Free & Low-Cost Mental Health Help
Money should never stop you from getting help. Australia has more free and subsidised mental health support than most people realise. This guide covers every option — from completely free to low-gap — so you can find what works for your situation.
Completely Free Options
Helplines (24/7, no referral)
Every helpline on this site is free, confidential, and available without a referral. You can call, text, or chat online. These aren't just for emergencies — you can call about anxiety, stress, relationship issues, grief, or anything that's weighing on you.
For: Anyone in Australia, any age, any issue.
Browse helplinesheadspace (ages 12–25)
headspace offers free or very low-cost face-to-face counselling, plus phone and online support. With over 150 centres across Australia, it is one of the most accessible services for young people. You can self-refer — no GP appointment needed.
For: Young people aged 12–25 and their families.
Phone: 1800 650 890 (9am–1am AEST) · Online: headspace.org.au
Community Health Centres
Most states and territories have community mental health services that provide free counselling and psychiatric support. These are government-funded and dont require a referral for initial contact. Search for your local service through your state health department website.
For: Anyone, especially those without private resources.
University Psychology Clinics
Many universities run psychology clinics staffed by supervised postgraduate students. Sessions are free or very low cost ($5–$20) and the quality is generally high — students are closely supervised by experienced psychologists. Wait times are often shorter than private practice.
For: Anyone — you dont need to be a student.
Search "university psychology clinic [your city]" to find one near you.
NewAccess (Beyond Blue)
NewAccess is a free, confidential coaching program from Beyond Blue for people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression. It's based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and delivered over 6 sessions by trained coaches. No referral needed.
For: Adults with mild to moderate anxiety or depression.
MindSpot (Online treatment)
MindSpot is a free digital mental health service from Macquarie University. It offers online assessments and guided treatment courses for anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and chronic pain. All programs are therapist-guided and evidence-based.
For: Australian adults 18+. Self-referral.
Phone: 1800 614 434 · mindspot.org.au
Medicare Mental Health Check In
A free Australian Government digital service for people starting to experience mental health challenges — no GP referral or diagnosis needed. Call first to speak with a trained professional, who will guide you to free self-guided programs covering managing worries, low mood, sleep, unhelpful thinking patterns, and more — either on your own or with phone/video support from a practitioner.
For: Anyone in Australia aged 16+, especially if symptoms are new or mild. TTY and interpreter support available.
Phone: 1800 595 212 (8:30am–5pm weekdays) · medicarementalhealthcheckin.gov.au
Medicare-Subsidised Options
Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)
The single most useful thing most Australians dont know about. Your GP can create a plan that gives you up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per year. The Medicare rebate is ~$93–$141 per session. Some psychologists bulk-bill (no gap), others charge a gap of $50–$150.
For: Anyone with a Medicare card.
Read the step-by-step MHTP guideBulk-Billing Psychologists
Some psychologists bulk-bill for all or some patients — meaning you pay nothing out of pocket with an MHTP. These are harder to find and often have longer wait times, but they exist. Tips for finding them:
Call practices and ask: "Do you have any psychologists who bulk-bill with a MHTP?"
Check community health centres — they often bulk-bill.
Ask your GP — they'll know local options.
Try telehealth — bulk-billing psychologists offering telehealth may be in other states but can still see you.
Provisional psychologists (in training, supervised) are more likely to bulk-bill.
Low-Cost Options
Open Arms — Veterans & Families
Free counselling for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families. No referral, no diagnosis, no MHTP needed. Available 24/7.
Phone: 1800 011 046
EAP (Employee Assistance Programs)
If you're employed, check whether your workplace offers an EAP. These are free, confidential, short-term counselling services (usually 3–6 sessions) paid for by your employer. Ask HR or your manager — or check your company intranet. Your employer is not told that you've used it, or what you discussed.
For: Employed Australians (and often their immediate family).
Private Health Insurance
If you have extras cover, check whether it includes psychology. Some funds cover $50–$100 per session. You can usually use this alongside Medicare for the same session, reducing or eliminating your out-of-pocket cost. Call your fund to check.
The bottom line
There is always a free option available to you in Australia. If money is the thing stopping you, it doesnt have to be. Start with a helpline, try NewAccess or MindSpot, or ask your GP about a bulk-billing MHTP. You deserve support — and it is available.