Emergency Help & Professional Support Directory

Disclaimer: All directory information is local to support services in Australia/New Zealand only.

If you or someone close to you is in distress or immediate danger dial 000(Australia) or 111(New Zealand) as soon as possible.

Some people may have suicidal thoughts when things are too hard and painful. If you feel like life is no longer worth living, it’s really important to seek immediate help. With help, you can overcome these thoughts and stay safe.

Emergency support

If your life is in danger call emergency services:

  • Emergency Australia – 000

  • Emergency New Zealand – 111

Counselling (24/7)

If you need support call one of the following numbers

Crisis Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

A free and confidential service run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Counselling for eating disorders

If you need support for an eating disorder, or as a carer of someone with an eating disorder, please call the below number

If you don’t feel like you can call any of the above services, you can also:

  • Talk to someone you trust

  • Contact your GP, a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist

  • Visit a hospital emergency department

Finding the right professional for you.

Seeking help is scary. 

It’s scary taking the leap into the unknown, the thought of saying it out loud and scared of being judged. It’s scary to say out loud because then it makes it real and makes you feel even more vulnerable.

You needn’t be scared. You’ll be surprised to find that the second you let it out, the less alone you’ll feel. The more you talk about it, you’ll realise the love and support that surrounds you.

Figuring out who to see  and where to start to support your mental health can be hard. Often the best place to start is talking to your GP, who if need be, can refer you to the right professional(s) for you.
Some people may need help from one mental health professional. Others may need a team of professionals for different treatments.

The key is to find someone you feel 100% comfortable with and that you can trust. While some people find a practitioner and treatment that works for them on the first time, for others it can take a few tries. 

The main thing is to persevere –don’t let one bad experience put you off getting support.

Finding a General Practitioner/Doctor (GP)

The best place to start is to go to your regular GP.

If you don’t have a regular GP or don't feel comfortable with your regular GP, you can find one near you using healthdirect's National Health Services Directory. 

When booking:

  • Make sure you’ve got plenty of time to talk without feeling rushed.

  • Ask for a longer or double appointment to talk about depression or anxiety. 

You and your GP may decide to have follow up appointments to check on your progress or refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

Finding a Psychologist or Psychiatrist

Psychologists and psychiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. 

While a referral from a general practitioner (GP) isn't required to consult a psychologist/psychiatrist, obtaining one is necessary to claim a Medicare rebate in Australia.

If you prefer a specific psychologist/psychiatrist, you can search for one independently and ask your GP for a referral to that particular professional. The Australian Psychological Society’s directory is a helpful resource to find qualified psychologists and for psychiatrists, use the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' directory (this is an opt-in directory which may not list all psychiatrists in Australia).

Rebates:

Medicare offers rebates for both individual and group sessions with psychologists. To be eligible for these rebates, you must have a mental health treatment plan (referral) from a GP. Additionally, individuals with private health insurance and extras cover may potentially claim a portion of the psychologist's fee. It is worth contacting your health fund to check your level cover.

Finding a Counsellor or Psychotherapist

Counsellors and psychotherapists provide assistance to individuals facing mental health challenges. No referral is necessary to seek the services of a counsellor or psychotherapist, and unfortunately, Medicare rebates are not applicable.

To locate a certified professional in your vicinity, you can refer to the:

Rebates:

For those with private health insurance and extras cover, there is a possibility to claim a portion of the fee for counselling or psychotherapy services. It’s worth reaching out to your health fund to confirm the extent of your cover.