared with your GP or other providers to ensure coordinated care.

Can carers or family members assist?

Yes, carers or family members can help arrange support with the consent of the person seeking assistance.

Are there costs for using this service?

No, there is no cost for calling 1800 595 212 or accessing services at Medicare Mental Health Centres. If referred elsewhere, efforts will be made to connect you with free or low-cost options.

Privacy and Data

What information does Medicare Mental Health collect, and how is it used?

The service collects only necessary information to provide support and make referrals, with strict compliance with Australian privacy laws.

Who owns my data, and who is it shared with?

You retain ownership of your data. It may be shared with healthcare providers only with your consent. You can request to access or correct your data.

What security measures protect my personal data?

PCCS, as a local provider of the Medicare Mental Health phone service, employs industry-standard security protocols to ensure your data is safe and secure.

Where is my information stored?

Data is securely stored in compliance with Australian privacy regulations.

Locations and access information

The Medicare Mental Health service is currently available nationally. Referrals are not required, simply call 1800 595 212 (8:30am to 5pm weekdays, except public holidays). There are three locations operated by PCCS:

Northern Sydney region - Assessment & Referral Phone Service & Hub

PCCS operate the Hornsby Medicare Mental Health hub from our facility in Thornleigh:

Primary & Community Care Services
Unit 7, 1 Central Ave, Thornleigh NSW 2120 (Open 8:30am to 5pm weekdays, except public holidays)

This service is supported by funding from Northern Sydney PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Gold Coast region - Assessment & Referral Phone Service

Our Gold Coast Medicare Mental Health telephone service provides a central point for receiving and assessing enquiries for people in the region who are not in crisis but require mental health support.

Our multi-disciplinary team will coordinate intake for the Gold Coast Primary Health Network’s mental health care services. In a stepped care approach, a person presenting is matched to the intervention level that most suits their current needs. By triaging all referrals for the Gold Coast region, our aim is to ensure no person in need falls through the cracks and enables people from underserviced groups to access varying levels and intensity of care determined by their needs.

This service is supported by funding from the Gold Coast PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Gold Coast PHN region map

North Queensland region - Assessment & Referral Phone Service

Our North Queensland Medicare Mental Health telephone service provides a central point for receiving and assessing enquiries for people in the region who are not in crisis but require mental health support.

Our multi-disciplinary team will coordinate intake for the North Queensland Primary Health Network’s mental health care services. In a stepped care approach, a person presenting is matched to the intervention level that most suits their current needs. By triaging all referrals for the North QLD region, our aim is to ensure no person in need falls through the cracks and enables people from underserviced groups to access varying levels and intensity of care determined by their needs.

This service is supported by funding from the North Queensland PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.