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

5-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.

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.
  • Head to 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:

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

First steps to get help | Your Health in Mind

Mental illness is treatable and there are lots of ways to get help. If you are worried about yourself or a loved one, st...

Read more on RANZCP - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists website

My friend is thinking about suicide | Kids Helpline

Are you worried about a friend? Could they be thinking about suicide? It’s okay if you don’t know what to do, you’re not alone - Kids Helpline can help you.

Read more on Kids Helpline website

What to do if you're thinking about how to commit suicide

If you're wondering how to stop having suicidal thoughts, read our coping strategy toolkit, and know there's always someone that you can talk to.

Read more on ReachOut.com website

Thinking about suicide Archive | SuicideLine Victoria

SuicideLine Victoria provides phone and online counselling for anyone who is struggling with situations in their life, from feeling low or stressed to the more complex issues of suicidal thoughts and grief arising from suicide

Read more on SuicideLine website

My friend is suicidal | Helping friends | ReachOut Australia

Having a friend who’s suicidal can be pretty confronting. If you’re worried that a friend is in immediate danger, there are services you can call.

Read more on ReachOut.com website

I'm thinking about suicide | Find Help | Kids Helpline

Sometimes we feel hopeless and think things won’t ever get better. There is always hope. No matter how hopeless you feel, Kids Helpline is here to help.

Read more on Kids Helpline website

Resources for people affected by suicide | SuicideLine Victoria

Free counselling, resources and support if you are thinking about suicide, concerned about someone, or bereaved by suicide.

Read more on SuicideLine website

How to call a helpline | Professional help | ReachOut Australia

Calling a helpline is an accessible way to get the support you need. Learn more about what to expect when contacting a helpline and the kinds of help they can provide.

Read more on ReachOut.com website

‘I want to die': What to do if you’re having suicidal thoughts | ReachOut Australia

Dealing with suicidal thoughts is not easy, but there are things you can do to keep yourself safe.

Read more on ReachOut.com website

Why do people think about suicide? | SuicideLine Victoria

It can be very confronting when someone you know feels suicidal | SuicideLine Vctoria is a crisis support service for Melbourne & Victoria Australia.

Read more on SuicideLine 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.