Accessing professional support

Seeking professional support 

When you are having thoughts of suicide, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and distressed. These feelings can be very intense, and you may feel alone in your struggles. However, you’re not alone in this. Services and health professionals are available to support you through this difficult time. 

Asking for help is an important step towards getting the professional support you need. There are many options available, from face-to-face services to phone and online services. Whichever you choose, it’s important that you are honest about your situation and how you’re feeling, so you can get the support you need. 

If the thought of talking to someone feels daunting, read our article on Talking about suicide for some ways to start the conversation.  

If it is an emergency, please call 000. 

Free telephone helplines available anytime

Free national telephone helplines can provide support and information. 

Telephone helplines provide immediate support 24/7, without waiting for an appointment or travelling to a medical centre. They may be particularly useful for people in rural or remote areas, or when you can’t access your regular healthcare provider. 

Some of these services also offer online web chat or text support. 

Suicide Call Back Service – Call  1300 659 467 

Suicide Call Back Service provides support to anyone who is thinking about suicide. You can call at any time to speak to a professionally trained counsellor. Online counselling via web chat is also available – click the chat button on the right to start a counselling session.  

Lifeline – Call 13 11 14 

Lifeline is a national 24-hour crisis helpline offering support to all Australians who are experiencing emotional distress. Phone, text and web chat services are available. 

13YARN – Call 13 92 76    

13YARN is a free national 24/7 crisis support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The service is staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters for mob who feel overwhelmed or have difficulty coping. 

Kids Helpline – Call 1800 55 1800 

Kids Helpline is a free national 24/7 phone and online counselling service for kids, teens, and young people. 

Mental health services for professional support

Reaching out to a mental health service in your region can provide longer–term support. 

Medicare Mental Health

Medicare Mental Health is a free national service from the Australian Government that connects people to mental health support. The service can help you navigate and choose the most suitable support options, whether face-to-face, online, or by phone. You can call 1800 595 212 (weekdays 8:30am-5:00pm, excl. public holidays) or visit the Medicare Mental Health website.   

State and Territory Services 

State and territory governments provide mental health services in their communities. You can call one of the numbers below to find a mental health service in your area.  

• Australian Capital Territory – Mental Health Triage Service, call 1800 629 354   

• New South Wales – Mental Health Line, call 1800 011 511 

• Northern Territory – Northern Territory Mental Health Line, call 1800 682 288 

• Queensland – 1300 MH CALL 1300 642255 

• South Australia – Mental Health Triage Service, call 13 14 65 

• Tasmania – Access Mental Health, call 1800 332 388 

• Victoria – NURSE-ON-CALL, call 1300 60 60 24  or search for mental health services in your area 

• Western Australia – Mental Health Emergency Response Line, call 1800 676 822   

General practitioners (GPs)

Your GP may be your first point of contact for concerns about your mental and emotional health. You can talk to your GP about how you’ve been feeling, and they can discuss with you the type of support that best suits you. Your GP can provide immediate support and help you develop a plan for ongoing care. 

Depending on your situation, the GP might create a Mental Health Treatment Plan and refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist. If you are provided a referral through the plan, you are eligible for up to 10 subsidised sessions each year. For more information on Mental Health Treatment Plans, visit the Healthdirect website.  

If you already have a regular GP and are feeling suicidal, contact them and explain that you need an urgent appointment. Arrange to see them as soon as possible and book a longer appointment, so you have time to discuss your circumstances. 

If you don’t have a GP, you can use the Health Direct – Find a health service to find one in your area.  

Mental health professionals

Mental health professionals are trained to understand suicidal thoughts and behaviours, listen without judgement, and provide ways to help you cope.  

Depending on their role and area of expertise, they may be able to provide you with psychological therapy, medication, or refer you to other specialised services. 

Your GP can refer you to a mental health professional through a Mental Health Treatment Plan. If you’re already seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor, therapist or other professional, phone to arrange to see them as soon as possible. 

For more on the different healthcare professionals, visit the websites below: 

• Counsellors – The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia has a directory of counsellors and therapists. 

• Psychologists – The Australian Psychological Society has a directory of psychologists and more information on seeing a psychologist. 

• Psychiatrists – The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has a directory of psychiatrists, information on psychiatry, and how to get an appointment. 

You may also be supported by a mental health nurse, who usually works as part of a wider team of health professionals. Mental health nurses specialise in working with people who have mental health conditions. They work in clinics, hospitals, general practice, and community settings. 

In an emergency

If you are in immediate danger, or concerned for your safety in any way: 

• Call 000 and request an ambulance. Stay on the line, speak clearly, and be ready to answer the operator’s questions. 

• Visit your local hospital’s emergency department. 

Asking for help is an important first step. There are people who understand what you’re going through and who can provide the support you need. 

If you are having thoughts of suicide and need someone to talk to, call Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 to speak to a counsellor. You can also click the chat button on the right to start an online counselling session. Our service is free and available 24/7. 

If it is an emergency, please call 000.