Three Medicare Mental Health Centres Open in North Brisbane

Department of Health

Brisbane North and Moreton Bay residents now have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of the new Medicare Mental Health Centres in Lutwyche, Strathpine and Caboolture.

The Medicare Mental Health Centres were officially opened today by Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, and Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls MP.

The centres offer free mental health support and care for people in distress, without the need for an appointment, referral or mental health treatment plan.

Staffed by multidisciplinary care teams, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person who visits the centres.

The Albanese Government is establishing a national network of 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 23 in Queensland.

Across Brisbane's Northside, additional Medicare Mental Health Centres will open in Redcliffe, Chermside, The Gap and Everton Hills.

There are 42 Medicare Mental Health Centres open and supporting communities across the country, including 12 in Queensland.

The Medicare Mental Health Centre locations and opening hours are:

  • Lutwyche: 566 Lutwyche Road - Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.30pm.
  • Strathpine: 7/327 Gympie Road - Monday to Friday, 1pm - 5pm.
  • Caboolture: Level 1/21 Pettigrew Street - Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm.

The Commonwealth and State Governments have delivered $12 million in funding for the establishment and operation of these 3 Medicare Mental Health Centres.

The centres are commissioned by the Brisbane North Primary Health Network and operated by Communify, Neami National and Stride.

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.

"These new Medicare Mental Health Centres offer Northsiders a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home.

"Anyone may be impacted by mental ill-health, and these new centres offers everyone access to free support, without the need for an appointment or referral."

Quotes attributable to Madonna Jarrett, Member for Brisbane:

"Locals have raised with me the need for access to safe and affordable mental health care, and that's exactly what these centres offer.

"I would encourage Brisbane residents who need support to visit the Inner North Medicare Mental Health Centre in Lutwyche."

Quotes attributable to Ali France, Member for Dickson:

"Free, walk-in mental health care and support is just around the corner for local residents with the opening of the new Strathpine Medicare Mental Health Centre.

"And it doesn't stop there. In addition to the new centre in Strathpine, the Albanese Government will also open a Medicare Mental Health Centre in Everton Hills."

Quotes attributable to Senator Mulholland:

"From Caboolture to Cairns, the Albanese Government is opening 23 Medicare Mental Health Centres right across our great state.

"So instead of going to the GP or hospital, Queenslanders can access free mental health support and care, no matter their postcode, without the need for an appointment or referral.

Quotes attributable to the Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Minister Nicholls:

"The Crisafulli Government is committed to improving access to safe, high-quality mental health care for all Queenslanders.

"Community-based centres like this are a vital step in strengthening our mental health system closer to home - ensuring more people get health services when they need them. This in turn eases pressure on our emergency departments and helps people find the supports that are right for them."

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