MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND CONTACT LIST
24/7 crisis lines
You can call these crisis lines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Emergency 000
If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
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Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Talk to a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night. Calls are confidential. They will listen, provide information and advice and point you in the right direction to seek further support.
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Lifeline 131 114
Crisis support telephone service.
Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
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Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
A telephone counselling support line for children and young people ages 5 to 25 and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about, including children, teens, adults and older people.
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Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
National services that provides free 24/7 phone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
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Mind Health Service 1300029131
Service Connect Line is a free telephone service that links people with a mental illness residing in the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network to psychosocial support services (mental and physical health as well as social supports). Carers, Clinicians and GPs can also call this line on a person’s behalf.
CONTACT LIST
Aboriginal community
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue has helpful information and resources, including flyers and videos, for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Beyond Blue – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Butterfly – Every Body is Deadly
Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have eating or body image concerns. Resources include videos, fact sheets and posters.
Butterfly - Every Body is Deadly
Online chat
1800 33 4637
7 days a week, 8am to midnight
Head to Health
Created by the Australian Government to provide information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families who have a lived experience of mental health issues.
Head to Health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
iBobbly app
A social and emotional wellbeing self-help app for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians aged 15 years. iBobbly began as a partnership between Black Dog Institute, ALIVE & Kicking Goals! and Men’s Outreach Service Inc based in Broome, WA.
Download the iBobbly app from the Black Dog Insitute website
Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation
Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation was founded in 1980 to help all Aboriginal people:
who had been directly affected by past government policies
separated from their families and culture through forced removal, being fostered, adopted or raised in institutions.
It supports the healing journeys of those removed and delivers professional, culturally sensitive and confidential research, reunions and social, emotional and wellbeing services to those over the age of 18.
Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation
(02) 7227 1443
1800 624 332 (free call not available for mobiles)
National Indigenous Postvention Service (NIPS)
The National Indigenous Postvention Service (CIPS) is a program of Thirrili that provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people postvention support and assistance, and support to individuals, families and communities affected by suicide or other trauma.
The call is answered by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander advocate. If the call goes to the message bank, leave your name and contact number and someone will call back as soon as possible.
Thirrili
1800 805 801
Open 24/7
Reimagine – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Hub
This Hub has resources about the NDIS for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live with a psychosocial disability. Resources include videos and learning activities for people who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Reimagine – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Hub
Yarn Safe
Yarn Safe has information for young people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. It is part of the Headspace website.
Yarn Safe
Your Room
Information to support Aboriginal people in reducing the harms caused by alcohol and drugs and to help our mob become healthier.
Your Room for Aboriginal people
Advocacy
See Mental health organisations and advocacy groups.
Alcohol and other drugs
Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Service (ADIS)
ADIS provides phone counselling, support, referrals and information for people affected by alcohol or other drugs. Counsellors are trained to work with people concerned about their alcohol and drug use, as well as people concerned about their family or friends.
Sydney metropolitan: (02) 9361 8000
Regional and rural NSW: 1800 422 599
Open 24/7
Counselling Online
Online text-based counselling for people concerned about their drinking or drug use. The service is also available to concerned family members, relatives and friends.
Counselling Online
Open 24/7
Opioid Treatment Line
A telephone helpline providing opiate pharmacotherapy information (including methadone and buprenorphine), referrals, advice and a forum for pharmacotherapy concerns.
1800 642 428
Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm
Your Room
The website is a great resource for information about alcohol and other drugs, including:
Carers and families
See alsoFamily and carer mental health support services and programs.
Carers Australia
Short-term counselling and emotional and psychological support services for carers and their families.
Carers Australia
1800 242 636
Carers Connection Line
If you are a family member, friend, or carer of someone with a mental illness, call the Carers Connection Line to receive information, referrals and support.
Mental Health Carers NSW
1300 554 660
(02) 9332 0777
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Carers NSW
Provides information, education and support for carers, including carer support groups.
