Our services
Medicare Mental Health Centres are free services that connect you with mental health support.
Walk-in clinics, request a call back, or call the phone line.
Our multidisciplinary team of trained clinicians and lived experience workers is here to support you on your mental health journey. You can visit our walk-in clinics in Lismore or Coffs Harbour, request a call, or reach out to us at 1800 595 212.
We start with an assessment to connect people 18 and over with the right mental health services to meet your needs.
Medicare Mental Health walk-in clinics and phone lines are not a crisis or emergency service. If you are unsafe and need immediate help, please call 000. View crisis support details.
Frequently asked questions - FAQs
We know that navigating healthcare and mental health services can raise many questions. Our goal is to provide clear and helpful information to support your well-being. If you need more assistance or can’t find the information you’re looking for, please reach out—we’re here to help.
Yes! Our services are fully funded by the Australian Government through the NSW Primary Health Network (PHN).
Our reception team will call you at the designated time (from a private number) and send follow-up information via email.
Yes — but they need to give verbal consent before we can schedule an initial assessment.
Yes — you can choose to complete an assessment over the phone or visit one of our centres in person.
After your initial assessment, we’ll provide you with suitable resources, such as e-therapy, local services, or professional referrals. You’ll have a check-in within 24–48 hours to discuss next steps.
If you require immediate support please contact:
- 24hr Mental Health Line — 1800 011 511
- Lifeline — 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue — 1300 224 636
- For children under 12 years: Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800
In an emergency, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Absolutely. Your privacy is protected under all relevant Privacy and Health Records laws. We’ll ask for your consent before sharing information with other providers and only use de-identified information for reporting to the Department of Health.
I need help​
What happens if I contact Medicare Mental Health?​
Whether you visit a clinic, talk to us on 1800 595 212, or request a call, the very first thing we can help you with is access to reliable and relevant health information.
We offer consultation and information to all individuals who make contact with our service. We also provide an initial assessment with a Mental Health Clinician to understand your individual needs and help connect you to the right services for your circumstances.
For health professionals
What happens if I contact Medicare Mental Health?​
Medicare Mental Health Centres do not require a referral for a person to access service, we do support referrals by GPs, primary health professionals, local area health districts providers, non-government organisations and Department of Education services.
If you are a healthcare or other professional seeking to refer someone to the service, please complete the form.
North Coast Head to Health is now Medicare Mental Health
North Coast Head to Health centres have been rebranded and are now operating as Medicare Mental Health Centres. There are two Medicare Mental Health Centres in the North Coast region: Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre and Lismore Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Please note, we will continue to provide the same service, with the same staff.
New and existing service users can continue to receive the same free, high-quality, compassionate mental health care at our Medicare Mental Health Centres (known formerly as North Coast Head to Health) when they need it.
How will this affect your service?
As is the case currently, no appointment, referral or Medicare card will be needed – anyone living in North Coast NSW and the surrounding region, can walk in and talk to someone for mental health support.
Medicare Mental Health is a free confidential service from the Australian Government, and is is funded by Healthy North Coast through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.
Crisis or after hours support
for urgent help
Medicare Mental Health walk-in clinics and phone lines  are not a crisis or emergency service.
For urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511.
If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 000 now.
