Residents of the Central Coast can access free, walk-in mental health support at the Gosford Medicare Mental Health Centre.
The centre was officially opened today by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, and Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid.
Located at 69 Central Coast Highway in West Gosford, the centre is open with no appointment or referral needed to access services.
Staffed by qualified mental health professionals including psychologists, social workers and counsellors, the centre can provide immediate help for people in distress as well as ongoing care for those with more complex mental health needs.
To boost access to specialist care, the government is investing an additional $29.9 million to provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists through every centre.
Centres can also provide support for carers and families of people experiencing mental health distress and connect people with other services, from health to housing and employment.
The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by establishing a national network of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 22 in New South Wales.
There are now 35 Medicare Mental Health Centres open across the country, including 13 locations in NSW.
The Albanese Labor Government is providing $4.5 million for Medicare Mental Health Centres in Gosford, Tuggerah, Lake Macquarie and Cessnock.
The centres are commissioned by Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network and operated by Beam Health.
People can also make a free call to 1800 595 212 and be connected to a trained professional for advice, information or referral to the most appropriate local mental health service to meet their individual needs.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by investing in more mental health services.
“For people across the Central Coast, the Medicare Mental Health Centres in Gosford and Tuggerah offer walk-in, free and quality care.
“We’re making it easier for anyone to access equitable, free and quality mental health support closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Dr Gordon Reid, Member for Robertson:
“Better access to health care is one of our community’s main concerns and I’m proud to be part of a government that’s delivering just that.
“For anyone who is in crisis or who has ongoing mental health concerns, the Gosford Medicare Mental Health Centre is a welcoming and understanding staff.
“I encourage locals who need support to access the Medicare Mental Health Centre by walking into the Gosford service or calling 1800 595 212.”
The Gosford Medicare Mental Health Centre is in the Riverside Building, Level 1/69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250.
Open 8:30 am to 5 pm weekdays, with additional appointments outside these hours.
For more information about Medicare Mental Health Centres, visit: Medicare Mental Health Centres | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
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