Carers NSW
(02) 9280 4744
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI)
The COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) national initiative develops information for parents, their family and friends in support of children and young people. This information complements online training courses developed by COPMI for professionals to support families either individually or through community services and programs.
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness
Young Carers Helpline
Gives young people tips on how to look after themselves and the person they are caring for.
Young Carers Network
1800 242 636
Children and young people
Bite Back
Promotes wellbeing and resilience in young people 12-18 years old through psycho-education, positive psychology and related approaches.
The BRAVE program
Online program to help children aged 8 to 12 and teenagers aged 13 to 17 with anxiety, based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
CanTeen
Online, email and phone counselling and forums for people aged 12-24 years living with the impact of cancer.
CanTeen
1800 888 236
connectEDSpace
A website with tip sheets, news and useful links to help young people manage problems and issues such as bullying, relationships, stress and mental health, and conflict with parents.
eheadspace
A free service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time.
eheadspace
1800 650 890
Open 9am - 1am
Kids Helpline
A free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling services for people aged 5 to 25. Helpful information on their website for children and young people, parents and carers, schools and teachers.
Kids Helpline
1800 551 800
Open 24/7
Kids Helpline Online Chat
Open 8am to 12am, 7 days a week
myCompass
Are you feeling the pressures of study, finding a job or starting a career? myCompass can help. It has an interactive self-help service that aims to promote resilience and wellbeing for people experiencing mild to moderate stress, anxiety and depression.
ReachOut
Tools and support for young people ages 14–25, from everyday issues to tough times. Information on mental health, peer support forums and apps. ReachOut Next Step service for ages 18-25 recommends support options. ReachOut Parents provides information and support to “help parents help teens”.
Smiling Mind
Online and app based program to improve the wellbeing of young people through mindfulness meditation. Provides age-specific content for ages 7-11, 12-15, and 16-22.
Youth Beyond Blue
Information, online and phone counselling for young people 12 to 25 years old, who can get help from a trained mental health professionals 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Youth Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
Open 24/7
Chat online
Open 1pm - midnight
See also:
Childhood trauma
Blue Knot Helpline
The helpline has trained, experienced and trauma-informed male and female counsellors to support adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, their partners, family and friends, health professionals and workplaces.
Website: Blue Knot Foundation
Email: helpline@blueknot.org.au
Phone: 1300 657 380
Open Monday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm
COVID-19
Australian Government subsidised mental health support
Information about how to access 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions each calendar year.
Department of Health - Looking after your mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
Call a trained counsellor 24/7 if you're struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Information and advice on how to cope, isolation and connection, workplace and financial hardship, and how to support the mental health of others.
Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
1800 512 348
24/7
COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services
The Australian Department of Health has a list of services that provide grief and trauma support for those living, working and caring in the aged care sector, who have been impacted by COVID-19.
COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services
Gidget Foundation COVID-19 support for expectant and new parents
The Gidget Foundation has videos and fact sheets related to COVID-19 for new and expectant parents.
Head to Health
Head to Health was created by Australia's Department of Health to provide trusted information and digital resources to help support mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic. Helpful information includes:
maintaining good mental health
managing financial stress
how to access mental health services
how to talk to children about coronavirus
protecting the elderly.
Head to Health - Mental health and COVID-19
Head to Health - Pop Up services
Life in Mind
The Life in Mind website has a list of helpful and informative resources:
Disability and intellectual disability
Statewide Intellectual Disability Mental Health Hubs
Two statewide Hubs can help people with intellectual or developmental disability access appropriate mental health care. One is for adults, and one is for children and teens.
Statewide Intellectual Disability Mental Health Outreach Service for adults
Mental Health Intellectual Disability Hub at Sydney Children's Hospital Network
Eating disorders
Butterfly Foundation
Online and phone counselling, information, and online support groups for people concerned about eating disorders, disordered eating, body image problems.
