Medicare Mental Health

The Medicare Mental Health phone service helps people to find the best available mental health support. It can be accessed from anywhere in Australia by calling 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday except on public holidays.  

Medicare Mental Health is a confidential, public facing service. While GPs, primary care providers and other health professionals don’t need to supply a referral, they may wish to recommend that patients call the number for support – noting that it is not a crisis service.

When a person calls, the first step is a discussion with a mental health clinician to determine the level of help that is needed. Depending on a person’s needs, this could vary from information or advice, counselling or support from an online or in-person service near them.

The Medicare Mental Health website 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.

Background information

The Australian Government rolled out its new Medicare Mental Health brand in March 2025. As part of the change, the website and telephone service previously branded as Head to Health have been renamed Medicare Mental Health. The Medicare Mental Health phone service was established by Victorian PHNs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It was also previously known as HeadtoHelp. New and existing clients can expect to receive the same targeted advice and support.

For more on Murray PHN’s mental health offerings visit our mental health webpage or for clinical advice and local referral information go to the Murray HealthPathways webpage.