Mental health: where to get help
Do you or someone you know have mental health problems? Not sure where to go for help?
The following pages have guidance on different types of mental health professionals and services, how to access them and the possible associated costs.
If you need urgent help, please call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Are you having a tough time and need to talk to someone right now? Find information about helplines and services that are available throughout Australia.
You can also visit Head to Health, an online gateway funded by the Australian Government that can help you find free and low-cost, trusted phone and online mental health resources. Or find out more below.
Australian mental health services
It can be difficult to understand how the complex mental health system in Australia operates. Learn how you can access the care you need.
Community mental health services
Community mental health services are for people with severe types of mental illnesses. Learn about your local community mental health services.
Low cost or free mental health services
Depending upon your personal circumstances, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on Government programs to assist with your treatment.
Mental health helplines
Information about key groups that can help with mental health problems, including healthdirect partners and leading Australian health organisations.
Mental health services by state and territory
State and territory governments offer hospital, emergency and community mental health services. Learn about services available in your region.
Paying for mental health services
Mental health costs vary depending where you are and what service you are provided. Learn more about the services and what the costs may be.
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Top results
Mental health services :: SA Health
Mental health services in South Australia. Where to get help: crisis, counselling, support, advocacy and complaint services.
Read more on SA Health website
Hospital mental health services - NT.GOV.AU
Top End and Central Australia mental health hospital services.
Read more on NT Health website
Mental health services environment: teens | Raising Children Network
The mental health services system can be a maze. Our guide helps you and your teenager understand the system and get the best service.
Read more on Raising Children Network website
Choosing mental health services for teens | Raising Children Network
If youre choosing mental health services for your teenage child, its vital to look for services that suit your childs and familys needs. Heres how.
Read more on Raising Children Network website
Welcome to Mental Health Services | Mental Health
Read more on Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services website
Community based mental health services - NT.GOV.AU
Non-government mental health support organisations and services for individuals and carers in the Northern Territory.
Read more on NT Health website
Mental health in remote communities - NT.GOV.AU
Top End and Central Australia remote mental health services.
Read more on NT Health website
Linking Physical and Mental Health Care... It Makes Sense - Information Sheet for Families, Friends and Carers - Publications
Information sheet for family, friends and carers of people who use a mental health service
Read more on NSW Health website
Mental health emergency
There is a range of mental health services available to provide support and immediate response to people in crisis or in need of urgent medical care.
Read more on WA Health website
Better access to mental health care: fact sheet for patients
Information about Medicare rebates available to patients for selected mental health services provided by GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists and eligible social workers and occupational therapists.
Read more on Department of Health website
Top results
Mental health support tips for services | ReachOut Professionals
Mental health support tips from young people, based on their experience of getting support for mental health difficulties.
Read more on ReachOut.com website
Inpatient mental health services
Advice and information for inpatient mental health services, to help workers respond to the needs of parents with mental illness, their children and families.
Read more on COPMI – Children of Parents with a Mental Illness website
National standards for mental health services 2010
This document outlines a revised set of mental health service standards which can be applied to all mental health services, including government, non-government and private sectors across Australia.
Read more on Department of Health website
Implementation guidelines for public mental health services and private hospitals
Information to guide implementation of the national standards for mental health services by public mental health services and private hospitals.
Read more on Department of Health website
Community mental health services
Advice for workers in the community mental health services, about how they can support parents and children when a parent experiences mental illness.
Read more on COPMI – Children of Parents with a Mental Illness website
Involving adults who use mental health services as providers of mental health services to others | Cochrane
Past or present consumers of mental health services can work in partnership with mental health professionals in 'consumer-provider' roles, when providing mental health services to others. Their roles may include peer support, coaching, advocacy, specialists or peer interviewers, case management or outreach, crisis worker or assertive community treatment worker, or providing social support programmes. Until now, the effects of employing past or present consumers of mental health services, in providing services to adult clients of these services, have not been assessed rigorously.
Read more on Cochrane (Australasian Centre) website
National Standards in Mental Health Services | Safety and Quality
Read more on Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website
Child Protection Issues for Mental Health Services - Risk of Harm Assessment Checklist - NSW Department of Health
Child Protection Issues for Mental Health Services - Risk of Harm Assessment Checklist , This Policy Directive is to be implemented in all Mental Health settings. This policy aims to direct mental health clinicians assessing pregnant women and carers of children (parents and others) in recognising and responding appropriately to specific risk factors associated with symptoms of mental illness. The policy targets all mental health settings where the NSW Standardised MH_OAT Clinical Assessment Protocols and Modules Policy is implemented.
Read more on NSW Health website
Implementation guidelines for non-government community services
Information to guide implementation of the national standards for mental health services by non-government community services.
Read more on Department of Health website
Addressing Workforce Challenges for Youth Mental Health Reform
The Australian Government’s goal of establishing a new national youth mental health service system requires significant and immediate action to address imminent workforce challenges.
Read more on Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health website
