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.
Introduction
Leaving a hospital, an emergency department (ED), an inpatient mental health unit, a day program, or a crisis assessment service can be a challenging and overwhelming transition. This independent, plain-English Australian guide is designed specifically for patients, families, and carers navigating life shortly after discharge. It outlines critical next steps, medical follow-up procedures, financial pathways like Medicare rebates and NDIS options, and community-based support systems to assist in a safe recovery.
Before You Leave Hospital or Shortly After Discharge
The First 24–72 Hours After Discharge
The First Week After Discharge
When to seek urgent help again
Seeing your GP after discharge
Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan
NDIS and Psychosocial Disability
Medicare Mental Health and other free services
Private psychology and counselling
Support for families and carers
Telehealth after discharge
Questions before booking a psychologist or counsellor
How Therapy Near Me may be able to help
Printable Patient Resource
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Version: 1.1
Last updated: 15 July 2026
Independent Health-Literacy Review
Version 1.1 of this guide incorporates recommendations from an independent health-literacy review conducted by the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (CEH). Their feedback informed changes to wording, structure and cultural accessibility so the guide is easier to read and use — particularly for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
How this Guide was Developed
This guide was prepared using official Australian government and not-for-profit sources. Every recommendation, referral pathway and Medicare reference has been checked against the following:
Version History
Version
Date
Changes
1.0
19 June 2026
Initial publication.
1.1
15 July 2026
Updated following independent health-literacy review by the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (CEH).
For Hospitals and Health Services
We invite hospitals, GPs, psychiatrists, discharge coordinators and Primary Health Networks to share this resource with patients and families. You are welcome to:
How to Cite this Guide
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Accessibility Statement
This guide is designed to be accessible to as many people as possible. It uses plain English, is mobile friendly, and is formatted for printing.
Feedback
We welcome suggestions from clinicians, researchers, hospitals and consumer organisations. If something is unclear, out of date, or could be improved, please let us know.
Editorial Trust & Expertise
This guide follows Google’s E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trust).
What this guide can help with
Before You Leave Hospital or Shortly After Discharge
Discharge summary, safety plan, medication plan, follow-up appointments, crisis contacts, GP appointment, psychiatrist/case manager, carer involvement, warning signs.
The First 24–72 Hours After Discharge
Keep plan accessible, confirm GP, organise medication, avoid major decisions, identify supports, reduce alcohol/drug risk, know who to call, arrange practical supports.
The First Week After Discharge
GP review, MHTP discussion, medication side effects, counselling/psychology connection, documents, carer support, revisit safety plan.
When to seek urgent help again
Red flags for suicide/self-harm, harm to others, unsafe hallucinations, agitation, panic, sleep deterioration, medication reaction, inability to stay safe.
Seeing your GP after discharge
Why GP follow-up matters, what to bring, what to ask, medication questions, referrals, MHTP, physical health, work/study needs.
Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan
What it is, who creates it, rebates, initial referral/further sessions, gap fees, bulk billing caution, check fees before booking.
NDIS and Psychosocial Disability
Functional impact/plan goals, NDIS does not replace clinical treatment, plan-managed/self-managed wording, relevant supports depending on plan.
Medicare Mental Health and other free services
Explain free navigation/support services, eligibility and availability variation.
Private psychology and counselling
Private therapy options, waitlist context, fees/rebates, crisis care still belongs with emergency/crisis services.
Support for families and carers
Practical help, consent/autonomy, warning signs, appointment support, carer wellbeing, crisis planning, carer supports.
Telehealth after discharge
Usefulness, rural/remote access, disability access, privacy, limits of telehealth.
Questions before booking a psychologist or counsellor
Experience, availability, telehealth, fees, Medicare, NDIS, deterioration between sessions, GP/psychiatrist communication with consent.
How Therapy Near Me may be able to help
For non-urgent support after hospital discharge, you can contact Therapy Near Me on 1800 632 763 or visit TherapyNearMe.com.au to browse private psychology, counselling, behaviour support, and telehealth services supporting plan-managed or self-managed options. Therapy Near Me is not a crisis or emergency service.
How to Cite This Guide
Citation: Therapy Near Me. (2026). Mental Health Support After Hospital Discharge: Australian Guide for Patients and Carers. Therapy Near Me. Available from: https://therapynearme.com.au/mental-health-support-after-hospital-discharge/
Short attribution: Mental Health Support After Hospital Discharge, prepared by Therapy Near Me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after a mental health hospital discharge?
Follow the discharge plan given by your 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.
When should I call 000 after discharge?
Call 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger, if there is serious risk of self-harm or harm to another person, if there has been an overdose or serious self-harm, or if the person cannot stay safe. You can also go to the nearest emergency department.
Can I get Medicare rebates for psychology after hospital discharge?
You may be able to access Medicare rebates if you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral to an eligible mental health professional. Medicare does not always cover the full fee, so ask about the total cost, rebate and gap payment before booking.
Is Medicare Mental Health the same as a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
No. Medicare Mental Health is a free service that can help people find mental health support and connect with local services. A Mental Health Treatment Plan is prepared by a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician and may allow Medicare rebates for eligible therapy sessions.
Can NDIS funding be used after a mental health hospital discharge?
Some people with psychosocial disability may use NDIS funding for disability-related supports that are included in their plan and linked to their goals. The NDIS does not replace hospital care, GP care, psychiatry, medication review, crisis care or clinical mental health treatment. Plan-managed and self-managed participants may have more provider choice, depending on the support type and current NDIS rules.
Can telehealth help after a mental health admission?
Telehealth can be useful for some people after discharge, especially if travel, disability, rural location, anxiety or availability make in-person appointments difficult. Telehealth 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.
General information only, not medical advice, not crisis support, no endorsement, check eligibility/fees/availability, speak with GP/treating team.
- Clinically reviewed by: Therapy Near Me Editorial Team
- Date reviewed: 19 June 2026
- Next review due: 19 June 2027
