Perth Medicare Mental Health Centres reach milestone in community support
Four years after opening its first location at the height of Covid, the Perth-based Medicare Mental Health Centres have reached a significant milestone, delivering a record 10,307 counselling sessions across the city this year.
The service, which now operates from multiple locations across the metropolitan area, has also recently completed its 30,000th counselling session since launching.
The first centre, located in Midland and originally known as Head to Health, opened in March 2022 just as Western Australia was reopening its borders after 697 days of COVID-related closure.
According to Naomi Boyd, Director of Community Mental Health at St John of God Health Care, the service was established during a period of high demand for mental health support.
"Although it was a worrying time for many and posed challenges for service delivery, we persevered because we recognised the significant need for mental health services in the community at the time," Naomi said.
Since then, additional centres have opened in Mirrabooka, Gosnells and Armadale, supporting more than 7,500 people in total.
"That’s 7,500 people who may not otherwise have been able to find someone to talk to during a difficult time, or who may have felt that a hospital emergency department was their only option," Naomi said.
"We’re pleased to offer an alternative right here in the community — a private, calm and safe place where people can walk in and speak with someone immediately or book an appointment for counselling."
Demand growing
Demand for Medicare Mental Health Centres continues to grow. Over the past 2 years, the Perth centres have recorded a 36% increase in new clients, with a record 2,324 people accessing the service for the first time during the last financial year.
Naomi believes this growth reflects increasing confidence in seeking support for mental health concerns.
"The most common way people find us is by simply walking in and talking to us about what they are experiencing," she said.
"I think that shows people recognise we are a trusted option in their local community and know we are here when they need support."
About Medicare Mental Health Centres
The Medicare Mental Health Centres in Perth are operated by St John of God Health Care and funded by the Australian Government through the WA Primary Health Alliance.
The larger centres in Armadale and Midland are open every day of the year from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The smaller centres in Mirrabooka and Gosnells are co-located with medical centres and operate Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For more information, visit wapha.org.au/mmhc or call 1800 595 212.