ABOUT US

Serving the community since 1930

The Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) is the oldest community-based non-government mental health organisation in Australia, serving the community since 1930. The MHFA has played a significant role in establishing the current network of services and support for mental health consumers. Many of the organisations now prominent in the mental health sector had their beginnings as a part of the Foundation or developed out of MHFA initiatives.

Our Vision


Our vision is to achieve better mental health for all. We aim to create a society where mental health is valued, supported, and understood, and where everyone has access to the resources and support that they need to thrive.

Our Mission


The Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) is committed to promoting the mental health and well-being of all Australians. We bring a unique multicultural approach to mental health advocacy, awareness, education, support, research, and resilience initiatives. We strive to reduce stigma, empower individuals, and foster inclusive communities through compassion, excellence, collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based mental health practices.

Our Values

COMPASSION

We hold care, respect, and empathy for all members of the community and emphasise the value of kindness and helping others for mental wellbeing.


EXCELLENCE

We act with the ambition to respond to the needs of the community and go above and beyond expectations.

INCLUSION

We celebrate and respect diversity in all its forms and seek to include the whole community in shaping the future for mental health.


INNOVATION

We act with the initiative to investigate new ideas and explore new approaches, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable.

INTEGRITY 

Regardless of the challenge, we stand by our core values with the wellbeing of the community always in mind.

Our Objectives



  • To promote mental health and positive attitudes to mental health;
  • To establish collaboration with governments, individuals, and health related agencies, groups and organisations;
  • To make informed recommendations regarding mental health policy, implementation and services;
  • Encourage and initiate mental health research;
  • Encourage the highest standards in training and practice for the mental health professions;
  • To establish and support organisations which provide services, support and advice to the community;
  • To stimulate the development of informed public debate and opinion on mental health issues;
  • To work to remove stigma within the wider community associated with mental ill health.
  • To build bridges between those with mental illness and those without, to link our community together.


Our Services

We offer essential services, including our Wellness Hub Clinic, which provides over 1,800 psychological sessions annually for just $20 or for free to those in need—thanks to the yearly financial support from Perpetual Trustees. Our 34 support groups have assisted more than 2,000 people each year for three decades, at no cost to them. Support from organizations like Chemists


For 94 years, we have dedicated ourselves to providing vital mental health support services, despite receiving only $91,000 in government funding. Our ability to continue this work is due to the generous contributions from individuals and the broader community.

  • Wellness Hub Psychology Clinic

    The Mental Health Foundation Australia’s Integrated Wellness Hub psychology clinic currently offers in-clinic and telehealth counselling services with provisional psychologists/counsellors at an affordable fee of $20 per 50-minute session. 

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  • Mental Health Support Groups

    We offer free mental health support groups, safe and non-judgemental space where the participants can open up, realise they are not alone, address past unresolved issues, set new goals,learn new skills and take charge of their lives. For many people, the support group is the best environment to accomplish these changes.

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  • Mental Health First Aid Course

    Mental Health First Aid is a practical, skills-based education program that equips adults in the workplace with the skills and confidence needed to recognise, respond, and offer initial support to a co-worker or another adult experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.

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  • Educational Webinars

    Monthly presentations on pressing and prevalent mental health issues are presented and discussed with focused outcomes on community-minded and solution-based approaches as part of the yearly educational webinars series. Join our 'Lunch and Learn' educational webinars on a range of mental health topics presented by experts!

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  • National Multicultural Mental Health Month

    The Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) is proud to announce the National Multicultural Mental Health Month 2024, set to run from 1st October to 31st October. This month-long campaign celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Australia while promoting mental health awareness and support within multicultural communities.

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YOUR SUPPORT IS VITAL

We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated volunteers, interns, and hardworking staff who ensure that our programs continue to grow and reach those who need them most. Every dollar we receive is used to support our community, but with your help, we can do even more. Please donate generously to help us continue our mission to remove stigma and improve mental health for all.

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