You do not have to be in crisis to call, and you do not have to explain anything before you pick up. These lines are free, confidential and answered by people whose job it is to take your call seriously.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. Otherwise these are the right places to start — and they are all answered by trained crisis supporters.
Lifeline
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Free and confidential.
13 11 14Text: 0477 13 11 14
These lines work from anywhere in Australia and are free. Some are 24 hours; others have weekday hours. Each entry says exactly what you will get when you call.
Free mental health treatment from a GP, psychologist or psychiatrist, with no referral and no cost. Call 1800 595 212, weekdays 8:30am to 5pm.
1800 595 212A registered nurse who can help you work out what care you need and where to get it near where you are right now. 24 hours a day, 1800 022 222.
1800 022 22224/7 free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families. 1800 011 046.
1800 011 046Free, 24/7 counselling for young people aged 5–25. Also for parents and carers who are worried about a young person. 1800 55 1800.
1800 55 1800Free, anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral. 3pm–11pm every day. 1800 184 527 and online webchat.
1800 184 52724/7 helpline for the mining and energy industry. Peer-based, non-clinical — people who know the job. 1300 642 111.
1300 642 111Support for parents and families struggling with anxiety, depression or mental health challenges during pregnancy and early parenthood. 1300 726 306.
1300 726 306Free telephone counselling for men — relationships, mental health, family violence and anger. 24/7. 1300 78 99 78.
1300 78 99 78Free mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12–25. Online and in-person. 1800 650 890.
1800 650 890Each state runs its own support line. These lines are state-bound — they will not answer an interstate caller. If your family is in Queensland and you are on swing in WA, send them the QLD number and call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 yourself.