Lifeline
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, feeling overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, Lifeline has trained crisis counsellors ready to help you.
Immediate danger? Call 000 now. Do not wait.
Blokes Advice
Looking For Help?
Blokes are known for putting problems in a box and burying them deep. But when you are feeling down, taking action to call in extra support is the responsible thing to do. Trying to go it alone when times get tough is not the best solution. Whether you need to talk to someone right now or you are just figuring out your options, this page has what you need.
Get Support Now
People You Can Call Right Now
All of the services below are free. You do not need a referral, a Medicare card, or an appointment. Just pick up the phone.
TIACS
This Is A Conversation Starter. Free and confidential mental health support specifically for tradies, truckies, farmers, and blue-collar workers. You can reach out to a professional who actually understands the pressures of your industry.
MensLine Australia
A free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime. Whether it is relationship problems, family issues, or just needing someone to talk to, MensLine is there.
Suicide Call Back Service
A free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide. This line also supports those who are worried about someone else, or those who have lost someone to suicide.
The BA Guide
How To Get A Mental Health Care Plan
There is too much fluff around this topic, so here is the plain English version. A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a document your GP prepares that gives you access to subsidised psychology sessions through Medicare. You do not need to be in crisis or have everything worked out before you ask. If you are dealing with anxiety, stress, grief, relationship problems, or just feeling like you are not quite yourself lately, your GP can assess whether a plan is right for you.
With a plan, you get Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per year. You have no obligation to use all 10. Here is what the current rebate covers.
| Type of Professional | Medicare Rebate Per Session | Typical Total Cost | Typical Gap (Out of Pocket) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | $145.25 | ~$220 to $280 | ~$75 to $135 |
| General Psychologist | $98.95 | ~$180 to $220 | ~$80 to $120 |
| Mental Health Social Worker | $87.25 | ~$130 to $160 | ~$40 to $75 |
How To Get One: Step By Step
01
Book A Long Appointment With Your GP
Call your GP clinic and ask for a long appointment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Say it clearly when you book so they allow enough time. A standard 10 minute appointment usually is not enough.
02
Get Your Plan And Your Referral Letter
Your GP will ask what has been going on and write the plan. Ask for both the plan and the referral letter. You need both for the Medicare rebate.
03
Find Someone That Fits Your Vibe
You can ask your GP for names, or look around yourself. Check what they specialise in and pick someone you think you could actually talk to. If the first person is not right, you can try someone else.
04
The 6 Session Rule
You normally start with 6 rebated sessions. Before session 7, go back to your GP for a quick review. That review unlocks the remaining sessions for the year.
05
Claim Your Cash
Most clinics process the Medicare rebate after you pay. The rebate goes back into your bank account. If they do not process it, you can claim it through Medicare online via myGov.
06
Telehealth Is An Option
Ask your GP clinic if telehealth is available. Many psychologists also offer phone or video sessions, which can make getting help easier if travel, work, or nerves are getting in the way.
Watch Out For These Common Mistakes
- Do not attend your first psychology session before getting your plan and referral letter from your GP. Medicare rebates cannot be backdated.
- Do not attend your 7th session without first going back to your GP for a review. This is a Medicare requirement and skipping it means you lose the rebate for that session.
- Make sure you give your psychologist the referral letter as well as the plan. The plan alone is not enough for them to process your rebate.
- Sessions do not roll over indefinitely between years. The maximum is 10 rebated sessions per calendar year.
You Are Not Alone
Stay Strong.
Stay Connected.
No matter what you are going through, support is out there. Speaking up and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are struggling, do not go it alone. Reach out to a mate, a professional, or one of the services above.