Helplines

If your safety or the safety of others is at risk, contact emergency services on 000 (24 hours, 7 days)

ARAFMI
For Carer & Family Support.
Call 1300 554 660 (24 Hours, 7 days)

Beyond Blue
For depression, anxiety and related disorders.
Call 1300 22 4636 (24 hours, 7 days)
Chat Online crisis chat (3pm to 12am. Email responses within 24 hours)

Lifeline
For crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.
Call 13 11 14 (24 hours)
Text 0477 131 114 (24 hours, 7 days)
Chat Online crisis chat (from 7pm to midnight, 7 nights)

Nurse On Call
For expert health advice from a nurse.
Call 1300 60 60 24 (24 hours, 7 days)

Safe Steps (Family Violence Response Centre)
For family violence support.
Call 1800 015 188 (24 hours, 7 days)

Sane
For people affected by complex mental health issues.
Call 1800 187 263 (Mon – Fri, 10am – 8pm)

Sexual Assult Crisis Line
For people who have experienced sexual violence.
Call 1800 806 292 (5pm-9am, every day)

SuicideLine Victoria
For people at risk of, concerned about someone at risk, or are affected by suicide.
Call 1300 659 467 (24 hours, 7 days)
Chat Online and video chat is also available via their website.

Suicide Call Back Service
For crisis support and counselling.
Call 1300 659 467 (24 hours, 7 days)
Chat Online and video chat is also available via their website.

VAHI mental health servicesdirectory
For people seeking a specialist mental health response that will identify the urgency and nature of response required.
Visit web link for Phone numbers in your area (24 hours, 7 days)

Other helplines for specific groups in the community

13YARN
National crisis line support for Indigenous Australians.
Call 13 92 76 (24 hours, 7 days)

ARCVic 
Anxiety and OCD Helpline.
1300 269 438 (10am to 8.30pm weekdays)

Blue Knot Foundation Helpline 
For adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. 
Call 1300 657 380 (9am-5pm, 7 days)

Brother to Brother
Crisis support for Aboriginal men.
Call 1800 435 799 (24 hours, 7 days)

Bush Support Line
For people in rural and remote areas.
Call 1800 805 391 (24 hours, 7 days)

Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline 
For people with eating disorders, and body image and related issues.
Call 1800 33 4673 (8am-9pm, every day)

Cairnmillar Institute
Low cost counselling with student clinicians.
Call 1800 391 393

Direct Line
For people impacted by drug use.
Call 1800 888 236 (24 hours, 7 days)

eheadspace 
For young people aged 12 to 25 years and their families
Call 1800 650 890
Chat Online Chat available via their website

Family Drug and Gambling Help
For people impacted by drug use and gambling
Call 1300 660 068 (24 hours, 7 days)

Gamblers Help Youth Line
Gambling support for people under 25
Call 1800 262 376 (24 hours, 7 days)

HeadtoHealth
For help finding free mental health information, services and support
Call 1800 595 212 (8:30am - 5pm, Monday - Friday)

Kids Helpline
Crisis support for young people aged 5-25.
Call 1800 55 1800 (24 hours, 7 days)

MensLine Australia 
Crisis support for Australian men
Call 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours, 7 days)

Mental Health Foundation Australia 
For families, carers and individuals with mental health issues. The response team does not provide counselling but can arrange a call back from a trained Psychologist or Counsellor.
Call 1300 643 287

MindSpot Clinic   
For people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression
Call 1800 61 44 34 (8am to 8pm weekdays, 8am to 6pm Saturday)

Open Arms (Veterans and Families Counselling) 
Free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, and their families. 
Call 1800 011 046 (24 hours, 7 days)

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
For parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood
Call 1300 726 306 (9am-7:30pm Mon-Fri)

Switchboard — Qlife / Rainbow Door
For LGBTIQA+ people, their family and friends
Call 1800 184 527 (3pm to 12am, every day)
Chat Online Chat (3pm to 12am, every day)
Call 1800 729 367 (10am to 5pm, every day)*closed some public holidays
Text 0480 017 246 (10am to 5pm, every day)*closed some public holidays

The Compassionate Friends Victoria 
For families trying to rebuild their lives after the death of a child, sibling or grandchild.
Call 03 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068 (24 hours, 7days)
Chat (Sibling Support) web chat  (8pm-11pm, every day)

*List of helplines from Mental Health Victoria Reviewed 17 December 2024