Mental Health: Crisis & Support Services
When in crisis, reach out.
This page brings together crisis and support services available across Australia.
You do not have to be in critical crisis to reach out. Feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, distressed, alone, or unsure of what to do next is reason enough.
At In Relation, we know that therapy is not always immediately accessible. There are real barriers: cost, wait times, uncertainty, shame, fear, culture, or simply not knowing where to begin. Helplines can offer an important point of contact in those moments, when things feel too much to hold alone.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 000.
Emergency
- Emergency Services
For immediate emergency assistance when someone's safety is at risk, including police, fire, or ambulance.
triplezero.gov.au →000
Crisis & Suicide Prevention
- Lifeline
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
lifeline.org.au →13 11 14 - Suicide Call Back Service
24/7 phone and online counselling for people affected by suicidal thoughts, suicide risk, or suicide bereavement.
suicidecallbackservice.org.au →1300 659 467 - Beyond Blue
Mental health support for anxiety, depression, distress, and emotional wellbeing.
beyondblue.org.au →1300 22 4636
Sexual & Family Violence
- 1800RESPECT
National counselling, information and support for sexual assault, domestic violence, and family violence.
1800respect.org.au →1800 737 732 - Sexual Assault Crisis Line
Crisis counselling and support for people who have experienced recent or past sexual assault.
sacl.com.au →1800 806 292 - Safe Steps
24/7 specialist family violence crisis support. Primarily Victoria.
safesteps.org.au →1800 015 188
Specific Communities
- Kids Helpline
Free 24/7 phone and online counselling for children and young people aged 5–25.
kidshelpline.com.au →1800 55 1800 - PANDA
Support for parents and families during pregnancy, early parenthood, and pregnancy loss. Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia.
panda.org.au →1300 726 306 - Open Arms
Counselling and mental health support for veterans and their families.
openarms.gov.au →1800 011 046 - Rainbow Door
Specialist support for LGBTIQA+ people, their friends, families and support networks.
rainbowdoor.org.au →1800 729 367 - MensLine Australia
Telephone and online counselling for men with mental health, relationship, family, and emotional concerns.
mensline.org.au →1300 78 99 78 - Men's Referral Service
Counselling, information and referral for men using, or at risk of using, violent or controlling behaviour.
ntv.org.au →1300 766 491 - Parentline QLD & NT
Free phone and online counselling for parents and carers in Queensland and Northern Territory.
parentline.com.au →1300 30 1300
Child Safety & Crime
- Victims of Crime Helpline
Information and support for people affected by crime. Victim support numbers vary by state.
victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au →1800 819 817
Some services listed are state-specific, particularly those in Victoria and Queensland/Northern Territory. Contact details may change over time. If a number does not connect, check the organisation's website directly or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for support and referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You do not have to be in critical crisis to reach out. Feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, distressed, alone, or unsure of what to do next is reason enough.
Call 000 for emergency services. This connects you to police, fire, or ambulance for situations where someone's safety is at risk right now.
Lifeline (13 11 14) is a 24/7 general crisis support and suicide prevention line, and a good starting point if you're unsure. Many of the other services listed are specific to particular needs, such as family violence, LGBTIQA+ support, or support for men, parents, or young people.
Contact details can change over time, and some services are state-specific, particularly those in Victoria and Queensland/Northern Territory. If a number doesn't connect, check the organisation's website directly or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for support and referral.