What is available?
The Launceston Medicare Mental Health Centre, formerly called Launceston Head to Health, provides immediate mental health support for people in northern Tasmania. Primary Health Tasmania has commissioned Stride to deliver this service.
The centre aims to be a welcoming ‘no wrong door’ entry point for adults who need immediate support, as well as family and friends needing information and advice.
Services provided by a team including care coordinators and peer workers (with lived experience of mental illness) include:
- mental health support for people with immediate need
- navigation to other suitable mental health services in the local community
- information and advice for carers, family and friends of people experiencing mental illness.
Who is eligible?
People aged 18 years and over who need mental health support.
Family and friends of people experiencing mental illness can also seek information and advice through the centre.
Where is it available?
The centre is at 62-64 Canning Street in Launceston and is available to people living in northern Tasmania.
People living in the following eight local government areas can visit, phone or email the centre for support:
- Launceston
- Break O’Day
- Dorset
- Flinders Island
- George Town
- Meander Valley
- Northern Midlands
- West Tamar
The centre is open from 9am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday, and from 10 am to 2pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Who can make a referral?
No referral or appointment is needed.
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.
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.