COVID-19 Support

Accessing support

• Digital mental health resources

  Many reputable websites are providing information about how to manage mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Phone and online mental health services are also available to support you in managing the impacts of COVID-19 on your mental health and wellbeing, such as stress and anxiety, isolation and loneliness, or feelings of depression. We have links to these digital mental health resources in the Next steps section at the bottom of the page.
  
  Choosing a digital mental health service—tips for consumers, carers and clinicians
  
  During these uncertain times, it is important people are confident in the digital mental health services they are using. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed a series of tip sheets to help. They include key questions for consumers, carers and clinicians to consider before using or recommending a digital mental health service.
  
  These fact sheets are based on the research and consultation undertaken by the Commission during the development of the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health (NSQDMH) Standards. The draft NSQDMH Standards are currently out for public consultation.
  
  You can find the tip sheets and more information at: www.safetyandquality.gov.au/dmhs

• Health professionals and Medicare items

  Medicare has introduced new temporary telehealth mental health services. This means people eligible for a range of Medicare mental health services can now receive those services via videoconferencing or telephone.
  
  Eligible patients should ask their service providers about their telehealth options, and whether these are appropriate for their clinical care needs.
  
  Specific information about the new items, including eligibility criteria for health practitioners and patients, can be accessed at: www.mbsonline.gov.au and clicking 'News'.
  
  If you are looking for a psychologist, the Australian Psychological Society’s website, Find A Psychologist, provides details about how to access psychologists across Australia. You can also visit the Australian Clinical Psychology Association website to find a clinical psychologist. Details of face to face health services, including other health professionals, are listed on healthdirect Australia’s health services directory.

• Free on-site mental health support for all Victorians

  Victorians now have access to additional mental health support with 15 new HeadtoHelp mental health clinics opening to the public. Services available on-site are free of charge to all patients. A Medicare card or ID are not required.

   

  These services can be accessed by attending in-person at a clinic, or by phoning 1800 595 212 to talk a mental health professional. Calls from landlines are free, mobile charges may apply.

   

   

  Those calling 1800 595 212 will be triaged by a mental health professional to determine the most appropriate service. This could include visiting a HeadtoHelp clinic, accessing appropriate digital supports or being connected with more intensive support.

   

   

  You won’t need a referral from a GP or other health professional to access this service however your general practitioner may arrange for you to seek services through these clinics depending on your mental health needs.

   

   

  Visit the HeadtoHelp website or phone 1800 595 212 for further details on how to access this service.