For 24/7 Mental Health Phone Support, members with hospital cover can call 1800 644 325.~ Find out more here.
You're there for them, we're here for you
The understanding and support of a family member or friend can make a meaningful difference to someone experiencing mental health issues. It’s equally important you have the right information to offer timely and reliable support. Here are some steps you can take to help, including how to help yourself when you’re supporting a loved one.
Jump to section: Looking after yourself | Supporting a child | Supporting a friend or loved one
Not sure how to support a loved one? Medibank Mental Health Phone Support can help.
Members with hospital cover can talk to a mental health professional any time of the day or night at no extra cost. Δ~ Watch our Mental Health Phone Support staff talk about how they can support you when you are worried about a loved one.
It can be easy to forget about our own mental health needs when we’re supporting someone else’s. We’ll show you how to can stay in tune with your mental health, plus some practical ways to look after yourself.
Caring for your child's mental health
It’s normal to see changes in your child’s behaviours and emotions as they grow up but if you’re noticing significant differences in their mood or behaviour, they may need some extra support. Here are some tips about what to do.
Supporting mental health through early childhood
Promoting good mental health is key to your child’s development through their primary school years. Here’s how can you make sure they’re getting what they need and how to spot the signs that they might be struggling.
How to support your anxious child
Occasionally feeling scared or fearful is all part of growing up. But some kids find it much harder to manage stressful situations like starting kinder or school: here's how to support them.
Managing back to school anxiety
Heading back after a new school year can be a stressful time for children of all ages. Here’s how you can help make the transition easier.
What to do if your child is being bullied
Watching your child experience bullying can be heartbreaking. Thankfully there are some things you can do.
Is your child drinking too much?
Binge drinking is a common problem in Australia, and young adults tend to be more at risk. It can be difficult to know when drinking is a problem for your child, and what to do about it. Here's how to start the conversation.
When someone you care about won't get help
Tactics that will help you be there for someone who needs support, even if they don’t want to admit it.
How to support a colleague with depression
Learn what to say and how to be supportive when a workmate is going through a hard time.
Tips for supporting a friend or loved one
If you have someone in your life who you’re worried about don’t be afraid to check in and let them know you’re there. Here are some things to keep in mind when you do.
Anxiety and depression in older people
Learn to identify the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in an older person, for yourself or someone you care about.
How to have a conversation about suicide
Talking to someone you love about suicide isn't easy, but it could save their life. Here are some tips from Beyond Blue about how to approach it.
Seeking help: the basics
When you're worried about someone you care about and want to help them, it's hard to know where to begin. Here are the basics.
Make the most of your cover
As an eligible Medibank member, you get more than just health insurance. You get extra support when you need it most.
Medibank Better Minds App
Want to manage your mental health on your own terms, in your own time? Medibank’s Better Minds app provides personalised support and follow ups by health professionals for those at risk, all included in your hospital cover.€
No waiting periods on psychology and counselling consultations
You shouldn’t have to wait for your health insurance to claim for mental health support. That’s why there are no waiting periods for counselling and psychology consultations on Medibank extras and packaged products.§
Telehealth services
Access mental health services from the comfort of your own home. Medibank members with eligible extras can access psychology or counselling consultations face-to-face or through telehealth, with benefits payable towards Medibank recognised Counsellors only.#
Looking for more?
Learn more about using your cover and exclusive services to support you and your family. View all services.
Explore more from Better Minds
Things you need to know
~ OSHC members should call the Student Health and Support Line on 1800 887 283.
Δ For members with hospital cover. Some referred services may involve out-of-pocket costs.
€ Not available for members with extras only cover, Overseas Student Health Cover or Overseas Workers or Visitors Health Cover.
# Check your cover summary to see if these services are included on your extras cover and if annual limits apply. Counsellors must be registered with Australian Counselling Association, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, Australian Traditional Medicine Society.
§ For members with mental health support included in their Extras cover. Annual limits apply. Counsellors must be registered with Australian Counselling Association, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, Australian Traditional Medicine Society.
While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).