If you require assistance in other areas of Australia, the following contact details can assist you in finding mental health services.
The descriptions below provide a brief overview of the way mental health services are organised. There are broadly three main types of services.
Mental health support services
Community based and managed mental health services provide support for people in the context of their daily lives, helping them in their recovery from mental illness.
Mental health crisis services
These consist of hospital inpatient units and crisis assessment teams. They provide support when the person’s condition has deteriorated significantly.
Community-based clinical services
These can include community health centres, mobile treatment services, and intervention teams. They provide ongoing clinical support to people living in the community after a crisis intervention.
Some organisations provide services to people with a specific problem such as an eating disorder, or depression.
ACT, NSW, NT and TAS
Australian Capital Territory Department of Health
Canberra Connect (General enquiries): 13 22 81
Mental Health Crisis Team: 1800 629 354 (24hrs) or 02 6205 1065 (24hrs)
New South Wales Department of Health
Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 (24 hour service)
Northern Territory Department of Health and Families
General enquiries: 1800 682 288 (1800 NTCATT) (24 hrs)
Department of Health, Tasmania
General enquiries: 1800 332 388
Telephone support services and databases of community services
Carers Australia
Information about carer support services, including counselling.
1800 242 636
headspace
Online counselling: a confidential, anonymous, secure space where young people can chat or email qualified youth mental health professionals.
1800 650 890
9am - 1am AEST
Infoxchange Service Seeker
An extensive directory of community support services across Australia.
Service seeker search
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
1300 789 978
24 hours a day, seven days a week
Lifeline - National
Lifeline’s 24 hour telephone crisis support service is available to anyone needing emotional support. Lifeline also has an online service
13 11 14
24 hours a day, seven days a week
healthdirect Australia (National)
The 24-hour telephone health advice line is currently available to residents of the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
1800 022 222 (Calls from landlines are free. Mobile charges may apply)
Calls are answered by a registered nurse
In an emergency call 000