Crisis and urgent support in Australia
Counsellor.com.au is not an emergency or crisis service, and website forms are not monitored continuously. The services below are better suited to immediate support.
Lifeline
24-hour crisis support by phone, text and online chat.
Call 13 11 14
Text 0477 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service
24-hour telephone and online counselling for people feeling suicidal and people worried about someone.
Call 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue
24-hour brief counselling and information for anxiety, depression and wellbeing concerns.
Call 1300 22 4636
Healthdirect
Australian health information and a directory of mental health helplines and services.
What to say when you call
You do not need a perfect explanation. State where you are, whether anyone is in immediate danger, whether there has been an injury or overdose, and whether the person has thoughts, plans or access to means of self-harm. Tell the service about severe confusion, psychosis, intoxication, withdrawal, violence, children at risk or a medical condition that may affect the response.
If speaking feels difficult, write the address and the most urgent facts before calling. A support person can stay nearby, help communicate and take notes, but should not speak over the person unless safety or capacity makes that necessary.
Helping someone else
Stay with the person if it is safe, listen without arguing, ask directly whether they are in immediate danger, and help them contact emergency or crisis support. Remove access to obvious means of harm only when you can do so safely. Do not promise to keep a life-threatening risk secret.
A direct question about suicide does not create suicidal thoughts. Ask calmly and take the answer seriously. Avoid debating reasons to live, giving a lecture or leaving the person alone while you search for the perfect service. When safety is uncertain, emergency support is more appropriate than a future counselling booking.
When the situation is urgent but not immediately life-threatening
Contact a GP, local mental health service, urgent care service or emergency department. A GP is often a useful starting point for assessment, treatment and referral. Keep this page open while calling if it helps organise the next step.
After the immediate crisis
Once immediate safety has been addressed, follow-up may include a GP, mental health team, psychologist, counsellor, addiction service or another specialist pathway. Ask for written discharge or follow-up information where available, clarify who will make the next contact and reduce avoidable gaps between services.
Friends and family may also need support after a crisis. They can care about the person without becoming the only safety plan. Shared professional and community support is safer than relying on one exhausted individual.
