Head to Health

An open door to mental health

Head to Health represents a new type of primary care service. Specifically designed with mental wellbeing at the core, the Head to Health service acts as an open door to a range of supports helping people who are experiencing anxiety or depression or other forms of mental ill-health.

Head to Health services are safe places to be heard and understood, lifting any confusion and distress and creating a moment to step back and find a way forwards. Staff take the time to listen and understand, then open up options through guidance to get you to where you want to be.

To access the service nationally, simply call 1800 595 212 (8:30am to 5pm weekdays, except public holidays). Please note this is not a crisis/emergency service. If you or others are in any immediate risk of harm, please call 000 or see this page for more crisis services and after hours support.

Learn more

How does Head to Health help?

There’s three simple steps toward feeling better:

Let’s talk. Phone 1800 595 212. A trained mental health professional will take your call and ask you questions. The information you provide will assist us to understand what support may best fit your current needs.
Check the level of help needed. If you have felt distressed for some time, or have symptoms that just recently started to impact your life, physical health or relationships, we’ll find the appropriate level of help you need.
Connect you with the best services for you. Your treatment and support may be organised
through a range of available services in the community or directly through the Head to Health mental health hubs. Services include video and phone supported mental health and assessment, as well as COVID-safe face-to-face support where recommended.

Who does Head to Health help?

We can help people of any age in the Northern Sydney or Gold Coast regions whose mental health and wellbeing has been impacted by mental ill-health. Head to Health services are also available across Australia via other providers (more info here).

Perhaps you have had problems in the past. Perhaps you have never felt like this or asked for help before. Perhaps you’re concerned for someone you care about, having recognised a change in their behaviour, or you are aware of someone who has a clinically diagnosed mental health condition.

Head to Health services can help you, and the people you care about, find the right mental health services. You can arrange support for someone with their consent by calling 1800 595 212.

Now is a great time to reach out. Talk to our friendly team for more information and to discuss access to the service.

What type of support can I receive?

In the first instance, we will talk with you about your personal concerns to identify the support you need. We will then work with you to develop a package of support services that respond to your individual situation. That might involve referring you to existing mental health services or to a Head to Health mental health hub.

Head to Health takes a holistic approach to your mental health, whether you have experienced mental ill-health in the past or if this is the first time you have reached out for support.

We’re here to help you to understand the type of support you need. We draw on our knowledge of the broad range of services available to identify what best suits your individual needs. With your consent, we can also work with your GP to ensure they are kept informed about the support services recommended for you.

How is this different from other mental health support services?

Sometimes you may know that you need support but may struggle to know what type of support is right for you. Rather than jumping straight into a service that might not suit you, it can be helpful when someone takes the time to hear your concerns and lets you know which service is right for you. Our phoneline staff are like tour guides for the mental health world – they know which care options are out there, so they can hold your hand and take you to the best solution. Head to Health can also provide services onsite at locations across Australia for those who need it, as well as telehealth services.

Is this a telehealth service only or can I meet with someone face-to-face?

Yes you can. Head to Health comprises the central 1800 595 212 intake, advice and referral number as well as mental health hubs across Australia in established community health care settings.

The first step is to call the 1800 595 212 where our team will work with you to see what you need. If you are advised to receive services from a Head to Health hub, you can choose from face-to-face services and/or telehealth appointments. All the hubs follow COVID-safe guidelines.

Are Head to Health services free?

There is no cost for using the Head to Health central 1800 595 212 intake, advice and referral service, and if you are referred to a Head to Health hub there is no cost for services there either. However, not everyone who contacts us will be suitable for treatment at a Head to Health hub. If we believe you will benefit from support from another provider, where possible, we will ensure this is also a free or low-cost service if you let us know that you have financial concerns.

Will health advice and plans be shared with my GP or my other health care providers?

With your consent, we can share all or parts of any advice and plans with your GP or other health care providers. If you prefer not to have them shared with your current health providers, that is fine as well. However, we will encourage you to discuss any additional advice or support you receive from us with your GP or other health providers because coordinating your care and reducing duplication is in your best interests.

I already have a private psychologist. Can I access these services too?

Yes. However, we will ensure there is no duplication in your treatment and services you access. If you are already seeing a psychologist – or another relevant mental health professional – please advise us so we can identify the best types of services to meet your support needs.

Do I have to go to my GP to get a mental health treatment plan first?

No, anyone can call Head to Health, whether they already have a GP mental health treatment plan or not. If we believe you require a mental health treatment plan, we can discuss that with your GP with your consent.

Locations and access information

The Head to Health service is currently available nationally. Referrals are not required, simply call 1800 595 212 (8:30am to 5pm weekdays, except public holidays). There are two locations operated by PCCS:

Northern Sydney region - Assessment & Referral Phone Service & Hub

PCCS operate the Hornsby Head to Health mental health hub from our facility in Thornleigh:

Primary & Community Care Services
Unit 7, 1 Central Ave, Thornleigh NSW 2120 (Open 8:30am to 5pm weekdays, except public holidays)

This service is supported by funding from Northern Sydney PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Gold Coast region - Assessment & Referral Phone Service

Our Gold Coast Head to Health Intake, Assessment & Referral telephone service provides a central point for receiving and assessing enquiries for people in the region who are not in crisis but require mental health support.

Our multi-disciplinary team will coordinate intake for the Gold Coast Primary Health Network’s mental health care services. In a stepped care approach, a person presenting is matched to the intervention level that most suits their current needs. By triaging all referrals for the Gold Coast region, our aim is to ensure no person in need falls through the cracks and enables people from underserviced groups to access varying levels and intensity of care determined by their needs.

This service is supported by funding from the Gold Coast PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.