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Getting the support you need
When you’re concerned about your mental health or that of a loved one, it’s good to know that help and support are available. Read about how your cover can help and find out about our exclusive member services available to eligible members at no extra costΔ. You can also explore healthy habits that can help make a difference to your mental wellbeing.
Using your cover
Discover how your health cover can help if you or a family member are experiencing a mental health issue.
Member services
Find out more about our services available to support you and your family’s mental health.
Healthy habits
Read about healthy habits that can help improve your mental wellbeing through good times and bad.
How to seek help for mental health conditions
If you need help because you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health issue, here are the basics.
Some people who experience mental health problems may need to spend some time in hospital. Both public and private hospitals provide mental health services. You may be referred to a hospital through an emergency department, community mental health team or your GP.
If you’re an eligible member going to hospital, you may be able to upgrade your cover to one with Included in-hospital psychiatrist treatment and choose to waive the 2-month waiting period for those higher benefits with the Mental Health Waiver. Read more about the Mental Health Waiver and eligibility here.
If you’re concerned about your mental health, start by talking to your GP. Your GP can assess your symptoms, develop a mental health care plan specific to your needs, and refer you to a mental health professional.
If you have Extras cover that includes Mental health support, you may be able to use your cover to help pay towards consultations with a psychologist or recognised counsellor.*
A counsellor is a trained professional that can help solve your personal problems. Professional counsellors and psychotherapists help individuals explore and resolve issues that are interpersonal, intrapsychic or personal in nature. They do so within the boundaries of a clearly drafted and principled relationship.
Psychologists can provide a range of therapies (eg. talking therapy, art therapy) to deal with problems like depression, anxiety, stress and grief. Psychologists have undertaken a tertiary qualification in their field and must be registered to work with the Psychology Board of Australia. Read more about what to expect when you see a psychologist.
While psychologists and psychiatrists share many similarities, the major difference between the two professions is that psychiatrists specialise in the biological causes of mental illness, while psychologists focus more on the cognitive and behavioural aspects. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialist qualifications in psychiatry, and are therefore able to prescribe medications and admit people to hospital, while psychologists cannot.
In addition to in-person services, there are also a number of online resources available, including:
Beyond Blue for information and advice, as well as an online live chat. You can also call and speak to someone 24 hours a day on 1300 22 4636.
PANDA provides a free confidential helpline service offering support for new and expecting mums and dads who are struggling with becoming a parent. You can call 1300 726 306 to speak with a trained counsellor 9am-7.30pm (AEST), Monday to Friday.
Lifeline for crisis support and suicide prevention services with an online live chat. You can also call them 24 hours a day on 13 11 14.

Mental health resources and information guide
Learn more about the various mental health conditions with our resources and information guide, including symptoms, causes, treatment options, support options and much more.

Looking for something else?
Visit our Healthy Mind by Medibank homepage to find more tools and services.
Talk to us about your cover and accessing services
Contact Medibank when and how it suits you: online 24/7, in-store, by phone or through the My Medibank app.

Things you need to know
Δ For members with hospital cover. Some referred services may involve out-of-pocket costs.
* Benefits are subject to annual limits.
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).
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