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Mental Health Support After Hospital Discharge: Australian Guide for Patients and Carers

⚠ IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • Immediate Danger: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
  • Urgent Crisis Support: For 24/7 mental health crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
  • Therapy Near Me is not a crisis or emergency response service.
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How to Cite This Guide

Version 1.2  |  Updated 1 September 2026  |  Printable A4  |  Plain English  |  Health-literacy reviewed

Introduction

Leaving hospital, an emergency department, an inpatient mental health unit, a day program or a crisis assessment service can be a difficult and overwhelming transition. This plain-English Australian guide is for patients, families and carers navigating the period shortly after discharge. It explains practical next steps, GP follow-up, Medicare pathways, private therapy, NDIS considerations, telehealth, carer support and when to seek urgent help again. If the hospital or treating team gave you a discharge plan, safety plan or follow-up instructions, follow those instructions first. This guide provides general information and does not replace advice from your treating team.

Printable Patient Resource

Take a physical copy of this guide with you or hand it to a family member or carer.

Download the PDF guide

Download the Guide

Take this guide with you

Version: 1.2 
Last updated: 01 September 2026

Printable A4
Plain-English
Health-literacy reviewed
Download the PDF guide

What this guide can help with

  • Understanding practical next steps after discharge
  • Preparing for GP follow-up
  • Arranging psychology, counselling or other support
  • Knowing when to seek urgent help
  • Supporting a family member or carer
  • Understanding Medicare, private and NDIS pathways

Before you leave hospital or shortly after discharge

Arrange practical supports such as meals, transport, childcare, communication with work or study, or support coordination.

If you want a carer or support person involved, ask how they can be included where your consent allows.

Check that you have your discharge summary or know how it will be sent to your GP.

Ask what warning signs should prompt you to seek help early and what to do if symptoms return.

Make sure you understand your safety plan, medication plan, crisis contacts and follow-up appointments.

Write down the contact details for your psychiatrist, case manager, community mental health team or hospital service, if relevant.

The first 24–72 hours after discharge

 

  • Keep your discharge plan, medication list and appointment details in one place.
  • Book or confirm a GP appointment as soon as practical.
  • Organise your medications and check that you understand how to take them.
  • Avoid major decisions if possible while you are settling back home.
  • Identify one or two safe support people who can help with practical tasks or check-ins.
  • Reduce alcohol and non-prescribed drug risks where relevant.
  • Know who to call if symptoms return or your safety worsens.

 

The first week after discharge

Attend a GP review to discuss mental health, sleep, appetite, medication, referrals and safety.
Discuss whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan may be appropriate.
Check medication side effects and ask for help if you are worried.
Connect with counselling, psychology, social work or other community supports where appropriate.
Organise work, school, university or Centrelink documents if needed.
Consider carer or family support if that would be helpful.
Revisit your safety plan and make sure it is easy to find.

When to seek urgent help again

Seek help early if symptoms are returning, safety is becoming difficult to manage or the discharge plan is no longer meeting your needs.

Contact your GP, psychiatrist, case manager, hospital team or local mental health service if:

  • Symptoms are returning or escalating.
  • You are not sleeping and symptoms are worsening.
  • Anxiety, depression, agitation, paranoia or confusion is increasing.
  • Medication side effects are concerning.
  • You are struggling to follow the discharge plan.
  • Family members or carers are worried about your safety.

Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department if:

You may seriously harm yourself or someone else.
There has been an overdose or serious self-harm.
You cannot stay safe or someone else cannot be kept safe.
You are severely confused, disoriented or extremely agitated.
You are hearing or seeing things that feel unsafe or overwhelming.
You are having a severe medication reaction or another urgent medical concern.
There is immediate danger.

Seeing your GP after discharge

GP follow-up is often an important step after hospital or emergency mental health care. A GP can help connect the discharge plan with community care, medication review, referrals and practical supports.

Take these items to your GP appointment if possible

  • Your discharge summary
  • Your medication list
  • Your safety plan
  • Any hospital letters or follow-up information
  • Questions about symptoms, medication, work, study or certificates
  • Your Medicare card and NDIS details, if relevant
  • A support person, if you want one there

Questions you may want to ask your GP

Do I need a medication review?

What side effects should I watch for?

Do I need a psychiatrist referral or community mental health follow-up?

Am I eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

What should I do if symptoms return?

Do I need physical health checks, blood tests or certificates?

Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan

A Mental Health Treatment Plan may be prepared by a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician for an eligible person with a mental health condition. It may allow Medicare rebates for appointments with an eligible psychologist, mental health social worker or occupational therapist.

The plan is prepared by the doctor when clinically appropriate. A referral is then made to an eligible mental health professional. Eligible people can claim Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health treatment services per calendar year.

