Mental health support in Australia — Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare counselling and multilingual helplines

Getting mental health support — Mental Health Care Plan and multilingual counselling

From booking a GP and getting a Mental Health Treatment Plan to Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions, free 24-hour helplines and multilingual interpreting — a step-by-step guide to looking after your mental health in Australia.

Mental health support in Australia — where do I start?

Life in an unfamiliar country is hard for anyone. When homesickness, study or work stress, or relationship difficulties weigh on your mind, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Australia has a well-established mental health support system, with many pathways open to you: Medicare-subsidised counselling through a GP (general practitioner), free 24-hour helplines, and multilingual interpreting services. This guide walks you through where to start, step by step.

The difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist

A psychologist is a professional who provides talk-based psychological therapy; with a Mental Health Treatment Plan prepared by your GP, you can attend sessions with a Medicare rebate. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, and appointments are booked through a GP referral. At the start you don't need to work out which one you need — see a GP first and they will guide you to the pathway that fits your situation.

Mental Health Treatment Plan — the 3-step core process

For Medicare holders, the standard pathway to subsidised counselling has three steps: book a GP → create a Mental Health Treatment Plan → psychology sessions. Talk with your GP about how you are doing, and the GP will set up a treatment plan and connect you with a psychologist. With a plan, Medicare rebates apply to a set number of sessions per year (currently up to 10 individual sessions — arrangements change often, so check the latest with Services Australia).

What do I talk about at the GP appointment?

When you see the GP, just talk honestly about recent changes in your sleep, eating and mood, and the difficulties you are going through. It doesn't have to be in perfect English — bringing written notes or speaking through an interpreter is absolutely fine. The GP will assess your situation, prepare the plan, and issue a psychiatrist referral as well if needed. Because further sessions are approved after a GP review following a set number of sessions, it is worth maintaining a steady relationship with your GP.

Have your Medicare card ready and book a nearby GP clinic (bulk billing if possible)
When booking, mention that it is for a mental health consultation and ask for a long appointment
If you need an interpreter, request TIS National (131 450) interpreting when you book

The appointment to create the plan is itself a Medicare item, so with a bulk billing GP you can start with no out-of-pocket cost. If the psychologist doesn't feel like the right fit, you can talk to your GP about switching to another one — don't give up just because the first meeting felt awkward.

Checking your eligibility — Medicare, OSHC/OVHC, university counselling

Many services are available even to temporary visa holders without Medicare. International students should check their OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) policy, and other temporary visa holders their OVHC policy, for the extent of GP, psychology and psychiatry cover. Regardless of insurance cover, helplines and free government services are open to everyone.

Medicare holders (citizens, permanent residents, some visa holders): can access subsidised counselling via the 3-step pathway above
OSHC/OVHC holders: check your policy document for psychology and psychiatry cover items and waiting periods
International students: most universities offer a free counselling service to enrolled students — check your university's website

Even without Medicare, the Medicare Mental Health phone line (1800 595 212) and free centres, local community health centres, and 24-hour helplines are available regardless of your visa status.

Free helplines for every situation — help you can reach right now

These are free 24-hour (or always-available) helplines you can use when you need someone to talk to right now. If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450 first and ask to be connected to the helpline you want. If life is in danger, 000 always comes first.

Lifeline — 13 11 14

24-hour crisis support line 13 11 14. Australia's best-known helpline, ready to listen to whatever you need to talk about, with text and online chat also available.

Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636

Support and information for depression and anxiety on 1300 22 4636. Runs a 24-hour phone line and online resources.

13YARN — 13 92 76

A 24-hour crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on 13 92 76, answered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters.

Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800

Free 24-hour counselling for children and young people aged 5–25 on 1800 55 1800. Webchat and email counselling are also available alongside the phone line.

Language and cost tips — 5 ways to lighten the load

You don't need to put this off because of language barriers or cost worries. Knowing about multilingual support and ways to reduce costs makes it much easier to get started.

