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)
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
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.
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.
Support and information for depression and anxiety on 1300 22 4636. Runs a 24-hour phone line and online resources.
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.
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
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
Useful official links
- Healthdirect — Mental health(opens in a new window)
The Australian Government's health information portal — reliable mental health information by symptom and a search tool for services near you.
- Medicare Mental Health(opens in a new window)
Formerly Head to Health. A free government mental health service — the 1800 595 212 phone line, free centres and online resources.
- Services Australia — Medicare 정신건강 혜택(opens in a new window)
Official guidance on Medicare mental health benefits — check the latest annual session numbers and rebate amounts here.