Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre moves to larger purpose-built facility

NOW IN its second year of operation, the Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre is moving to a larger, purpose-built facility, reflecting strong community demand for the free service.

Clinical Services Manager and Psychologist Emma Schubert said the move comes after a busy first 18 months, in which the centre quickly outgrew its original location at the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre.

“In its first year alone, the centre delivered over 5,000 clinical sessions, with 82 percent of clients reporting significant improvements in wellbeing,” Ms Schubert said.

The service now operates from Suite 2, Ground Floor, 27–29 Duke Street, Coffs Harbour.

Ms Schubert said the new premises were specifically designed to improve accessibility and enhance the client experience.

“We have loved our first site in the Community Village and our strong partnership with the Neighbourhood Centre, but it’s just too small for us now,” she said.

“The new facility provides a modern, purpose-built environment for mental health support, along with additional consultation rooms to meet increasing demand.”

Back when the centre opened, Ms Schubert said the partnership with the Neighbourhood Centre enabled services to begin quickly, but demand has since grown significantly.

“The centre now sees around 150 people each month.”

Despite the move, all contact details, referral pathways and operating hours will remain unchanged, ensuring a seamless transition for clients.

“The new space allows us to continue offering immediate availability of services, including walk-ins, with no waitlist,” Ms Schubert said.

“Our team is committed to providing a smooth transition and uninterrupted access to care.”

Importantly, the centre offers free mental health support without the need for a Mental Health Care Plan.

The federally funded service focuses on supporting people experiencing moderate mental health challenges, often referred to as the “missing middle”.

“The Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre is important to the community because we provide free, accessible mental health care for people who may otherwise struggle to access support,” Ms Schubert said.

“We provide counselling for people experiencing depression, anxiety, life stressors and emotional dysregulation, often alongside underlying trauma.”

The multidisciplinary team includes social workers, psychologists, counsellors, an intake worker and a peer worker, delivering short- to medium-term therapy typically ranging from six sessions to six months, depending on individual needs.

Ms Schubert acknowledged the support of both Healthy North Coast and the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride, who visited the new centre last week.

The centre can be contacted on 02 5642 4060 or via email at mmhc.coffsharbour@openminds.org.au.

By Leigh WATSON