R U OK? Day: Starting a conversation and knowing where support can begin

Sometimes it is obvious when someone is going through a difficult time. At other times, the signs may be much less clear.

R U OK? Day, held on Thursday 10 September in 2026, is a reminder to pay attention to the people around us and to make space for genuine conversations about how they are going. The message from R U OK? is not limited to one day. Its guidance encourages people to check in whenever someone is on their mind. [1]

It can also be a useful reminder to check in with ourselves.

You do not need to be in crisis to talk about your mental health. You do not need to know exactly what is wrong, have the right words to describe it, or know what kind of support you need before making an appointment with your GP.

If things have been feeling difficult, different or simply harder to manage, a conversation with your doctor can be one place to start.

Asking someone how they are going

R U OK? is an Australian suicide prevention charity and public health promotion organisation. Its approach focuses on helping people have meaningful conversations with someone they are concerned about. [1,2]

The organisation suggests four parts to an R U OK? conversation: asking the person how they are going, listening with an open mind, encouraging action where appropriate, and checking in again afterwards. [2]

Importantly, the person asking the question is not expected to diagnose a problem or solve it.

R U OK? advises choosing a time when there is enough space to listen, approaching the conversation without judgement, and allowing the other person to talk about what they are experiencing. If additional support appears appropriate, this may include encouraging them to speak with a health professional. [2]

Sometimes the response may simply be, “I’m OK.” Sometimes it may open a much longer conversation.

And sometimes you may be the person who is not feeling OK.

When you are the one who needs support

There are many reasons someone may choose to speak with their GP about their mental health.

You might be feeling overwhelmed, worried, low, stressed or unlike yourself. You may be having difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Work, relationships, grief, caring responsibilities, physical health, major life changes or other circumstances may be affecting how you are coping.

You may also find that you cannot identify one particular reason.

You do not have to decide whether what you are experiencing is serious enough before making an appointment. Your GP can listen to what has been happening, consider your mental and physical health, and talk with you about what support may be appropriate.

That support will not look the same for everyone.

Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may discuss strategies you can try yourself, further appointments with your GP, psychological care, other health professionals, community services or digital mental health resources. For some patients, a Mental Health Treatment Plan may also be appropriate. [3,4]

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

You may have heard people refer to a mental health care plan. Under Medicare, the formal term is a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is part of the Australian Government Better Access initiative. Better Access provides Medicare benefits to eligible people for selected mental health services delivered by eligible health professionals. [3,4]

It is important to understand that you do not need a Mental Health Treatment Plan simply to speak with your GP about your mental health.

The plan is a particular Medicare treatment pathway. Your first step can simply be making an appointment and telling your doctor how you have been feeling.

Current Medicare eligibility requirements for a Mental Health Treatment Plan include having a clinically diagnosed mental disorder, requiring at least a moderate level of support, and being likely to benefit from a structured approach to care. There are also Medicare requirements about who can prepare and manage the plan. [4,5] 

Your GP can assess whether those requirements are relevant to your circumstances and discuss other options if a Mental Health Treatment Plan is not the appropriate pathway.

What happens when you speak with your GP?

A mental health appointment is an opportunity to talk about what you have been experiencing and how it is affecting you.

Your doctor may ask about your mood, thoughts, sleep, relationships, work, home life, physical health, medications, alcohol or other substances, and other factors that may be relevant. What they ask will depend on your individual circumstances.

If your doctor determines that you meet the requirements for a Mental Health Treatment Plan, they can prepare a plan and discuss treatment options and referrals with you. [4,5].  This might be done in that initial appointment, or bring you back for another appointment, as medicare require a 20 minute consultation if creating a mental health plan. So if you know you would like or need one, then we suggest booking a long appointment.

The aim is to develop a care approach based on your individual needs, rather than assuming one type of treatment suits everyone.

What can a Mental Health Treatment Plan provide?

Under the Better Access initiative, an eligible person with a Mental Health Treatment Plan and valid referral can currently claim Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health treatment services during a calendar year. [3,4]

These services may be provided by eligible mental health professionals, including clinical psychologists, registered psychologists, eligible social workers and eligible occupational therapists. [3,5]

For individual treatment, the first referral can be for up to six services. If further treatment is appropriate, the plan can be reviewed and another referral may be made, subject to the annual Medicare limit. [6]

This does not mean everyone will need the maximum number of appointments. The treatment recommended will depend on the person, their circumstances and their clinical needs.

Does a Mental Health Treatment Plan make psychology free?

Not necessarily.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan allows eligible patients to claim a Medicare benefit for approved mental health treatment services. Mental health professionals set their own fees, so the Medicare benefit may cover all or only part of the consultation cost. [3]

If a provider bulk bills the service, there is no cost to the patient for that consultation. If the provider charges more than the Medicare benefit, there may be a gap payment. Services Australia recommends asking the provider about their fee and the Medicare benefit when making an appointment. [3]

Your GP or practice team may also be able to help you understand the referral process.

