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Bushfires and mental health
Last Updated: 06 February 2020
Natural disasters are traumatic events for everyone involved. It’s important that you and your employees get the right emotional support.
Help for people affected by the bushfires
If your business has been impacted by the bushfires, mental health support is available.
People that have been affected by the 2019-2020 bushfires, can get:
- up to 10 free counselling sessions
- Medicare rebates for up to 10 mental health treatment services (without needing a GP referral, diagnosed mental illness or mental health treatment plan)
- counselling and support through video telehealth services if you live in a rural or remote area
Your local Primary Health Network bushfire coordinator can help you to find services in your area.
How to access mental health support
You can access mental health support by contacting:
- your General Practitioner
- a local recovery and evacuation centre
- Services Australia Mobile Service Centres and teams – there are special mobile service arrangements to help bushfire affected communities
Existing support and resources
You can also access free information and support through existing mental health services.
Business and mental health
Good business health supports good mental health. The My Business Health website integrates business and mental health information in one easy to access place.
