Public mental health services in Australia offering counselling, therapy, and psychiatric care from outpatient units, hospitals, and community health centres.
Mental health
Public mental health services
Need urgent support?
You’re not alone. If you’re in distress and need to speak to someone, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you're unsure which service is right for you, we recommend visiting your GP for advice.
3.4 million Australians have seen a mental health professional in the past 2 years.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2020-2022). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. ABS.
Clinical
Affordable
In-person
Virtual
Public mental health services can be a suitable pathway for someone with moderate to severe mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
Reasons to use this service
- You're looking for more than one therapy or treatment session.
- You live in a city or an area with multiple services available.
- You have been referred by a GP or doctor and/or have a mental disorder diagnosis.
- You're looking for affordable treatment options.
Things to consider
- Long waiting lists due to high demand.
- Potential delays in receiving care.
- Public services are limited where you live.
- Lack of continuity of care as patients move between services or their condition changes.
Explore public mental health services
Headspace
150 centres nationwide with low cost counselling and support for young people aged 12-25, as well as free phone services.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Specialised therapies and interventions for children and adolescents experiencing mental disorders in NSW.
Acute mental health impatient units
Hospital-based services which offer short-term, intensive care and monitoring for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises.
Community mental health centres
Local facilities which provide a range of services and ongoing care to individuals with moderate to severe mental health conditions.
Psychosocial rehabilitation programs
Programs designed to support individuals with severe mental illness in their recovery journey towards independence, and a better quality of life.
Are you in need of urgent support?
We've put together a list of services for free support that's relevant to where you live, and what you're going through.
Discover free online treatment programs
This Way Up is an online program to learn practical tips for managing mental health. It’s a new way to do therapy from the comfort of your own home.
Bupa members can access one free mental health and wellbeing treatment program.
These resources are not intended to be a comprehensive list or to represent that Bupa endorses any specific health practitioner or program. Everyone’s health journey is individual and health outcomes can vary from person to person. These resources are also not intended to be a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare or other professional advice. If you have any concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.