Support does not begin and end with a care plan

A Mental Health Treatment Plan can be useful for eligible patients, but it is only one part of the mental health support available in Australia.

You can also access services without a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and some do not require a diagnosis, referral or Medicare card.

Medicare Mental Health Centres provide free and confidential mental health support. Services Australia states that people can access these centres without an appointment, referral, Medicare enrolment or Medicare card. The national Medicare Mental Health service can also be contacted on 1800 595 212 for information about local services and support. [3]

In 2026, the Australian Government also introduced Medicare Mental Health Check In. This provides free online tools for people aged 16 and over experiencing mild mental health challenges. A diagnosis or referral is not required, and people can use the resources themselves or connect with a trained practitioner for additional support. [7]

Established organisations also provide information, digital tools, counselling and crisis support.

Beyond Blue provides free mental health information and resources, online peer support and access to its Support Service. Counselling is available by phone on 1300 22 4636 and online. [8]

Black Dog Institute provides a range of free digital mental health tools. These include its Online Clinic, which offers adults a free mental health assessment and personalised report, and myCompass, a free self help program designed for adults experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress. Black Dog Institute states that it developed and tested its digital tools through research. [9,10]

Medicare Mental Health can help people find mental health information and local services. Medicare Mental Health Centres provide free support without requiring a referral or Medicare card. The national service is available on 1800 595 212. [3,7]

Kids Helpline provides free and confidential phone and online counselling for young people aged five to 25. It is available at any time on 1800 55 1800 and through online counselling. [11]

13YARN provides free and confidential crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Callers are connected with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. The service is available at any time on 13 92 76. [12]

Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support for people who are feeling overwhelmed, distressed or having difficulty staying safe. Phone support is available at any time on 13 11 14, with text and online chat also available. [13]

If someone tells you they are not OK

You do not need to have all the answers.

R U OK? encourages people to listen without judgement, take what the person says seriously and ask how they would like to be supported. If they are struggling, encouraging professional support can be part of that conversation. [2]

That might mean suggesting an appointment with their GP, helping them find a service, sitting with them while they make a call, or simply checking in again.

It is also reasonable to recognise when a conversation is beyond what you can safely manage yourself. R U OK? specifically advises seeking professional assistance when expert help is needed. [2]

If you are concerned that someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline is available on 13 11 14 for crisis support. [2,13]

Your GP is there to listen

Talking about mental health can feel very different from talking about a sore throat, an injury or a prescription.

You may not know where to begin. You may feel uncomfortable explaining how you are feeling. You may wonder whether what you are experiencing is significant enough to mention.

You can still make the appointment.

You can tell your doctor that you have not been feeling like yourself. You can tell them that things have become difficult. You can tell them that someone close to you suggested you speak with someone. Or you can simply say that you would like to talk about your mental health.

From there, your GP can listen, assess what is happening and discuss the options that are appropriate for you.

R U OK? Day gives us a reason to ask a simple question of the people around us.

It can also be a reminder that if your own answer is “No, I’m not OK,” you do not have to know the solution before you ask for support.

Find A Practice

References

1. R U OK? R U OK? Day and frequently asked questions. R U OK?, accessed September 2026. ruok.org.au.
2. R U OK? How to ask R U OK? R U OK?, accessed September 2026. ruok.org.au.
3. Services Australia. Mental health care and Medicare. Australian Government, current information accessed September 2026. servicesaustralia.gov.au.
4. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Better Access initiative. Current information accessed September 2026. health.gov.au.
5. Services Australia. Eligibility for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and Requirements of a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Australian Government, current information accessed September 2026. servicesaustralia.gov.au.
6. Services Australia. Allied health referrals for mental health treatment services. Australian Government, current information accessed September 2026. servicesaustralia.gov.au.
7. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Free online mental health service now available. Published 30 March 2026. health.gov.au.
8. Beyond Blue. Get mental health support. Beyond Blue, accessed September 2026. beyondblue.org.au.
9. Black Dog Institute. Digital tools and apps. Black Dog Institute, accessed September 2026. blackdoginstitute.org.au.
10. Black Dog Institute. Online Clinic. Black Dog Institute, accessed September 2026. blackdoginstitute.org.au.
11. Kids Helpline. About Kids Helpline. Kids Helpline, accessed September 2026. kidshelpline.com.au.
12. 13YARN. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support. 13YARN, accessed September 2026. 13yarn.org.au.
13. Lifeline. Lifeline Crisis Support. Lifeline Australia, accessed September 2026. lifeline.org.au.