FREE mental health therapy is now available to residents in Bonner, with the Federal Government launching a new early intervention service aimed at improving access to support before conditions escalate.
Kara Cook said the fully funded initiative — delivered under the Albanese Government’s Medicare Mental Health Check In — would provide easier pathways into care, particularly for those experiencing emerging mental health issues or temporary distress.
The service, delivered in partnership with St Vincent’s Health Australia, offers low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LiCBT) guided by trained practitioners.
Accessible to anyone aged 16 and over, the program does not require a GP referral, with patients able to enter the system via an initial phone intake assessment.
Described as a “check-up for your mental health,” the program is designed to intervene early — helping prevent symptoms from worsening while easing pressure on specialist services.
Residents can access the service by calling Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 between 8:30am and 5:00pm on weekdays, or by visiting the program’s website for further information.
Interpreter services are available in more than 150 languages, with online resources translated into the 10 most commonly spoken languages in Australia.
The Federal Government expects the service to support more than 150,000 people annually across the country by 2029.
Cook said the rollout responded directly to calls from the local community for improved access to early mental health care.
“Bonner locals have called for greater investment in early intervention mental health services and have told me the difference it will make.
“Almost 100 people Bonner residents have already used the Medicare Mental Health Phone Service since it launched.
“It is alongside other measures to provide free mental health support, including Labor’s Medicare Mental Health Centres to support Bonner families and their mental health.
“We know the importance of early intervention – the start of guided therapy delivered by Medicare Mental Health Check In is a major milestone in reform of mental health services in Australia.
“For years, this sort of highly accessible, low-intensity service has been recommended by inquiries and experts.
“Medicare Mental Health Check In has been designed with mental health professionals and those with lived experience to provide the right support.”
