Medicare Mental Health

Medicare Mental Health (formerly Head to Health) is a free, confidential national network that includes a website and the Medicare Mental Health Assessment and Referral Telephone Service (1800 595 212).

Healthdirect Australia operates the Medicare Mental Health Assessment and Referral Telephone Service for the Country to Coast Queensland PHN region, which includes Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast.

Consumers who call the Medicare Mental Health phone service speak with registered nurses who have extra qualifications in mental health. The nurse conducts an assessment using a standardised national tool, then connects them to the care that is most appropriate to their needs, and/or provides advice about services in their region.

Health professionals, including general practitioners in the region, refer patients to the service via secure eReferral forms. A Medicare Mental Health nurse calls the consumer to connect them to a mental health or other relevant service.

The national Medicare Mental Health telephone service operates Monday – Friday during business hours.

Medicare Mental Health is not a crisis or emergency service. For urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SuicideLine on 1300 651 251. If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 000 now.