Butterfly Foundation
1800 334 673
Chat online
Open 8am to midnight
Email support
support@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au
Open 8am to midnight
General mental health services
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
Open 24/7
Beyond Blue - email
Beyond Blue chat online
Open 1pm to midnight, 7 days a week
Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute website contains information and resources for mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.
Head to Health
A digital mental health gateway created by the Australian Government, containing a range of trusted mental health services and resources.
Lifeline
Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis support telephone service and suicide prevention services. Call if you have suicidal thoughts or attempts, personal crisis, anxiety, depression, loneliness, abuse and trauma, stress or to get information for friends and family. Services provided through Lifeline centres include:
face to face counselling
gambling counselling
youth services
migrant support services
rural outreach
counselling services for children, aged care visitation
indigenous support services.
Lifeline - Get help
131 114
Open 24/7
Lifeline Crisis Support online chat
Open 24/7
Mental Health Online
The website has information, an online psychological assessment, online self-guided treatment programs for anxiety, panic, OCD, PTSD, and depression for people 18 years old and older. The site also offers a free 12-week online program with free access to eTherapists.
MindSpot
MindSpot is a free service for Australian adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression and low mood. They provide an online assessment and treatment course, or also help you find local services.
Mindspot
contact@mindspot.org.au
1800 61 44 34
Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 6pm.
myCompass
An interactive self-help service for young adults, adults and seniors that aims to promote resilience and wellbeing for people experiencing mild to moderate stress, anxiety and depression.
SANE Australia
Talk to a mental health professional for information, guidance and referrals to manage your mental health concerns.
Sane - Get help
helpline@sane.org
1800 187 263
Open weekdays 10am - 10pm
WayAhead Mental Health Association NSW
Information and support for mental health consumers, their families and carers, and to the general public. The WayAhead Free Online Directory can help find accommodation, community organisations, emergency services, government assistance, information and support services and treatments in your local area.
WayAhead
Level 5, 80 William St, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011
info@wayahead.org.au
(02) 9339 6000
WayAhead Mental Health Information Service 1300 794 991
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
WayAhead Anxiety Disorders Information Service 1300 794 992
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
LGBTIQ community
ACON
Provides information on health issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTIQ) people and offers a range of services including in the area of mental health and ageing.
Qlife
QLife phoneline and web chat provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ peer support and referral for people want to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
1800 184 527
Open 3pm to midnight, 7 days
Men
MensLine Australia
To access MensLine Australia online counselling, you need to be:
a man with a relationship issue or a woman who is concerned about and seeking help for a man
for online chat you must be 15 years or over
for video chat you must be 18 years or over.
MensLine Australia
1300 78 99 78
Men's Referral Service
Provides telephone counselling, information and referrals for men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues. The service also providers help to women (or other family members) who are experiencing violence or controlling behaviour by men.
1300 766 491
Multicultural community
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health
Mental health resources and personal stories translated in more than 30 languages.
NSW Refugee Health Service
The NSW Refugee Health Service aims to protect and promote the health of refugees and people of refugee-like backgrounds living in NSW. Offices are located in Liverpool, NSW, but there are clinics in Western and South Western Sydney.
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
(02) 9794 0770
SWSLHD-RefugeeHealth@health.nsw.gov.au
NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS)
STARTTS' services are free for people of any age who have survived torture or trauma or both and are refugees, asylum seekers, from refugee-like backgrounds.
STARTTS
02 9646 6800
Transcultural Mental Health Centre
The Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC) works with health professionals and communities across New South Wales to support positive mental health for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Transcultural Mental Health Centre
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is a free interpreting service. It is run by the Department of Home Affairs.
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)
131 450
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To pre-book phone interpreters, email: tis.prebook@homeaffairs.gov.au
Older people
Dementia Support Helpline
Provides support for the carers of people with dementia who have behavioural and psychological changes.
Dementia Support Australia
1800 699 799
Elder Abuse Helpline
If you witness, suspect or experience abuse, call the NSW Elder Abuse helpline. The website provides information, support and referrals.
