About Medicare Mental Health Check In
Medicare Mental Health Check In is a free Australian Government service available to people 16 years and over living in Australia. It is a digital service providing evidence-based support from trained practitioners, helping people build practical skills to manage and improve their mental health and wellbeing.
You don't need a diagnosis or referral to access Medicare Mental Health Check In. You don't even need to know exactly what you're feeling. You only need to be finding things a little harder than usual.
Medicare Mental Health Check In is part of a broader suite of services being offered as part of Medicare Mental Health.
What Medicare Mental Health Check In is
Medicare Mental Health Check In is a national digital service that offers early support for people starting to experience mental health challenges. The service aims to get people the right level of care at the right time. It offers support that is:
- completely free, with no out-of-pocket costs at any point
- accessible, so you can use it online from wherever you are
- evidence-based, using approaches proven to help
- guided by trained practitioners to give you extra support.
It's simple and easy to access. It offers practical support to help people manage common challenges like stress, worry, or low mood – before these concerns get worse.
It uses a safe, evidence-based approach called Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LiCBT) that's recognised for its effectiveness in helping manage symptoms and regain a sense of control.
About our programs
Medicare Mental Health Check In offers structured programs where you connect with a trained practitioner who will guide you through evidence-based tools and resources that focus on practical skills you can use in everyday life and ways to cope with common challenges.
From late May 2026, self-guided programs will also be available, giving you more flexibility and choice to work independently at your own pace, with the option to connect with a trained practitioner if you choose to.
You can also explore helpful information about different topics on this site that can help you feel more grounded and informed.
Programs typically last around 6 weeks. In each stage of a program, you might learn how to:
- break tasks into small, manageable steps
- calm your body through slow, steady breathing
- interrupt worry or overthinking
- create simple routines that support your wellbeing
- gently approach things you've been avoiding
- use grounding techniques when things feel overwhelming
- build small habits that help you feel more in control.
The goal is on small, achievable steps, not to push you beyond what feels manageable.
Learn more about when to use Medicare Mental Health Check In and how to know if it's the kind of mental health support you're looking for.
What using the programs might feel like
The programs in Medicare Mental Health Check In are designed to feel simple and manageable, even when life doesn't.
Each program is focused on a specific skill or idea. You can revisit them whenever you need. You can also print activities and resources to use offline and keep them to use again later.
All programs are practitioner-assisted until we offer self-guided program options (in late May 2026). This means a trained Medicare Mental Health Check In practitioner will support you along the way. They'll check in with you regularly by telehealth, over video or the phone, guide you through the stages, help you stay on track, and support you to apply the skills in everyday life.
You might:
- set one or two small goals
- learn a new skill each week
- practise techniques between sessions
- notice small improvements as things begin to feel easier
- build confidence in how you care for your wellbeing.
It's not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about taking things one step at a time.
Who Medicare Mental Health Check In can help
The information on this page and the programs can be helpful if you're:
- feeling stressed or under pressure
- worrying more than usual
- experiencing increased anxiety or low mood
- finding it hard to stay motivated
- feeling flat, tired or emotionally drained
- having trouble keeping routines
- wanting support before things become more difficult.
You don't need a diagnosis to use the programs in Medicare Mental Health Check In.
What Medicare Mental Health Check In is not
It's important to understand what this service doesn't provide.
Medicare Mental Health Check In is not:
- a crisis or emergency service
- a replacement for urgent or ongoing mental health care
- long-term psychotherapy
- medical treatment for severe or complex conditions
- a formal diagnostic assessment.
It's a starting point that gives you practical tools to handle life's ups and downs.
How to access the programs
The first step is to call the Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 for a free chat with a trained professional to determine if this is the right service for you.
If you need different or additional support, Medicare Mental Health can connect you with other services that suit your needs, including local, face-to-face support.
You do not need a referral or diagnosis to access services, and you can call whenever you feel ready.
When you might need additional support
Medicare Mental Health Check In can be a helpful starting point for many people, but some situations need extra support. If your symptoms are getting worse or daily life feels harder to manage, or you need more immediate support, we’re here to help you explore additional options. You can:
- talk to your GP
- speak to someone you trust
- call Medicare Mental Health
- visit a Medicare Mental Health Centre.
If you are feeling suicidal, or are in danger, please call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
You don't have to figure this out alone. Someone can walk through the options with you.
Join our team
We are building a team of compassionate, skilled people to provide meaningful early intervention mental health support to people across Australia.
If you are a mental health practitioner, clinician, team leader, or clinical supervisor who wants to be part of a multidisciplinary team supporting people to build resilience and achieve their goals, we would love to hear from you. Your expertise can make a real difference.
You can view our current vacancies and apply. We look forward to learning more about you.
Help us improve our service
If you would like to let us know what we're doing well and where we could improve the service, please get in touch. We welcome your feedback and invite you to be part of this journey.