While this list of service is derived from my professional experience, I do update the list from time to time. Last check-date: January 2017.
The listing below includes places where you can find telephone and online counselling, databases for locating support services (including GPs and allied mental health professionals), and information for carers. For anyone not familiar with the Medicare funding for mental health services, I recommend you read this information on the Commonwealth Department of Health website.
Aside from listing the National services, I have also included those that I know of in Victoria, as this is where I am based.
NOTE: All links are set to open in a new page, and clicking on any of the links below should occur anonymously (rather than being stored by Google, please check this link for more information).
Emergency
24 hours, 7 days a week
For those able to hear: 000
For those who need text-based: 106, for more information, please follow this link.
Telephone and online support/counselling
Most of these services also provide information on their websites relevant to their area of expertise, and where noted online counselling or information (some in real time) is available.
National
Counselling, support and information for those aged 5 - 25, and those who are supporting people who are in this age-group.
Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call: 1800 55 1800, email or start a web chat via the website.
Counselling, support and information.
Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call: 13 11 14
Provides support and information for men about healthy relationships.
Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call: 1300 789 978
Appointments for online chat and video chat are available via the website.
For sex, gender and sexuality diverse clients.
Operates 3pm-midnight (local time, rather than based on any particular time zone), 7 days a week.
Call: 1800 184 527 or start a web-based chat by visiting the website
For people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, concerned about someone else being suicidal, and people who have been bereaved by suicide.
Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call: 1300 659 467
Online counselling is also available, following registration.
Counselling, support and information for people who have been bereaved.
Operates 12pm to 3am (based in Victoria, so Australian Eastern Standard Time), 7 days a week
Call: Melbourne Metro: (03) 9935 7444, or National call from a landline: 1300 854 745
Online counselling is also available via the website.
State-based (Victoria)
Operates 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
(03) 1300 269 438 or 03 9830 0533
Information and support available via the phone line and website (they have a fairly comprehensive practitioner database). This organisation also run peer support groups, please visit the website for details.
Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (Victoria)
Operates: 3pm to midnight, 7 days a week.
Call: Melbourne Metro: 03 9663 2939, or Regional Victoria and Tasmania: 1800 184 527
Information and referral only
National
Information and resources available about depression and anxiety, and where to get help.
Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call: 1300 224 636, email, or use online chat between 4pm and 10pm (AEST) via the website.
State based
Operates: 10:30am-4pm, Wednesday to Friday
Call: (03) 9853 8089
This organisation also manages peer support groups, please visit the website for details.
Services and practitioner databases
National
beyondblue find a professional directoryThe following page contains links to finding GPs, psychiatrists and allied health professionals.
Service Seeker
Users may search for a wide variety of services and groups within their State or Territory. A newer version is available, however please be aware that clicking on this link will result in the website asking for your location.
Hosted by Infoxchange.
State based
Gay and Lesbian SwitchboardA database of groups and services specifically for people who sex, gender and sexuality diverse. The database covers both Victoria and Tasmania.
Information and support for carers
A number of the services listed above provide information and support for carers. Below are a couple of other resources specifically designed for carers.
Provides information and support for people who are significant carers, including those who care for people with mental illness.
Contact the National advisory line 1800 242 636, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Please visit the Carers Australia website to find information about the Carers Associations located in other States and Territories.
Provides tips on how to help someone who might be having thoughts of suicide.
Please note that I am not able to provide direct support.
The listing of any service should not be read as an endorsement of the services or the information provided by these organisation.
Please note that I am not able to provide direct support.
The listing of any service should not be read as an endorsement of the services or the information provided by these organisation.
