Mental health support
We share how you may be able to use your health cover to access professional care, plus free helpful resources for managing your mental health.
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Mental health
Almost half (42.9%) of Australians aged 16-85 are predicted to experience a mental health condition at some point in their life*. If you’re experiencing any mental health issues, know that you’re not alone and there is support and services available to assist you.
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How we can help
Depending on your level of cover, you may be able to receive benefits for psychology, clinical psychology and/or hospital psychiatric services.
Extras cover can help pay for sessions with a psychologist or clinical psychologist.
Hospital cover can help pay for mental health treatment while you’re admitted to hospital.
To check out what you’re covered for and the applicable waiting periods, log into myHBF or the HBF App and view your hospital and/or extras product sheet.
Other resources and support
There are many helpful organisations in Australia that offer free mental health guidance and services:
- HealthDirect / 1800 022 222: Australian Government resource offering guidance and information on many health topics, including mental health. Find e-therapy and other health care resources.
- Mental Health Online: Free online resources and services to help people recognise and deal with mental health difficulties. An initiative of Swinburne University’s National eTherapy Centre (NeTC) and funded by Australia’s Federal Department of Health.
- Lifeline / 13 11 14: National charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- Suicide Call Back Service / 1300 659 467: Nationwide service providing professional, 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people feeling suicidal, worried about someone, or who have lost someone to suicide.
- Headspace: Helping young people get back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future, in person at over 100 centres across Australia.
- Reachout: Delivering innovative e-mental health services that enable young people to take control of their mental health and wellbeing.
- 1800 RESPECT / 1800 737 732: This organisation is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.
* Australian Bureau of Statistics – National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020-2022)
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