Australians can now access free mental health support through new Medicare service

An early mental health support service is now free for Australians to access through a new federal government initiative.

The first phase, the Medicare Mental Health Check In program, gives Australians access to free mental health therapy.

According to Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists-commissioned polling, 64 per cent of respondents find mental health support unaffordable.

The Medicare Mental Health Check In, similar to that of a GP check-up, assists Aussies in preventing symptoms from escalating.

It providesguided support through sessions via a video or phone call to help manage anxiety, low moods and everyday challenges.

“By helping people with mild or temporary challenges, it will head off more serious challenges and free up capacity in the mental health system for those with deep-seated challenges,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.

The second phase is free low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy, accessed via telehealth and available without a GP referral.

Aussies can access it from April 1 and it allows anyone aged 16 or older living in Australia to use the service if suitable after an initial phone assessment.

Between 2023 to 2024, about 2.7 million Australians received 12.6 million Medicare mental health services.

About 43 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 85 also report having experienced mental illness at some point in their lives.

The new free service is funded by the Albanese government and delivered in partnership with St Vincent’s Health Australia and is expected to support more than 150,000 people each year from 2029.

“Medicare Mental Health Check In is a breakthrough for mental health support in Australia – ensuring that everyone has access to free, quality, mental health support,” St Vincent’s chief executive Chris Blake said.