Australian counselling and mental health resources
This page links to external organisations that may be more appropriate than a general website enquiry. Services change, so confirm opening hours, eligibility, fees and contact details on the organisation’s own website.
Crisis and immediate support
- Lifeline — 24-hour crisis support by phone, text and online chat.
- Suicide Call Back Service — telephone and online counselling for people feeling suicidal and those supporting them.
- Beyond Blue Support Service — brief counselling and information for anxiety, depression and wellbeing.
- Healthdirect mental health helplines — a current national list of specialised services.
Finding professional support
- Healthdirect: counsellors and counselling — what counsellors do and when support may help.
- Talking to a GP about mental health — assessment, treatment and referral information.
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia — professional information and practitioner resources.
- Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists — search registered practitioners and verify details.
Specialist and practical support
Some concerns need a service with specific expertise. For debt, look for free accredited financial counselling rather than relying on general emotional support alone. For family violence, use a specialist safety service. For alcohol or other drug withdrawal, seek medical advice because sudden withdrawal from some substances can be dangerous. For legal disputes, use a qualified legal service.
A general counsellor can still support the emotional and behavioural effects of these situations, but should not work beyond their competence or discourage specialist help.
Using external directories safely
Check the practitioner’s current registration or professional membership, qualifications, supervision, insurance, practice area, fees, privacy arrangements and complaints process. A listing is not a guarantee that a practitioner is suitable for every person or concern.
