Mental health support for older Australians: where to turn

There's an old idea that feeling low, worried, or flat is just part of getting older. It isn't. Grief, loneliness, pain, illness, and big life changes can all weigh on your mood, and any of them can happen more often as we age. But low mood and anxiety are health conditions, and they respond to support and treatment just like a sore knee does.

If you've been struggling, you're not weak and you're not a burden. Reaching out is a sensible, practical step. This guide explains where to turn, what's free, and how to get help paid for through Medicare.

This is general information, not medical advice. For support tailored to you, speak to your GP.

Signs it might be more than a rough patch

Everyone has bad days. It's worth paying attention when low mood or worry sticks around for a couple of weeks or more, especially if you notice:

• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Trouble sleeping, or sleeping much more than usual
• Feeling on edge, restless, or worried much of the time
• Pulling back from family, friends, or activities
• Changes in appetite or unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling that life isn't worth it, or that others would be better off without you

That last one matters most. If you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out now. Lifeline is on 13 11 14, 24 hours a day. In an emergency call 000.

You can start with a free phone or online chat

You don't need a referral, an appointment, or any money to talk to someone today. These national services are free and confidential:

• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or online chat, for depression and anxiety support. See beyondblue.org.au/get-support.
• Lifeline on 13 11 14 for crisis support, any time, day or night.
• Head to Health connects you to the right mental health service for your situation. Phone 1800 595 212. See Medicare Mental Health.

Some people find it easier to make that first call than to raise it face to face. That's completely fine. A friendly voice on the phone can help you work out what to do next.

Getting therapy through Medicare: the mental health treatment plan

If you'd like to see a psychologist or counsellor, Medicare can help cover the cost through a mental health treatment plan. This is the main pathway most Australians use, and it starts with your GP.

How it works

1. Book a longer GP appointment and say you'd like to talk about how you've been feeling. Ask reception for a longer slot so there's time.
2. Your GP talks things through with you and, if it's appropriate, writes a mental health treatment plan. This is a short document that sets out what's going on and what would help.
3. With that plan, you can claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual sessions with an eligible mental health professional each calendar year, plus up to 10 group sessions. See Services Australia on mental health care and Medicare.
4. Your GP usually refers you for a batch of sessions at a time, then reviews how you're going before referring for more.

What it costs

This is where it pays to ask questions. Medicare pays a set rebate per session, and the rebate is different for a clinical psychologist, a general psychologist, and an accredited mental health social worker. As at 1 July 2025, the standard individual-session rebate is about $145.25 for a clinical psychologist, $98.97 for a general (registered) psychologist, and $87.24 for an accredited mental health social worker. These amounts are set by Medicare and indexed each year, so check the current figures on MBS Online before you book. Many providers charge a fee above the rebate, so you pay the gap; some bulk bill, meaning no cost to you. Always ask the provider what you'll pay before your first session.

The scheme that makes this possible is called Better Access. You can read more at the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Finding the right professional

Your GP can suggest someone, or you can look for a provider who suits you. Some psychologists have particular experience with older adults, grief, or chronic illness. It's fine to ask about that when you book, and it's fine to switch if the fit isn't right.

Loneliness and isolation: a real health issue

Feeling cut off is one of the biggest drivers of low mood later in life, and it's also one of the most fixable. Connection is genuinely good for your mental health, and it doesn't have to mean anything dramatic.

Things that help a lot of people:

• A regular social group built around an activity, so there's something to do as well as people to see
• Men's Sheds, which give men a workshop, a project, and good company. See mens-sheds.
• Community and senior centres running classes, outings, and shared meals. Browse community-centres and senior-centres.
• Local clubs and activity groups of all kinds. Have a look at community listings.

Even one regular outing a week can shift things. If getting out is hard, your GP, a home care provider, or a community centre may be able to point you to transport or volunteer visiting programs.

Looking after the basics

Alongside support and treatment, a few everyday things genuinely help mood:

• Move your body most days, even a short walk. Activity is one of the most reliable mood lifters there is.
• Keep a rough routine for sleep, meals, and getting outside.
• Stay connected, even when you don't feel like it. Pushing yourself to that one phone call or visit usually pays off.
• Go easy on alcohol, which can deepen low mood and interfere with sleep and medications.

None of this replaces proper support if you're really struggling. Think of it as the foundation that treatment builds on.

A quick checklist

• If you're in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 now
• Try a free service like Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) to talk it through
• Book a longer GP appointment to ask about a mental health treatment plan
• Ask any psychologist what you'll pay before the first session
• Build in one regular social activity a week
• Tackle the basics: movement, sleep, connection, less alcohol

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
Not to pay privately. But to claim the Medicare rebate, you need a mental health treatment plan from your GP first.

How many subsidised sessions can I get?
Up to 10 individual sessions and up to 10 group sessions per calendar year under a mental health treatment plan. Your GP refers you in batches and reviews your progress.

Is talking to a psychologist confidential?
Yes. What you discuss stays private, with narrow legal exceptions around immediate safety. Your psychologist can explain these.

I just feel lonely, not unwell. Is that worth acting on?
Absolutely. Loneliness affects your health and mood, and there's no shame in addressing it. Joining a regular activity group is a great first step. Browse community or senior-centres.

What if I can't afford the gap fee?
Ask your GP or the provider about bulk-billing options, and use the free services like Beyond Blue and Head to Health, which cost nothing.

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If you're worried about your mental health, please speak to your GP or call one of the free support lines above. In an emergency, call 000.