Free mental health care and support will be available to residents across Greater Ipswich with the opening of the new Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre.
As outlined in the Budget, the Albanese Government is establishing a network of 61 free, walk-in adult Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia. This builds on the former Head to Health model with an additional $29.6 million to lift clinical capacity and reach for the network.
All Medicare Mental Health Centres will have psychologists, psychiatrists, and GPs on call.
Medicare Mental Health Centres are a key part of the Australian Government's commitment to strengthening Medicare.
Adults can access free mental health information, services, and support without needing to make an appointment. All services will offer immediate support and follow-up care to people presenting in crisis, as well as short to medium care for people with moderate to severe mental health needs.
The new Medicare Mental Health Centre has moved into its permanent home on Level 1 of the Eats Building in the Nicholas Street Precinct in the Ipswich CBD.
The Ipswich service is the third Medicare Mental Health Centre in Queensland, with services already operating in Kingaroy and Townsville.
The Federal Government is working in collaboration with the Queensland State Government to deliver greater access to mental health support and care with more centres scheduled to open across the state later this year.
People who are not able to visit a centre in person can call 1800 595 212 to speak to a trained professional or receive a referral to a suitable mental health service.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, the Hon. Emma McBride:
"Making mental health care more accessible for all Australians is a high priority for the Albanese Government.
"We're committed to expanding the network of Medicare Mental Health Centres so Australians can access quality and affordable mental health care.
"This service will help residents across Greater Ipswich access free, walk-in, clinical mental health care close to home."
Quotes attributable to the Shayne Neumann MP, Member for Blair:
"Locals will be familiar with the challenges of accessing health care in regional Queensland, which is why I am pleased that this service is now available in Ipswich.
"I'm proud to have advocated for this much-needed facility and to see another election commitment delivered by the Albanese Labor Government.
"People can get free mental health care in a safe and welcoming space without needing to make an appointment.
"I encourage anyone needing support to visit the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre."
Quotes attributed to Queensland Minister, the Hon. Shannon Fentiman:
"We know access to free mental health care and support will be life-changing for so many residents here in Ipswich.
"I'm thrilled this essential healthcare is offering telehealth as well, so that people can access the care they need from the comfort of their own homes.
"This new centre together with our new Acute inpatient Unit at Ipswich Hospital is increasing access to mental health services for this growing community."