The initial course of individual treatment can include up to six sessions before further review and referral.

Medicare does not always cover the full fee and a gap payment may apply. Before booking, ask about the total session fee, Medicare rebate, out-of-pocket gap, payment arrangements and cancellation policy. You can also review Therapy Near Me's fees and Medicare rebates.

Medicare Mental Health and other free services

Medicare Mental Health is a free Australian Government service that can help people understand support options and connect with local services. You do not need a referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan to use the service. Call 1800 595 212 for mental health support and service navigation. Check the official website for current operating hours. Hospital outpatient or community mental health services Medicare Mental Health Centres or other local supports, where available Primary Health Network-funded services Carer Gateway and other services for families and carers

Private psychology and counselling

Some people use private therapy after discharge for non-urgent ongoing support or when public wait times are long. Depending on individual needs and clinical suitability, psychology appointments or counselling services may support adjustment, anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, routines and relapse-prevention planning alongside GP or psychiatrist care. Psychologists are regulated health professionals. General counselling does not usually attract a Medicare rebate unless the practitioner is also an eligible Better Access provider in another recognised profession. Ask about the practitioner's role, full fee and any eligible rebate before booking. Private therapy is not a replacement for emergency care, crisis services, medication review or psychiatric treatment when those are needed.

NDIS and psychosocial disability

Some people leaving hospital may already have an NDIS plan. Others may later explore NDIS access if a permanent impairment related to psychosocial disability substantially affects everyday life and they meet the other eligibility requirements.

The NDIS does not replace hospital care, GP care, psychiatry, medication review, crisis care or clinical treatment delivered through the health system. NDIS funding can only be used for supports that meet current NDIS requirements and are in line with the participant's plan. Provider choice and registration requirements depend on how the plan is managed and the support type. Check current NDIS rules or ask the plan manager before booking.

Psychology, counselling, social work, support coordination or other disability-related supports may be relevant depending on the person's plan, goals and support needs.

Therapy Near Me may be able to provide NDIS psychology services for eligible plan-managed or self-managed participants where the requested support is appropriate and within the participant's plan.

Support for families and carers

Families and carers often help with appointments, medication collection, transport, routines and safety planning. Support should respect the person's consent, privacy and autonomy. Ask the person what support they want. Keep the discharge plan and crisis contacts accessible. Help book or attend appointments if the person wants that support. Watch for warning signs such as worsening mood, unusual behaviour, lack of sleep, severe agitation, confusion or safety concerns. Do not put yourself at risk. If there is immediate danger, call 000. Seek support for yourself through Carer Gateway or your own GP.

Telehealth after discharge

Telehealth psychology services may be useful when travel, rural location, disability access needs, fatigue, anxiety or appointment availability make in-person support difficult. Telehealth can improve access for people in rural and remote communities. It can help people who have disability access barriers or difficulty leaving home. A private space and reliable phone or internet connection are helpful. Telehealth is not suitable for every person or situation. Telehealth is not enough when there is immediate danger, severe deterioration or a need for hospital-based care.

Questions before booking a psychologist or counsellor

Do you have experience with my concern?

Are you available soon?

Do you offer telehealth?

What is the full fee?

Can I use Medicare rebates?

Can I use NDIS funding if I am plan-managed or self-managed?

What happens if my condition deteriorates between sessions?

Will you communicate with my GP or psychiatrist if I consent?

Support while waiting for an appointment

Waiting for follow-up can be stressful. Keep following your discharge plan and seek help early if symptoms worsen.
Keep your discharge plan visible.
Attend GP or treating-team appointments.
Take medication as prescribed unless your treating clinician advises otherwise.
Keep crisis numbers available.
Ask a trusted person to check in.
Keep routines simple and prioritise sleep, food and hydration.
Contact Medicare Mental Health for help finding services.
Use carer supports if you are a family member or support person.

Do not wait for a future therapy appointment if safety is worsening. Contact your GP, treating team, local mental health crisis line, 000 or the nearest emergency department, depending on the level of urgency.

Useful Australian crisis and support contacts

Service Contact
Emergency services 000
Lifeline 13 11 14 — 24/7
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 — 24/7
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 — 24/7
13YARN 13 92 76 — 24/7
Medicare Mental Health 1800 595 212 — check current hours
Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 — check current hours
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 — 24/7
TIS National interpreter service 131 450

How Therapy Near Me may be able to help

For non-urgent support after discharge, Therapy Near Me can discuss whether telehealth psychology services, counselling services or NDIS psychology services may be appropriate, subject to practitioner availability, clinical suitability, referral requirements and funding rules. You can review fees and Medicare rebates, submit an NDIS referral or call 1800 632 763 for help with an enquiry. Therapy Near Me is not a crisis or emergency service and does not replace hospital care, emergency services, a GP, psychiatrist, community mental health team or other treating clinicians. Request a psychology appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first after a mental health hospital discharge?

