Mental health resources

24-hour telephone counselling

Help, services and support

Lifeline provides access to crisis counselling, depression and anxiety support, stress management strategies and self-help tools. 

beyondblue is the national depression initiative, providing comprehensive online information on the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety and how to help someone. 

The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit, educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in depression and bipolar disorder. Their website features a host of resources and links, up-to-date research and information on community programs and getting help.

Minds Count (formerly the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation) is an independent organisation that aims to decrease distress, disability and the causes of depression and anxiety in the legal profession.

Adults

The Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) provides a 24-hour, seven day a week service used for assessment and treatment of mentally ill people in crisis situations.

Children and Young People

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provides assessment and treatment 7 days a week during business hours. Referrals are received from General Practitioners, School Counsellors or other concerned health professionals.

  • To make a referral, phone CAMHS on (02) 6205 1971 or Fax (02) 6205 2627.
  • For after-hours crisis services, contact CATT on free call 1800 629 354.
  • ACT Health Mental Health Services

Hyson Green Mental Health provides a range of residential and day patient services. Call them on (02) 6201 6000.

ACT Government-provided services

All referrals and initial contact with the Alcohol and Other Drugs Services can be made by calling the 24 Hour Helpline on (02) 6207 9977. The services are for all ACT residents who think that they, or a family member or friend may have an alcohol or drug problem.

Community-provided services

Directions provides a range of programs and services throughout the Canberra region that are available to people impacted by alcohol, drugs and other addictions, as well as to their families and the wider community. Call them on (02) 6132 4800.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a peer support organisation for people with a drinking problem. Call them on 1300 222 222. 

Al-Anon is a peer support organisation for families and friends of alcoholics, to help them recover from the effects of living with someone with a drinking problem. Call them on 1300 252 666. 

Lifeline provides a free and confidential telephone crisis support service 24-hours, 7 days a week by calling 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service provides a free phone counselling service for anyone affected by suicide 24-hours, 7 days a week by calling 1300 659 467.

Kids Help Line provides a free counselling service for kids and young people aged 5-25 years, 24-hours, 7 days a week by calling 1800 55 1800.

StandBy is dedicated to supporting people and communities across Australia bereaved or impacted by suicide, by providing a coordinated response of support and assistance and a single point of contact to assist in coordinating existing services to provide a response. Call them on 0421 725 180.

Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) supports all people affected by domestic/family violence. This includes people who are subjected to violence and abuse and people who use violence and abuse. DVCS does prioritise the needs of people subjected to violence and abuse above those who use violence.

  • DVCS is available 24 hours a day on (02) 6280 0900. 

 

Other family and domestic violence support services:

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) is available for any adult, child, or young person who has experienced any form of sexual abuse (adult rape, childhood sexual abuse, ritual abuse or sexual harassment) whether it is a recent assault or an assault that happened years ago. CRCC provides crisis lines, counselling and advocacy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities support, and community education programs.

  • Call them on (02) 6247 2525 for assistance between 7am and 11pm. 

Meridian (formerly AIDS Action Council) provides counselling for all over the age of 16, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, cultural background, religious belief or economic circumstances. Call them on (02) 6257 2855. 

Dr Lisa Watson at Waramanga Medical Centre has expertise and personal experience in trans* and intersex health, and welcomes new patients. Call her on (02) 6288 1855.

Dr Tuck Meng Soo and Dr Nick Hamilton at the Airport General Practice have an interest in transgender health and welcome patients who require assistance in this area. They offer non-judgmental, comprehensive healthcare. Call them on: (02) 6248 2600.

A Gender Agenda works with the sex and gender diverse community (trans* intersex and gender diverse) and provides information, support, community events, education and advocacy.
Call them on: (02) 6162 1924. 

Victim Support ACT can assist victims of crime with counselling and advocacy, as well as linking them with a financial assistance scheme.

  • Call them on 1800 8222 72 or (02) 6205 2066. 

Cancer Council ACT Inc provides a telephone counselling service for people affected by cancer and their families and carers. They also offer facilitated support groups and volunteer peer assistance.

  • Call their helpline on 13 11 20.

ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS) can assist with advocacy and supported decision-making for people with a disability and the aged, and with support coordination under the NDIS. Call them on (02) 6242 5060. 

Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) can assist disabled people and their families with sexual health education and assistance. Call them on (02) 6247 3077. 

Carers ACT can assist carers with stress management and respite services, among other things. Call them on 1800 422 737. 

Carers ACT can assist carers with stress management and respite services, among other things. Call them on 1800 422 737. 

StandBy is dedicated to supporting people and communities across Australia bereaved or impacted by suicide, by providing a coordinated response of support and assistance and a single point of contact to assist in coordinating existing services to provide a response. Call them on 0421 725 180. 

Clare Holland House: Calvary Bruce Public Hospital’s Community Specialist palliative care services operate from Clare Holland House. They provide outpatient clinic services, care in the home or residential setting, and inpatient hospice services. They can also assist the families of dying patients. Call them on (02) 6273 0336.

The Compassionate Friends of ACT and Queanbeyan assist people bereaved by the death of a child. Call them on 02 6286 6134 or 02 6287 3350. 

Red Nose Grief and Loss (formerly SIDS and Kids) assist individuals and families after the sudden or unexpected death of a baby or young child. Call them on 1300 308 307. 

Palliative Care ACT also has a comprehensive list of resources, including for grief and funeral planning.

Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) can assist people with fertility issues, those experiencing perimenopause or menopause, and can assist with family planning, along with sexual health concerns. Call them on (02) 6247 3077. 

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling) provides free and confidential, nation-wide counselling and support for war and service-related mental health conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. They also provide relationship and family counselling to address issues that can arise due to the unique nature of military service. 

  • During business hours call 1800 011 046.
  • Outside business hours 1800 628 036 connects you with the Department of Defence Mental Health All-hours Support Line. 
 

 

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