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Head to Health

What is Head to Health?

Head to Health services have been developed to support the mental health of people in NSW, of all ages, struggling during the pandemic. If your mental health is suffering, now is the time to reach out, even if you’ve never felt like this or asked for help before.

 

Call 1800 595 212

Take the first steps towards finding mental health and wellbeing support that is best for you.  The sooner you talk about your mental health, the sooner you’ll get the help and support you need, to help you move forward and feel stronger.

Head to Health has been designed to provide mental health support to those in need in NSW during the pandemic. A trained mental health professional will take your call, give you advice, and if you need it connect you to the best support or service for you.

You can call 1800 595 212 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (except public holidays).

This is not a crisis service. If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others call 000 now.

 

Support for yourself

Head to Health services have been designed to provide mental health support to those in NSW struggling during the pandemic. If you’re not feeling OK, 1800 595 212 can help direct you to the appropriate support networks.

When you call 1800 595 212 a trained mental health professional will talk to you and help direct you to an appropriate service. This may be to an existing mental health service in your area or if appropriate, to receive care at one of 10 Head to Health mental health hubs, either through COVID-safe appointments onsite, or through telehealth.

In the Northern Sydney region, the Intake Assessment and Referral line (1800 595 212) and mental health hub (located in Thornleigh) are operated by PCCS.

 

Support for others

You may have recognised a change in behaviour in someone around you, 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.

Anyone can contact Head to Health services. This includes referrals from GPs and other mental health providers, friends or family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Head to Health is for all people in NSW. It is for anyone of any age, including children, young people and older adults, whose mental health is suffering because of the current pandemic. This includes people experiencing addiction, families and carers. Even if you have never sought help before, Head to Health is here for you.

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 and other services or to a Head to Health Pop Up 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.

Sometimes finding the support you need can seem overwhelming. Rather than jumping straight into a service that might not suit you, it can be helpful to talk to someone who can guide you to the right service for you. Staff on our 1800 number are trained clinicians and 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 Head to Health Pop Up hubs for those who need it, as well as telehealth services.

Call us on 1800 595 212 Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm, except public holidays. Please note that we are not a crisis service so we only operate during business hours.

For urgent support, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or SuicideLine 1300 651 251. If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others call 000 now.

Head to Health comprises the central 1800 595 212 intake, advice and referral number as well as 10 mental health hubs (Head to Health Pop Up hubs) across NSW in established community health care settings.

The first step is to call 1800 595 212 where our team will work with you to see what you need. If you are referred to receive services from a Head to Health Pop Up hub, you can choose from telehealth or COVID-safe face-to-face appointments.

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 Pop Up mental 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 Pop Up mental 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.

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.

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.

No, anyone can call 1800 595 212, 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.