Nearly 50,000 sessions of free mental health support have been delivered across Western Australia through Medicare Mental Health Centres.
As part of the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to strengthening Medicare, these centres have provided 48,410 instances of support to people experiencing mental health distress – offering free, walk-in care with no appointment or referral required.
In the past 12 months, one in five Australians have experienced a mental health disorder, underlining the urgent need for accessible, local support services.
Five Medicare Mental Health Centres are now operating across Western Australia in Armadale, Gosnells, Midland, Mirrabooka and Northam, with a further five centres to be delivered by 2029-30.
The Midland Medicare Mental Health Centre has responded to particularly high community need, delivering more than 25,000 free appointments since opening.
These centres are part of the Albanese Labor Government’s plan to establish 92 Medicare Mental Health Centres nationwide, backed by an additional $267.3 million investment.
Building on this, the Government is also investing an additional $29.9 million to ensure every centre has access to on-call psychologists and psychiatrists – expanding the level of care available when people need it most.
Western Australians can access support or information by calling 1800 595 212 to speak with an experienced professional for free advice or referral to services that meet their needs.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“One in five Australians experienced a mental disorder in the last 12 months – and these aren’t just statistics; they are our friends, family members and loved ones.
“That’s why the Albanese Government’s Medicare Mental Health program is placing centres at the heart of communities – so people can get the help they need, when they need it.
“We will continue to expand our network of Medicare Mental Health Centres so more Western Australians can access free support.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Aly MP:
“Getting help should not depend on your postcode, or your bank balance.
“Our Medicare Mental Health Centres mean people in Western Australia including Cowan, can walk in, close to home, and get support for free, without needing an appointment or a referral.
“The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare and making mental health care more accessible, more practical and more connected to the communities people live in.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Keogh MP:
“All Australians deserve equitable access to mental health care, but that hasn’t always been the case in our outer suburbs, that’s why we expanded free mental health support.
“These centres provide easily accessible mental health support in our community. Young people in particular have been asking me about expanding access to mental health support, and that’s why we’ve expanded access to free mental health support.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Hasluck Tania Lawrence MP:
“It is great that the days of mental health stigma is behind us as more and more people in my community in Hasluck take the opportunity to get counselling, and support to help them navigate issues they are finding tough.
“Our free, walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centres are making a real difference, giving people access to immediate, free care without the barriers of cost, referrals or long wait times.”