NSW Elder Abuse Helpline
1800 628 221
National Dementia Helpline
The National Dementia Helpline is a free phone service that provides support to help you manage the impact of dementia and provides information about:
dementia and memory loss
how you may be able to reduce the risk of getting dementia
government support services (including My Aged Care, the Carer Gateway, Centrelink)
services in your area
Dementia Australia
1800 100 500
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Dementia Australia Helpline web chat
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Perinatal and parenting
See also A guide for dads: Caring for your family during perinatal mental illness
COPE - Centre of Perinatal Excellence
This non-profit organisation's website has high quality, practical information to help you work through all the emotional challenges of becoming and being a parent.
Gidget Foundation Australia
Gidget Foundation Australia is a not for profit organisation that supports expectant and new parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety. Their range of clinical treatment programs include individual psychological consultations via face to face or telehealth, group treatment and early intervention screening.
1300 851 758
contact@gidgetfoundation.org.au
Karitane’s mental health service
Provides education and support for mums and dads with children from birth to 5 years of age, including support with sleep and settling, establishing routines, feeding and nutrition, toddler behaviour and pre and post natal anxiety and depression.
Karitane
1300 227 464
(02) 9794 2350
Monday to Thursday 12.30pm - 9pm, 11pm - 6am
Friday 8am - 4.30pm
Saturday 9am - 3.30pm
Mum Mood Booster
An evidence-based online treatment to help new mothers experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety. Six interactive online CBT sessions tailored to users plus SMS support. Accessible from home or on mobile devices.
Parent Line NSW
A phone counselling service for parents who need help or support and want to talk about a parenting issue. Trained counsellors provide confidential and non-judgmental advice to parents, carers or professionals.
Parent Line NSW
1300 1300 52
Monday to Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday and Sunday 4pm - 9pm
ParentWorks
A free online program for Australian parents and caregivers of children aged 2 to 16. It provides evidence-based parenting strategies to improve parenting skills, confidence and child behaviour.
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) supports women, men and families affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline for individuals and families affected by perinatal anxiety and depression.
PANDA
PANDA National Helpline
1300 726 306
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 7.30pm
Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services
NSW Health Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services (PIMHS) are free for women, babies and families, including LGBTIQ families. Free advice and services are available:
before you get pregnant
during pregnancy
until the child turns 2 years old
if you’ve had perinatal mental health issues in the past
have other risk factors.
To get help, get a referral letter from your doctor or call the Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.
Raising Children
Informative, reliable, up-to-date information about parenting and health issues, from babies to teens, backed my experts and funded by the Australian government.
Raphael Services
St John of God Raphael Services help parents and families with perinatal anxiety and depression. Services including holistic, person-centred therapies to treat postnatal depression and anxiety. The service is located in Blacktown.
St John of God - Raphael Services
36-38 First Avenue, Blacktown, 2148
Raphael.blacktown@sjog.org.au
(02) 9839 0900
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm
SMS4dads
SMS4dads provides new fathers with information and connections to online services through their mobile phones. The text messages with tips, information and links to other services help fathers understand and connect with their baby and support their partner.
Tresillian Family Care Centres
Provides guidance to new parents, a residential service, an outreach home-visiting service and support groups. Advice is also provided to parents through their phone service and through online support.
Tresillian
Parent Help Line
1300 272 736
Open Monday to Sunday, 7am to 11pm
Perinatal and parenting - LGBTQI
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia
The Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) supports Australians affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. PANDA operates a national Helpline for individuals and families to recover from perinatal anxiety and depression.
PANDA
PANDA National Helpline
1300 726 306
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 7.30pm
Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services
NSW Health Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services (PIMHS) are free for women, babies and families, including LGBTIQ families. Free advice and services are available:
before you get pregnant
during pregnancy
until the child turns 2 years old
if you’ve had perinatal mental health issues in the past
have other risk factors.
