Mental Health Services
Navigating mental health challenges can be overwhelming, but there are numerous services available across Australia to provide support. Nationally, organizations like Beyond Blue, Lifeline, and Headspace offer a range of mental health services, including crisis support, counseling, and resources for dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
For expecting and new parents, postnatal mental health services such as PANDA, the Gidget Foundation, and Karitane focus on perinatal anxiety and depression, offering specialized support during this crucial period. These services ensure that individuals and families have access to the care they need, whether it's through helplines, online resources, or in-person counseling. Additionally, state and territory-specific services provide localised support, ensuring that help is available no matter where you are in Australia.
Whether you're seeking help for yourself or a loved one, these organisations are dedicated to offering compassionate and comprehensive mental health care, but you can always start with your GP to help with what direction you need to travel!
National Mental Health Services
Beyond Blue
- Services: Support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention, including a focus on perinatal mental health.
- Website: beyondblue.org.au
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Lifeline
- Services: Crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Website: lifeline.org.au
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Headspace
- Services: Mental health support for young people aged 12-25.
- Website: headspace.org.au
Phone: 1800 650 890
Kids Helpline
- Services: Counselling and support for young people aged 5-25.
- Website: kidshelpline.com.au
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
SANE Australia
- Services: Support for people affected by complex mental health issues.
- Website: sane.org
Phone: 1800 187 263
Black Dog Institute
- Services: Resources and support for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Website: blackdoginstitute.org.au
MensLine Australia
- Services: Support for men with family and relationship issues.
- Website: mensline.org.au
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Suicide Call Back Service
- Services: Telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide.
- Website: suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
QLife
- Services: Counselling and referral service for LGBTIQA+ people.
- Website: qlife.org.au
Phone: 1800 184 527 (3pm-12am daily)
eheadspace
- Services: Online and telephone support for young people aged 12-25 and their families.
Website: headspace.org.au/eheadspace
Postnatal Mental Health Services
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
- Services: Support for expecting and new parents experiencing perinatal anxiety and depression.
- Website: panda.org.au
Phone: 1300 726 306 (Mon-Fri, 9am-7:30pm AEST)
COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence)
- Services: Resources and support for perinatal mental health, including depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Website: cope.org.au
Gidget Foundation
- Services: Support services for perinatal depression and anxiety, including psychological counseling and early intervention.
- Website: gidgetfoundation.org.au
Phone: 1300 851 758
Karitane
- Services: Support for parents and families, including mental health services during the perinatal period.
- Website: karitane.com.au
Phone: 1300 227 464
Tresillian
- Services: Early parenting services including support for postnatal depression and anxiety.
- Website: tresillian.org.au
Phone: 1300 272 736
State & Territory Services
Mental Health Triage (VIC)
- Services: Access to mental health services across Victoria.
Phone: 1300 280 737
NSW Mental Health Line
- Services: 24/7 mental health support and referral.
Phone: 1800 011 511
Queensland Health 13 HEALTH
- Services: Health advice and mental health services.
Phone: 13 43 25 84
SA Mental Health Triage Service
- Services: Crisis care and support in South Australia.
Phone: 13 14 65
WA Mental Health Emergency Response Line
- Services: Crisis response in Western Australia.
Phone: 1300 555 788 (Metro) / 1800 676 822 (Regional)
ACT Mental Health Triage Service
- Services: Mental health crisis support in the ACT.
Phone: 1800 629 354 or (02) 6205 1065
Northern Territory Mental Health Line
- Services: Mental health support in the Northern Territory.
Phone: 1800 682 288
Tasmania Mental Health Services Helpline
- Services: Mental health support in Tasmania.
Phone: 1800 332 388
New Zealand Services
Lifeline
0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
Youthline
0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
Samaritans
0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline
0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
Depression Helpline
0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).
OutLine Aotearoa
0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support and online chat support between 6pm-9pm every day.
What's Up
0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available every day of the week, 365 days of the year, 11am–11pm. Online chat is available from 11am–10:30pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.
EDANZ
improving outcomes for people with eating disorders and their families. Freephone 0800 2 EDANZ or 0800 233 269, or in Auckland 09 522 2679. Or email info@ed.org.nz.
Parent Help
0800 568 856 for parents/whānau seeking support, advice and practical strategies on all parenting concerns. Anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.
Family Services 211 Helpline
0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.
Yellow Brick Road
Supporting families towards mental wellbeing.