Free mental health support centre at Tuggerah

A new centre providing free, walk-in mental health support and advice opened in Tuggerah on Monday, January 20.

Tuggerah Medicare Mental Health Centre (MMHC), staffed by trained mental health professionals, was officially opened by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride.

“The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare through better mental health services,” McBride said.

“The Tuggerah Medicare Mental Health Centre offers a welcoming place where everyone can access free mental health information, services and supports.

“It is open extended hours, and no appointment or referral is needed; just walk in to get free support from trained professionals.

“As Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, I’ve opened Medicare Mental Health Centres across the country.

“I’m proud to now open one in the heart of our community.”

The centre is fully funded by the Australian Government, with $4.5M being provided to Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network to commission the service.

Tuggerah MMHC, formerly Central Coast Head to Health, is operated by Beam Health as part of a broader initiative to improve access to free, immediate mental health care across Australia.

The centre is located at Suite 8, 1 Pioneer Ave, Tuggerah.

MMHCs provide a safe and welcoming place for anyone to access free, quality mental health care over extended hours.

They are staffed by a team of highly qualified mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health.

They will listen and work with clients to provide the care needed.

Support through the centres is free and those attending do not need a Medicare card, appointment or GP referral.

There is another centre at Riverside Park Office Towers, 69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford.

Locals can also make a free call to 1800 595 212 and be connected to a trained professional for advice, information or referral into the most appropriate local mental health service to meet their individual needs.

Head to Health sites are intended to complement, not replace or duplicate, mental health services already provided in the community.

They are not designed to offer longer-term ongoing care but deliver packages of evidence-based care and family support to cover the short to medium-term, based on clinical judgement and individual need, including interventions to support those with associated alcohol and drug misuse.