Arab Australia Magazine
Medicare Mental Health Check In – free and confidential online mental health support is now available
26 August 2026
A free and accessible service to learn practical ways to manage stress or worry
Everyone living in Australia aged 16 years or older can access free online mental health support through Medicare Mental Health Check In, a fully funded Australian Government service delivered in partnership with St Vincent’s Health Australia. No referral, diagnosis or cost required at any point.
When people begin to experience small changes in their mood, including feeling more tired, having low energy, or poor sleep, it can start to impact their daily lives. When these changes become more noticeable, seeking support can help improve a person’s overall wellbeing and quality of life. It’s important to get help early before symptoms worsen.
To access the service, people can call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 to speak to a trained professional. Together, the individual and the trained professional will decide if the service fits their need. If it does, the individual will be connected with Medicare Mental Health Check In.
To learn more about the service, visit: www.mentalhealthcheckin.gov.au
The call is free, confidential and callers are in full control of the conversation. They can share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with and can end the call at any time.
To support people from multicultural backgrounds in accessing Medicare Mental Health Check In, interpreters are available in more than 150 languages during calls and program sessions. The website also offers information translated into 10 languages, including Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Filipino, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Access translated resources here: www.mentalhealthcheckin.gov.au/other-languages
How the service works
Medicare Mental Health Check In offers structured programs that run for around six weeks. Each program uses evidence-based tools to help people build practical skills, such as managing worry and everyday stress and improving sleep.
People can work through a program at their own pace online or with regular support from a qualified mental health practitioner by phone or video. When practitioner support is chosen, regular appointments help people track their progress, and apply the skills they have learned.
Quote by Dr Kin Chiam, Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Hirondelle Private Hospital
“In my work with multicultural communities, I often see people put ongoing worry, exhaustion, and poor sleep down to simply being busy. But changes like these can be a sign that someone needs to focus on their mental health.This service makes it easier for individuals managing multiple responsibilities, such as caring for family or working full-time, to access free support. It can be a meaningful way for people to learn how to manage stress and take care of themselves.”
Contact and accessibility support
- Call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212, 8:30am–5:00pm weekdays (excluding public holidays)
- Support for people with hearing or speech loss is available via TTY (1800 555 677), Speak and Listen (1800 555 727), or the National Relay Service
- Additional accessibility support, including for people living with disability, is available on request.
Medicare Mental Health Check In is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. If you need to talk to someone urgently, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.