Residents of Sydney's west will soon have expanded access to free, walk-in mental health care at the Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre.
The Albanese Labor Government is providing $8.3 million to expand the centre and hire additional clinical staff, with more funding from the NSW Minns Labor Government.
The centre's services have been in demand since it opened in January 2023, and improvements will allow it to better meet the needs of the community.
The centre is open for extended hours, with no appointment or referral needed to access services.
Staffed by qualified mental health professionals including social workers, nurses, and peer support workers, the centre provides immediate help for people in distress as well as ongoing care for those with more complex mental health needs.
To boost access to specialist care, the government is investing an additional $29.9 million to provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists through every centre.
Medicare Mental Health Centres can also provide support for carers and families of people experiencing mental health distress and connect people with other services, from health to housing and employment.
The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by establishing a national network of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centre, including 22 in New South Wales.
There are currently 35 Medicare Mental Health Centres operating across the country, including 13 locations in New South Wales.
The Canterbury centre is commissioned by the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network and operated by One Door Mental Health. Upgrades at the centre are expected to be in place by mid next year.
People can also make a free call to 1800 595 212 and be connected to a trained professional for advice, information or referral into the most appropriate local mental health service to meet their individual needs.
Quotes attributable to Minister Burke, Member for Watson:
"No one should ever be forced to delay their mental-health care because it's too expensive.
"With this investment, people in the area will have better access to mental-health care when they need it most and they'll only need their Medicare card, not their credit card.
"I've always fought to make sure health care is affordable for people in the area and I always will."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Labor Government is expanding and enhancing the Medicare Mental Health Centre network across the country.
"Medicare Mental Health Centres allow people to get vital mental health care, as well as other support, without an appointment.
"The Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre has helped hundreds of people already and this expanded service will allow even more locals can access support."
Quotes attributable to Minister Jackson, New South Wales Minister for Mental Health:
"Providing more accessible mental health care is a priority for the Minns Labor Government.
"That's why we're investing in the Canterbury Medicare Mental Health Centre, which will soon be open for longer to better meet local needs.
"These centres are co-funded by the state and federal governments as we work together to ensure care is available for anyone who needs it."