Follow the discharge plan given by the hospital or treating team. Keep your discharge summary, medication list, safety plan and follow-up appointment details somewhere easy to find. Book or confirm a GP appointment, check your medication supply and make sure you know who to contact if symptoms worsen.

Call 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger, there is a serious risk of harm, there has been an overdose or serious self-harm, or the person cannot stay safe. You can also go to the nearest emergency department.

You may be able to claim Medicare benefits if you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral to an eligible mental health professional. Medicare may not cover the full fee, so ask about the total cost, rebate and gap payment before booking.

No. Medicare Mental Health is a free service that helps people find mental health support and connect with local services. A Mental Health Treatment Plan is prepared by an eligible doctor and may allow Medicare rebates for eligible mental health treatment services.

Some people with psychosocial disability may use NDIS funding for disability-related supports that are in line with their plan. The NDIS does not replace hospital care, GP care, psychiatry, medication review, crisis care or clinical treatment. Funding and provider requirements depend on the plan and support type.

Telehealth can be useful for some people after discharge, especially when travel, disability, rural location, anxiety or availability make in-person appointments difficult. It is not suitable for every situation. If safety is worsening or there is immediate danger, call 000 or seek urgent care instead of waiting for a telehealth appointment.

Publication details

Version 1.1 incorporated recommendations from an independent health-literacy review conducted by the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health. Its feedback informed wording, structure and cultural accessibility, particularly for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

How this guide was developed

This guide was prepared using official Australian government and national not-for-profit sources. Recommendations, referral pathways, contact details and Medicare information should be checked against the specific source pages below whenever the guide is updated.

Source Used for
Healthdirect — Going home from hospitals Discharge planning and discharge summaries
Healthdirect — Mental health crisis support Crisis escalation and support pathways
Services Australia — Mental health care and Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plans and session limits
Medicare Mental Health Free service navigation and local supports
NDIS disability requirements Psychosocial disability and eligibility requirements
NDIS management options Self-, plan- and NDIA-managed funding
Lifeline 24/7 crisis support
Carer Gateway Support for carers

Version history

Version Date Changes
1.0 19 June 2026 Initial publication.
1.1 15 July 2026 Updated following independent health-literacy review.
1.2 17 August 2026 Expanded the web version, corrected citation formats, repaired links and updated technical structure.

Clinically reviewed and edited by

Chantal Santacaterina

Linkedin-in

Senior Consultant Psychologist

Bachelor of Science (Psychology & Human Bioscience) (Honours), Victoria University

AHPRA Registration Number: PSY0002186929

Chantal Santacaterina is a Senior Consultant Psychologist and clinical reviewer for Therapy Near Me. She reviews selected educational and service content for clinical accuracy, consumer readability, and alignment with contemporary psychological practice.

Clinically reviewed on: 31 August 2026

View Clinical Reviewer Profile →

How to cite this guide

Please cite the webpage rather than the direct PDF so readers can access the current version. Keep the full webpage URL visible and clickable in every citation format. For Harvard and Vancouver, replace the bracketed access-date text with the date you accessed the page.

Official webpage: https://therapynearme.com.au/mental-health-support-after-hospital-discharge/

Short linked attribution
[Mental Health Support After Hospital Discharge: Australian Guide for Patients and Carers](https://therapynearme.com.au/mental-health-support-after-hospital-discharge/), published by [Therapy Near Me](https://therapynearme.com.au/) (2026).

For hospitals and health services

Hospitals, GPs, psychiatrists, discharge coordinators and Primary Health Networks may share this resource with patients and families. They may:

  • Link to this webpage from a discharge portal, intranet or public resource page.
  • Distribute the PDF as part of discharge packs.
  • Include the webpage in follow-up SMS, email and printed materials.
  • Reference the guide in staff education on discharge planning.

When linking online, use the official webpage URL rather than the PDF URL.

Accessibility and feedback

This guide uses plain English, a logical heading structure, descriptive link text, mobile-friendly layouts and a printable A4 PDF. Telephone numbers should be clickable on mobile devices. People who need an interpreter can contact TIS National on 131 450.

If something is unclear, out of date or could be improved, email office@therapynearme.com.au.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information only. It is not medical advice, crisis support, legal advice or financial advice. Always follow the discharge plan and speak with a GP, psychiatrist, hospital team, case manager or treating clinician about individual circumstances. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department. Medicare rebates, NDIS funding rules, service availability and eligibility can change. Listing a government service, crisis line or support organisation does not imply endorsement by that organisation.

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