Sunshine Coast residents now have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care at the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Birtinya.
The Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre was officially opened today by Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, and State Member for Caloundra, Kendall Moreton MP.
The centre offers free mental health support and care for people in distress, without the need for an appointment, referral or mental health treatment plan.
Staffed by a multidisciplinary care team, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person who visits the centre.
The Albanese Government is establishing a national network of Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 24 in Queensland.
There are 38 Medicare Mental Health Centres open and supporting communities across the country, including 8 in Queensland.
The Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre is located at 1 Bright Place, Birtinya, QLD, and open 10am till 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The centre is funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments, commissioned by Country to Coast Primary Health Network, and operated by Wellways.
People seeking information or support can be connected with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and quality care in the heart of communities.
"The new Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre offers people a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home.
"Anyone may be impacted by mental ill-health, and this new centre offers everyone access to free support, without the need for an appointment or referral."
Quotes attributable to Minister Nicholls:
"The Crisafulli Government is partnering with the Federal Government to improve access to mental health services on the Sunshine Coast.
"We will continue to work with the Federal Government and seek their support to improve access to safe, quality mental health care for all Queenslanders.
"Services based in local communities are a vital step in strengthening our mental health system closer to home and ensuring more people get help early, before reaching crisis point.
"This in turn also eases pressure on our emergency departments and helps people find the supports that are right for them."
