People on the Central Coast can access free, walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of the Tuggerah Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and local Member for Dobell, Emma McBride MP, officially opened the service today.
The centre provides on-the-spot support for people in distress and ongoing care for more complex mental health needs.
Staffed by qualified mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and counsellors, the centre will provide wraparound support and care across extended hours.
The Australian Government is strengthening Medicare by opening 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia, including 22 in New South Wales.
To boost access to specialist care, the government is investing an additional $29.9 million to provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists through every centre.
The centre is fully funded by the Australian Government, with $4.5 million being provided to Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network to commission the service. The centre is operated by Beam Health.
On the Central Coast, there are two services at 1 Pioneer Avenue Tuggerah and Suite 1.1, Riverside Park Office Towers, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford.
Locals can also make a free call to 1800 595 212 and be connected to a trained professional for advice, information or referral into the most appropriate local mental health service to meet their individual needs.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare through better mental health services.
"The Tuggerah Medicare Mental Health Centre offers a welcoming place where everyone can access free mental health information, services and supports.
"It is open extended hours, and no appointment or referral is needed. Just walk in to get free support from trained professionals.
"As Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, I've opened Medicare Mental Health Centres across the country. I'm proud to now open one in the heart of our community. "
