We can’t always deal with them on our own and that’s okay. It can help to talk to a mental health professional.

Crisis services

If you are thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis and need support urgently help is available.

Seeing your doctor

If you feel like you need help and it’s not an emergency it’s best to see your doctor.

They’ll assess what help you need.

This could include:

• making a mental health assessment
• creating a mental health treatment plan
• referring you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional
• giving you a prescription for medicines to treat depression or anxiety.

If your doctor bulk bills Medicare will cover the cost of the appointment. If your doctor doesn’t bulk bill you’ll need to pay either:

• the full cost
• the difference between what they charge and what Medicare covers.

If you pay the full cost you can make a claim for the Medicare amount. Your doctor can also make a claim on your behalf. [1]

Mental Health Care Plan

If you have a mental health disorder your doctor will help you to create a plan to treat it.

It will include some goals set by you and your doctor as well as treatment options and some support services that are available to you.

A mental health care plan entitles you to Medicare rebates for up to 10 appointments with a mental health professional each calendar year. This includes:

• psychologists
• social workers
• occupational therapists.

Your doctor can give you a referral to allied mental health services in your area.

Or you can get more information from Beyond Blue which includes a search tool to locate mental health professionals near you.[2]

Telehealth services

It can be hard to see a mental health professional if you live in a rural or remote area or need to stay at home. You may be able to access a telehealth video consultation session instead.

The Australian Government is currently working to expand the number of telehealth services available to Australians. Ask your GP or mental health provider for more information.

E-health services

E-mental health refers to services or programs that are delivered online through websites or apps on your computer or mobile phone. They can be self-directed as you move through the modules in a program or involve real-time or delayed interactions with mental health professionals.

Head to Health

Head to Health is a website designed to make it easier for Australians to access free or low cost digital resources from trusted mental health services.

This includes apps online programs online forums and phone services as well as a range of digital information resources.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue provides free advice counselling and referrals via telephone email and webchat.

Eheadspace

Headspace provides free online counselling and support to young people aged 12-25 and their families and friends through the eheadspace portal.

Specialist support services