TIS National 131 450 — free phone interpreting lets you access most GP appointments, helplines and counselling in your own language
Ask about bulk billing before you book — with a bulk billing psychologist there is no out-of-pocket cost
The gap fee (the difference between the consultation fee and the rebate) varies between practitioners, so confirm the amount when booking
Medicare Mental Health (formerly Head to Health) — a government service running the 1800 595 212 phone line and free centres, so you can get help without worrying about cost
Use the multilingual resources from Embrace Multicultural Mental Health and your state's transcultural mental health services for support that understands your cultural and language background

Watch out — 5 common misconceptions and pitfalls

These are misconceptions and obstacles that often come up when seeking help. Knowing them in advance can save you unnecessary costs and worry.

Waiting for an appointment in an emergency — if there is immediate risk, don't wait for a GP appointment; call 000 or a 24-hour helpline right now
Starting psychology sessions without a plan may mean you miss out on Medicare rebates — see a GP first and have a Mental Health Treatment Plan prepared
Booking without checking the gap fee can leave you with a bigger out-of-pocket cost than expected — always ask about fees before booking
Annual session numbers and rebate amounts change frequently — don't rely on last year's figures; check the latest information with Services Australia
Putting off treatment out of fear of visa consequences — medical records are protected by privacy law, and the fact of treatment alone does not automatically mean a disadvantage. Leaving things untreated is a greater risk to your study, work and relationships; for decisions about your personal circumstances, consult a MARA registered migration agent

Useful official links

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?▾

It is a mental health treatment plan prepared by a GP (general practitioner). With this plan, Medicare pays back a significant portion of the cost of sessions with a psychologist as a rebate. Talking through your current situation and goals with your GP and building the plan together is itself the first step of treatment, and the appointment to create the plan is a Medicare item, so with a bulk billing GP there is no out-of-pocket cost.

How many Medicare-subsidised sessions can I get per year?▾

Under current arrangements, Medicare rebates apply to up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year (January–December), usually with a GP review after the first 6 sessions before further sessions are approved. However, session numbers and rebate amounts are items that change frequently, so be sure to check the latest criteria on the official Services Australia website before using the service.

How much does counselling cost? Are there ways to get it for free?▾

If the psychologist bulk bills, there is no out-of-pocket cost; otherwise you pay a gap fee — the difference between the consultation fee and the Medicare rebate. Gap fees vary between practitioners, so always ask before booking. If cost is a concern, you can use the free government Medicare Mental Health phone line (1800 595 212) and centres, as well as community health centres.

Can I get counselling even if my English isn't strong?▾

Yes. Through TIS National (131 450), a free phone interpreting service, you can access most services — GP appointments, helplines, counselling — in your own language. If you let the clinic know in advance that you need an interpreter when booking a GP appointment, the clinic will connect TIS for you. Embrace Multicultural Mental Health also provides mental health information resources in many languages.

I'm on a working holiday or student visa and don't have Medicare — what can I do?▾

There are still many pathways without Medicare. International students can have GP visits covered by OSHC, and should check their insurer's policy for the extent of psychology cover. Most universities offer a free counselling service to enrolled students. Other temporary visa holders should check their OVHC cover, and helplines such as Lifeline, the Medicare Mental Health phone line and centres, and community health centres can be used regardless of your visa.

Will getting mental health treatment hurt my visa?▾

Medical records are sensitive information protected by Australian privacy law, and health practitioners cannot disclose them without authority. The mere fact that you have had counselling or treatment does not automatically mean a visa disadvantage — leaving difficulties untreated is a far greater risk to your study, work and relationships. If you need a visa-related assessment of your personal circumstances, consult a MARA (OMARA) registered migration agent. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?▾

A psychologist is a professional who provides talk-based psychological therapy, and with a Mental Health Treatment Plan you can receive Medicare rebates for sessions. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, and you book an appointment with a referral from your GP. Your GP will assess your situation and guide you to whichever is more suitable.