Government delivers half a million free mental health appointments
Media event date: 20 August 2026 Date published: 20 August 2026 Media type: Media release General public More Australians than ever are accessing free mental health support, with Medicare Mental Health Centres delivering more than 500,000 walk-in appointments nationwide as the Government continues to strengthen Medicare. In 2025-26, almost 24,000 people accessed support through Medicare Mental Health Centres on more than 230,000 occasions.
Without Medicare Mental Health Centres, many of these Australians would have faced out-of-pocket costs for care or may not have sought support at all. In total, nearly 50,000 Australians have now turned to Medicare Mental Health Centres for free mental health support, with most presenting for anxiety and mild depression. Medicare Mental Health Centres provide immediate support without the need for a referral or pre-booked appointment, making it easier for Australians to get help when they need it, where they are.
To make sure no Australian misses out, the Government is continuing to expand the Medicare Mental Health Centre network, with an additional $267.3 million invested to rollout 32 new or upgraded centres taking the network to 92 across Australia by mid-2030. Staffed by highly trained teams of psychologists, counsellors, social workers, mental health nurses and peer workers, the centres provide a welcoming place where Australians can access free support close to home.
For further information on Medicare Mental Health Centres, visit the Medicare Mental Health website or call 1800 595 212. Quotes attributed to Minister Butler: “The Albanese Government is making it easier for Australians to receive the support and care they need when they need it. “No appointment needed, our Medicare Mental Health Centres are providing free face-to-face care to hundreds of thousands of Australians.
Quotes attributed to Assistant Minister McBride: “In the past, Australians had to wait, travel and pay for vital mental health care. “Now by strengthening Medicare, the Albanese Labor Government has delivered 501,579 free walk-in appointments through Medicare Mental Health Centre - making it easier for people to get free, high-quality mental health care close to home.
“Without Medicare Mental Health Centres, many of these Australians would have faced out-of-pocket costs for care or worse, may not have sought support at all. “The Albanese Labor Government has invested an additional $267.3 million to expand the Medicare Mental Health Centre network to 92 centres nationwide, so more Australians can access support without a referral, appointment or out-of-pocket cost.” Quotes attributed to Member for Canberra Alicia Payne: “Canberra’s Medicare Mental Health Centres are providing transformational support to people who need it most.
“The Albanese Labor Government has ensured that mental health support is accessible when people need it both in terms of affordability and timely availability. “I’m proud to be part of a government that is prioritising free and easy to access mental health care for all Australians.” The Hon Mark Butler MP The Hon Emma McBride MP Mental health and suicide prevention Accessibility We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community.
We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present. © Commonwealth of Australia