FIND HELP

Finding Mental Health Support

For urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14

Confidential 24/7 counselling and referrals

24-hour helplines

Online support

Alcohol and Drug Foundation has comprehensive information and a list of resources available across Australia. Information and advice line – 1300 85 85 84.

The Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASST) has a list of agencies across Australia that provide support, advocacy and treatment.

Carers Australia offers information, resources and access to support groups. Or call 1800 242 636.

  • Kids Helpline offers web-based, email, or telephone counselling for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. Or call 1800 55 1800.
  • ReachOut has information and downloadable apps on a range of mental health and related issues that affect teenagers and young adults.
  • Headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, has information on trauma and mental health, where to get help, and online support.
  • The Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COMPI) resource centre provides information, resources and access to services.

The Red Cross has information, advice, and resources for kids, teenagers, teachers, and parents. Visit Red Cross After the Emergency.

Other helpful web resources include:

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) maintains a  directory of psychologists in private practice, listing the issues they work with. Call 1800 333 497, send an email request via https://psychology.org.au/about-us/contact-us/aps-find-a-psych or search the list at APS Find a Psychologist.

To find accredited mental health social workers, visit the Australian Association of Social Workers.

  • ADF all hours support line call 1800 628 036 for confidential support for ADF members and their families or 1800 467 425 (1800 IMSICK) – health support for ADF personnel.
  • Visit Defence Health Service for targeted health resources.
  • Department of Defence Mental Health Online has information and links to emergency services, support lines, programs and policies.
  • Defence Member and Family Support provides social services to Defence members and their families Australia wide or call 1800 624 608, or email memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au.

Parentline provides telephone counselling to parents and carers of children aged 0 to 18 years.

  • National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service 1800respect.org.au has a list of the main sexual assault services in Australia.

Crisis lines

  • The Department of Veterans’ Affairs can provide information and referral advice. Call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
  • Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS) is a specialised, free and confidential service provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for Australian veterans and their families. Call 1800 011 046, from anywhere in Australia. If you have questions about your eligibility to access Open Arms services, contact your nearest office.
Open Arms offers the following services:
  • Crisis counselling (face-to-face or telephone, and an emergency toll-free telephone service)
  • Individual, family and group counselling
  • Country outreach programs for rural Australia
  • Education and information resources
  • Case management
  • Referrals to other treatment services
  • Specialised PTSD treatment programs in most states for veterans and military personnel

See below for a list of support hotlines in each state and territory:

NEED URGENT HELP?

For urgent support
call Lifeline on

Call 13 11 14

Confidential 24/7
counselling and referrals

Lifeline website