Mental Health Resources in Australia

Access free and confidential mental health support in Australia through national helplines, youth services, and nonprofit organizations. This guide features 24/7 resources like Lifeline Australia, Beyond Blue, and Kids Helpline, offering immediate assistance and long-term care options across the country.

This country-specific guide is part of our global mental health resources directory, which connects users to free, nonprofit, and government-supported services by country.

🆘 Immediate & Crisis Support

Lifeline Australia crisis support – Lifeline offers free, confidential support for people in emotional distress or at risk of suicide. Available 24/7, trained counsellors are ready to help anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
📞 Call 13 11 14
Call 000 for life-threatening emergencies – If someone is in immediate danger or facing a medical emergency, dial 000 to contact ambulance, police, or fire services in Australia. This is the national emergency number for life-saving support.
📞 Call 000.
13YARN Indigenous crisis line – 13YARN provides culturally safe mental health support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Staffed by trained Indigenous counsellors, it offers understanding, respectful, and community-grounded care.
Call 📞 13 92 76.
Suicide Call Back Service counselling – This nationwide helpline supports people affected by suicide, including those at risk, caregivers, and bereaved individuals. Services include free phone and online counselling with professional therapists.
Call 📞 1300 659 467.
Kids Helpline youth mental health – Confidential and judgment-free counselling for children and young people aged 5–25. Available via phone, chat, or email, Kids Helpline provides emotional support on issues like bullying, anxiety, and family conflict.
Call 📞 1800 55 1800.
MensLine Australia support for men – A free service for men seeking help with mental health, anger, relationships, or parenting challenges. Available 24/7 by phone or online chat with trained professionals.
Call 📞 1300 78 99 78.
Open Arms veterans’ mental health services – Free and confidential counselling for Australian Defence Force veterans and their families. Open Arms provides trauma recovery programs, group workshops, and 24/7 helpline support
Call 📞 1800 011 046.

🧠 Government Mental Health Services

Medicare Mental Health Centres – Medicare-funded Mental Health Centres offer free support for people experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues. No GP referral is required, and services include assessments, therapy, and care coordination.
📞 1800 595 212.
Headspace youth mental health support – Headspace provides early intervention, counselling, and mental health education for young Australians aged 12–25. Services are youth-friendly and cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and school-related stress.
Healthdirect mental health resources – Healthdirect offers reliable, government-approved information on mental health topics, symptoms, and support options. A trusted first step for Australians looking for guidance, helplines, and services in their area.
Australian Government mental health programs – Explore national initiatives, funding programs, and policy frameworks that support mental health in Australia. This includes suicide prevention strategies, community grants, and public education campaigns.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Charities & Community Support

Beyond Blue mental health support – Beyond Blue offers free, confidential support for anxiety, depression, and emotional wellbeing. Access 24/7 helplines, self-help tools, and mental health information tailored to individuals, families, and workplaces.
Call 📞 1300 22 4636.
Black Dog Institute research and education – A global leader in mood disorder research, the Black Dog Institute provides digital self-assessment tools, education programs, and clinical resources for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) – MHFA supports mental health education, awareness campaigns, and multicultural advocacy programs. It organises Mental Health Month and offers helplines, forums, and seminars to reduce stigma nationwide.
SANE Australia complex mental illness support – SANE provides resources, peer support forums, and counselling services for people affected by schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other complex mental health conditions.
Mind Australia mental health services – Mind Australia delivers tailored mental health support services focused on recovery, independence, and community reintegration. Programs include housing assistance, care coordination, and lived experience mentoring.
Mission Australia community mental health – Mission Australia offers mental health care alongside housing, family, and youth services. Their holistic model helps individuals experiencing mental illness, homelessness, or social disadvantage access coordinated support.
Youth Off The Streets support for young people – Provides care, mental health services, and education programs for young people facing homelessness, abuse, or mental health challenges. Services include counselling, crisis accommodation, and life skills training.
Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) self-help modules – CCI offers evidence-based, downloadable workbooks and resources for managing mental health issues like anxiety, self-esteem, perfectionism, and depression. Ideal for self-guided learning and recovery.

👥 Specialised Support Groups

Embrace Multicultural Mental Health – Embrace provides culturally appropriate mental health resources and support for CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities. It promotes inclusion, equity, and accessible services for people from all cultural backgrounds across Australia.
R U OK? Suicide prevention movement – R U OK? is a national campaign focused on early intervention through meaningful conversations. It raises awareness around mental health and suicide prevention by encouraging people to check in on friends, colleagues, and loved ones.