Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Mental health helplines

6-minute read

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

NSW psychiatrist shortage: continue to seek help if you need it

In NSW only, there may be disruption to some public mental health services due to a shortage of psychiatrists. However, services remain available and you can continue to get care from highly skilled mental health staff. Visit NSW Health for more information on services.

If you are experiencing mental health concerns, reach out for help as usual. Please don't delay getting help — it's available if you need it. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000) or go to an emergency department.

There are several organisations that provide support and education for people with mental illness and their families and carers throughout Australia.

For people who need support with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts:

  • Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
  • Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.
  • Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one need help, you can call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online.
  • MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.
  • Medicare Mental Health gives advice and will connect you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.
  • MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 or chat online.
Mental health helplines
View this information in a poster: 24/7 Mental health helplines.

If you're feeling lonely:

  • FriendLine supports anyone who's feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them 7 days a week on 1800 424 287, or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.

There are also helplines available for people with different backgrounds or needs.

For young people who need mental health support, and their parents or carers:

  • Kids Helpline is Australia's only free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800.
  • headspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends. Call 1800 650 890, or chat online.

For people with complex mental health issues:

  • SANE Australia provides support to anyone in Australia affected by complex mental health issues, as well as their friends, family members and health professionals. Call 1800 187 263 or chat online.
  • Blue Knot Foundation Helpline is the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. It provides support, education and resources for the families and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

  • 13YARN provides 24/7 free and confidential crisis support. Call 13 92 76.
  • Thirrili provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the aftermath of suicide or other fatal critical incidents. Call 1800 805 801, 24 hours/7 days a week.

For LGBTIQ+ people:

  • QLife provides nationwide telephone and web-based services for peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Call 1800 184 527.

For pregnant people and new parents:

  • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. Call 1300 726 306.
  • ForWhen connects new and expecting parents or carers to perinatal and infant mental health services and supports in their local area. Call 1300 24 23 22.
  • Gidget Foundation provides mental health support for expectant and new parents. Call 1300 851 758.

For veterans and their loved ones:

  • Open Arms provides 24/7 free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, their partners and families. Call 1800 011 046.

For people needing support with eating disorders, and body image related issues:

  • Butterfly National Helpline is available for anyone in Australia concerned about eating disorders or body image issues, either for themselves or someone they care about. Call 1800 33 4673.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: February 2024


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Find a Mental Health Professional - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue

What’s the difference between a psychologist and counsellor? Learn what different professionals do and find mental health services near you.

Read more on Beyond Blue website

Learn about mental health - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue

1 in 2 Australians struggle with mental health during their lifetime. Learn to look after your social and emotional wellbeing and support others.

Read more on Beyond Blue website

Work and mental health - Beyond Blue

Learn what makes a mentally healthy workplace and find practical tools to promote your wellbeing at work.

Read more on Beyond Blue website

Financial wellbeing and mental health - Beyond Blue

Information and support options if you're worried about your finances and mental health.

Read more on Beyond Blue website

Natural disasters and your mental health - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue

People may be at risk of developing anxiety or depression after experiencing a traumatic event or natural disaster like a bushfire, flood, cyclone or earthquake.

Read more on Beyond Blue website

LGBTIQ+ Mental Health - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue

Explore the comprehensive mental health resources and support available for LGBTIQ+ individuals, including personal stories, support services, and crisis intervention.

Read more on Beyond Blue website

Mental Health & Coronavirus Webinar Series - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

Connecting our audiences and stakeholders to the best possible mental health evidence related to COVID-19 through this dedicated webinar series.

Read more on Black Dog Institute website

Helping someone else with their mental health - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

You are never expected to treat or manage the mental health of loved ones, but we all have it in us to assist them in seeking help and their recovery.

Read more on Black Dog Institute website

Mental health online tools and apps - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

Online tools and mobile apps for your mental health developed successfully tested through research trials that you can access anywhere at no cost.

Read more on Black Dog Institute website

myCompass online self-help program - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

A free online self-help program for people with mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress, and people who want to build good mental health.

Read more on Black Dog Institute website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.