To get help, get a referral letter from your doctor or call the Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.
Rainbow Families
The mission of Rainbow Families is to build a community that fosters resiliency by connecting, supporting and empowering LGBTIQ+ families.
Raising Children
Raising Children is an Australian parenting website providing reliable information reviewed by experts.
Rainbow and same-sex families: services, resources and links
Rural community
Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health
The centre provides leadership in rural and remote mental health research. It runs the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program which helps to educate and connect people in rural areas with mental health support through projects, local and national partnerships, health information, tailored advice, workshops and short courses. They do not provide emergency services.
Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health
Bloomfield Hospital, Forest Road, Orange NSW 2800
ramhp@newcastle.edu.au
(02) 6363 8444
Lifeline - rural mental health
Information for people who live and work in regional, rural or remote parts of Australia.
Lifeline - rural mental health
Suicide prevention
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, help is available.
Tell someone about what you are thinking, even at the earliest signs.
Please contact one of these services below or speak to your General Practitioner.
If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital or Emergency Department.
Beyond Blue
Talk to a trained mental health professional. Completely confidential.
Beyond Blue
1300 22 46 36
Open 24/7
Beyond Blue chat online
Open for chat from 1pm to 12am (AEST) every day
Kids Helpline
A free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Kids Helpline
1800 551 800
Open 24/7
Kids Helpline Online Chat
Open 8am to 12am, 7 days a week
Lifeline
24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Lifeline
13 11 14
Open 24/7
Lifeline Crisis Support online chat
Open 24/7
MensLine Australia
MensLine Australia
1300 78 99 78
NSW Mental Health Line
Talk to a mental health professional.
Mental Health Line
1800 011 511
Open 24/7
QLife
A national counselling and referral service for the LGBTI community.
1800 184 527
Open 3pm to midnight
Safe Havens
A Safe Haven is a place you can go to if you're distressed or having suicidal thoughts. A safe place where you can talk to a peer-support worker or a mental health professional or just hang out and listen to music. Find the nearest Safe Haven location.
Suicide Call Back Service
A nationwide service that provides professional phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
Open 24/7
Suicide attempt support and aftercare
Aftercare - Way Back Support Service
Aftercare is a free support service for people who've recently attempted suicide. For up to three months you can get support in your recovery, including creating a safety plan and counselling. The service is available in the Newcastle-Hunter Valley, Murrumbidgee and North Coast NSW. Find out how you can access Aftercare.
Youth Aftercare
Youth Aftercare is a support service for children and teens and young people aged 25 and under, after suicidal ideation, self-harm and suicide attempt. The service is currently only available in Blacktown in Western Sydney and in Coffs Harbour in the Mid North Coast. Find out how to access the Youth Aftercare service.
StandBy - post-suicide support service
If you are affected by someone's suicide, you may feel grief, guilt, anger and sadness. You could be a friend, family member, witness or first responder. You can get free post-suicide support including counselling. You can meet face to face or talk over the phone
StandBy - Support After Suicide service
standby@socialfutures.org.au
1300 727 247
Open 24/7
Veterans
Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling
Open Arms counsellors and staff understand veteran and military culture, providing support to improve mental health and wellbeing, including help with anxiety, depression, anger, PTSD, sleep difficulties and substance abuse. Free and confidential counselling and group programs.
Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling
1800 011 046
Women
See also Perinatal and parenting
Beyond Blue
Understanding the factors that affect women's mental health and recognising the symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicide can help you to recognise them in yourself and others.
Beyond Blue - Women
Beyond Blue - Pregnancy and new parents
Beyond Blue - email
Beyond Blue chat online
Open 11am to midnight, 7 days a week
Beyond Blue support line
open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1300 22 4636
Women's Health Centres NSW
Women’s Health NSW is an association of state-wide women’s health centres and specialist women’s centres. All centres are non-government, community based, feminist services that provide choices for women to determine their individual health needs.