A new Medicare Mental Health Centre is set to open in Glenorchy in the coming weeks, offering free walk-in mental health support without the need for a referral or appointment.
The centre at 388 Main Road will be staffed by a dedicated team of psychologists, counsellors, social workers and peer workers providing immediate and ongoing support.
Thousands of locals are expected to use the service in its first year.
It will be Tasmania’s fourth Medicare Mental Health Centre, with the existing three having delivered almost 22,000 free walk-in sessions since they were established.
A fifth Tasmanian centre is planned to open by 2030.
The Glenorchy centre is part of a $1 billion federal investment in mental health, aimed at making it easier for Australians to access free mental health care close to home.
Emma McBride, the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Rebecca White, the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care and Member for Lyons, visited the centre ahead of its opening.
“We know one in five Australians experiences mental ill-health each year,” McBride said.
“These are our family members, friends, neighbours and workmates.”
“That’s why we’re making it easier for Tasmanians to access free mental health support close to home, without the need for a referral or appointment, so they can get help when they need it most.”
White said the centre would give people a welcoming place to seek help.
“The centre will be open for people to walk in, no appointment needed, if they feel like speaking with someone about their mental health needs and a reassuring reminding that no one has to manage with mental ill-health alone,” she said.
“This centre is about making sure more Tasmanians can access free, compassionate support in their own community, giving people the confidence that help is there and recovery is possible.”
Senator Brown said bringing mental health services into the open helps break down stigma.
“Mental health care should not be hidden away,” Brown said.
“For people in Hobart’s northern suburbs, this is a direct investment in better health care close to home,” she said.
“Along with the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic coming to Glenorchy, we are delivering more services locally so people can get the care they need, when they need it.”
The centre is funded by the federal government, commissioned by Primary Health Tasmania and operated by Stride Mental Health.
People seeking support can call 1800 595 212 or visit medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
