The following crisis support and counselling services are free and designed for people aged 15 years and older – if you are 14 years old or younger, contact Kids Helpline (details following).
Most of these services offer free counselling although there may be call costs associated with phoning for assistance – check their websites for call costs and privacy terms before using these services if you have any concerns.
If your life or safety are currently at risk
24 hours, 7 days a week for emergency assistance
For crisis support contact Lifeline
Call 13 11 14 (free 24/7)
Text 0477 13 11 14
Kids Helpline
Call 1800 55 1800 (free 24/7)
Kids Helpline is a free (even on mobile) phone and online confidential counselling service available to young Australians aged 5–25 years, at anytime and for any reason.
13YARN
Call 13 92 76 (free 24/7)
13YARN (Thirteen Yarn) is a national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 13YARN offers confidential, one-on-one yarning opportunities in a culturally safe space with Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters.
Suicide Call Back Service
Call 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Visit www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
The Suicide Call Back Service is an Australian telehealth provider offering free professional counselling via phone (ages 15+), video (ages 18+) and online chat (ages 15+) without the need for a medical referral. This service helps anyone who is affected by suicide, which means anyone who:
- is feeling suicidal;
- is worried about someone;
- is caring for someone who is feeling suicidal; or
- has lost someone to suicide.
They also support health professionals supporting people who are affected by suicide.
The Suicide Call Back Service is not a crisis service – please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (free 24/7) if you need crisis support.
Beyond Blue
Call 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Webchat (free 24/7)
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, with free services including counselling via webchat and phone, the Beyond Blue forums and email.
SANE Australia
Call 1800 187 263 (free)
Chat on the SANE forums (free 24/7)
SANE offers free counselling, peer support, information and referrals to Australian adults who identify as having complex mental health issues, while also offering support to the people that care about them. Online forums are accessible 24/7, while phone counselling is available from 10am to 10pm every day (times may vary depending on where you live).
1800RESPECT
Call 1800 737 732 (free 24/7)
Online chat (free 24/7)
1800RESPECT is Australia’s national sexual assault and domestic family violence service providing free counselling, referrals and information. They provide support for:
- people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual assault, domestic or family violence
- their friends and family
- workers and professionals supporting someone experiencing, or at risk of experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence.
Mensline
Call 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Visit mensline.org.au to access online counselling (free 24/7) and video counselling (free by appointment)
MensLine Australia offers free professional telephone and online counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationship, stress and wellbeing.
QLife
Call 1800 184 527 (free)
Visit qlife.org.au to access Webchat (free)
QLife provides anonymous LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Free services include both telephone and online (webchat) support delivered by trained LGBTI community members between 3pm and midnight every day (times may vary depending on where you live). These services are available to LGBTI individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals located in Australia.
headspace
Call 1800 650 890 to speak to a counsellor (free 24/7)
Chat online with professionals or peers (free at scheduled times)
Find your nearest headspace Centre (free, hours vary depending on location)
The National Youth Mental Health Foundation – headspace – provides Australians aged 12–25 years, and their family and friends, help with mental and physical health (including sexual health), access to alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. Services include over 140 physical headspace centres, in addition to free, professional online and phone counselling services.
Relationships Australia
Relationships Australia supports the development of respectful relationships and their part in improving the mental health, wellbeing and resilience of individuals and within the community. Call 1300 364 277 for referral to state-based services that include counselling, dispute resolution and training courses.
Translating and Interpreting Service
Call 131 450 (free for non-English speakers 24/7)
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) provides interpreting services in more than 160 different languages to people living in Australia who do not speak English and to agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.
Non-English speakers can access free immediate telephone interpreters by calling TIS National on 131 450.
Free interpreting services are available – check translation services and if you are eligible on the TIS website.