What is available?
Medicare Mental Health Centres, formerly called Head to Health centres, are funded by the Australian Government to provide immediate mental health support, information and advice.
Primary Health Tasmania has commissioned Stride to operate and deliver services from Medicare Mental Health Centres in Tasmania.
The centres provide a safe and welcoming place for anyone to access free, quality mental health care over extended hours.
There is no charge for services, and appointments aren’t needed. A Medicare card is not required.
Services provided include:
- immediate, short and medium-term care
- navigation to other suitable mental health services in the local community
- information and advice for carers, families and friends of people experiencing mental illness.
Services are provided by qualified mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health (peer workers), who will listen to and support people to access the care they need.
Who is eligible?
Anyone can access Medicare Mental Health Centres, even if they have never reached out for mental health support before.
A Medicare card is not required to access these services.
Where is it available?
The Launceston Medicare Mental Health Centre is at 62-64 Canning Street. You can walk in – no appointment required. You can also contact this centre by phone or email (contact details below). The centre is open from 9am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday, and from 10 am to 2pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Medicare Mental Health Centres are also being established in Devonport, Burnie and outer Hobart. While they are being established, an interim telehealth service is available to provide telephone-based mental health support to people living in north-west and southern Tasmania. Call 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Who can make a referral?
No formal referral or appointment is needed. People can access this service direct themselves or can be connected through their GP or other healthcare professional.
What is the IAR level of care? (information for health professionals)
This is an Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Level of Care 1 (self-management), 2 (low intensity), 3 (moderate intensity), and 4 (high intensity) service. More information about IAR is available here.
How much does it cost?
This service is free, and you don’t need a Medicare card.
I need help now. Where should I go?
Please note: Primary Health Tasmania does not deliver health services or crisis/emergency support.
Your regular doctor should always be your first point of call if you need medical or mental health care.
- In an emergency, call Triple 0 (000) for Ambulance, Fire or Police
- For information about health services open at night, public holidays and weekends, go to: www.tasaftershours.com or call healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.
The following helplines are also available for urgent assistance:
- Access Mental Health (Tasmanian Government) 1800 332 388
- Lifeline Crisis Help 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- Drug and Alcohol Counselling (after hours) 1800 811 994
- Poison Information Centre 13 11 26.