Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) centres have been developed for adults who need support for their mental health. The centres provide a safe and welcoming space for people who may be in distress or crisis, or who need help finding the right mental health services for their individual needs. The centres provide a calm, warm and welcoming place to help everyone feel safe and accepted. Services are free and provide mental health support delivered by trained teams of mental health professionals.
Read the detailed service model for Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) centres.
Where is Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) located?
Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) is operated by Neami National and is located at 111 Henry Street, Penrith. This service is open for walk-ins (without the need for a prior appointment) 7 days per week, 365 days a year, including public holidays. The centre's opening hours are 1:00pm - 9:30pm (Monday, Wednesday - Sunday) and from 1:00pm - 5:00pm on Tuesdays.
The Penrith Centre can be contacted through the Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) phone line on 1800 595 212 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm).
What you can expect from Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health)?
Many of the staff working at the Penrith Centre have experienced mental health concerns themselves and understand what you might be going through. Lived experience staff support you from when you arrive at the centre to when you are ready to leave. A trained mental health professional will take the time to understand what is going on in your life and connect you to the best support or service for your individual needs. If you need it, Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) can provide immediate mental health support at the centre, without needing an appointment or paying a fee.
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 better.
Can Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) help me support 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 that need more support. Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) can help you, and the people you care about, find the right mental health support.
How is Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) different from other mental health services?
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. Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) centres can provide services onsite at Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) Centres for those who need it, as well as telehealth services, and is well connected to other services in your local area to provide you with access to the best supports to meet your individual needs.
Will mental health advice and plans be shared with my GP or my other healthcare providers?
With your consent, the centre can share all or parts of any advice and plans with your GP or other healthcare providers. If you prefer not to have them shared with your current health providers, that is fine as well. However, staff 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.
I already have a private psychologist. Can I access Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) services?
Yes. However, staff 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 staff at the centre so they can identify the best types of services to meet your support needs.
Service Development Consultation Process
Community and health industry consultation has been very important to the design of this centre and the Service Design Report articulates the process that was undertaken. The report represents the period from July - October 2021, a crucial time in the establishment of the service. Neami National will continue to consult with the community and health sector on how to improve the service to ensure the centre lives up to the vision of providing people the right service at the right time.
Safe Haven
Safe Haven is a mental health service that provides a safe alternative to the emergency department for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress. Safe Haven, together with Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health), provide a community driven space for people seeking immediate mental health support to receive compassionate and responsive assistance in a place where people can sit, talk, and reflect. No appointment or referral is required.
The integration of Safe Haven within Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) centre ensures that when someone reaches out, they’re linked with the most appropriate service for their needs, as soon as they need it, improving the overall experience of accessing mental health support.
