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Free Telephone Counseling Hotlines in Australia

On this page:

National Suicide & Crisis Lines  Alcohol & Substance Abuse  Domestic & Sexual Violence  Eating Disorders  Gay & Lesbian (GLBTQ)  Specific Disorders / Other  Sexual Health / Pregnancy  Youth & Parenting Grief Support Mental Health Conditions & Family Support Trauma Survivors

National Suicide & Crisis Lines

  • LifeLine

    13 11 141We are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24/7 crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services. Lifeline is the largest crisis line in Australia and can assist with a wide variety of issues.

  • Beyond Blue

    1 (300) 22 4636 Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. Support is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week through our national helpline.

  • Suicide Call Back Service

    1300 659 467 Suicide Call Back Service offers free nationwide professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling support to people at risk of suicide. People concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide, and anyone experiencing emotional or mental health issues are also able to access the service.

  • The Samaritans

    135 247 When life gets too big, call us for help. Talk us through what’s getting to you – big or small. No judgment. No pressure. We are here for anyone who needs someone. People contact us with all sort of worries. What for someone is a small issue, for others can be huge. You don’t have to be suicidal to call us and you can stay anonymous.

Online Counseling

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Alcohol & Substance Abuse

  • Alcohol and Drug Foundation

    1 (300) 858 584 At the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, we’re here to listen, provide support and information and lead everyday conversations about alcohol and other drugs. Our website and Drug Info and Advice Line are easily accessible ways to access information and support about anything to do with drugs and alcohol.

  • National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline

    1800 250 015 Call the Australian Health Department’s National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline for free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs.

  • Counseling Online

    Online Chat
    Counselling Online is a free and confidential service that provides 24/7 support to people across Australia affected by alcohol or drug use.

  • Alcohol and Drug Information and Support Services (ADIS)

    Refer to number for your state.
    Alcohol and Drug Information and Support Services (ADIS) are state and territory-based Government funded services that offer telephone counselling, information, referral and support, 24 hours a day, for anyone seeking help for their own or another person's alcohol or drug use. Please use the number for your state listed below for assistance:
    ACT - 02 5124 9977 NSW - 1800 250 015 NT - 1800 131 350 QLD - 1800 177 833 SA - 1300 131 340 TAS - 1800 250 015 VIC - 1800 888 236 WA - 08 9442 5000

  • Narcotics Anonymous Australia

    1300 652 820 If you think you might have a drug problem and want to stop using, we can help. Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.  We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. Give us a call or visit the website to search for a meeting or find someone to talk to.

  • Alcoholics Anonymous Australia

    1300 222 222 Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Give us a call or visit the website to search for a meeting or find someone to talk to.

Domestic & Sexual Violence

  • Bravehearts

    1 (800) 272 831 If you would like to talk to someone, Bravehearts’ national Information and Support Line can be accessed by anyone wanting information or support relating to child sexual assault and exploitation.

  • Men’s Referral Service

    1300 766 491 The Men’s Referral Service is a free, confidential telephone helpline that offers counselling, advice and support to men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues. The service also provides help to women (or other family members) who are experiencing violence or controlling behaviour by men.

  • 1 800 RESPPECT

    1800 737 732 1800RESPECT is the 24/7 national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. We provide support for people experiencing, or at the risk of experiencing violence and abuse. Our service is also available to friends and family, and professionals.

  • Full Stop Australia

    1800 385 578 Full Stop Australia offers confidential, trauma specialist counselling for people of all genders who are impacted by violence and abuse. It is also available to their friends, colleagues and family members.

  • ReachOut.Com

    Please refer to your state's number:
    If you’ve been affected by domestic violence there are a number of organisations throughout Australia that can offer practical help and support, advice, and counselling. Please call the corresponding number to your state for assistance: ACT - 02 6280 0900 NSW - 1800 656 463 NT - 08 8945 1388 QLD - 1800 811 811 SA - 1300 782 200 TAS - 1800 633 937 VIC - 1800 015 188 WA - 1800 007 339

Eating Disorders

  • Butterfly National Support Line and Web Counselling Service

    1 800 (33 4673) ED HOPE We’re here for anyone in Australia concerned about eating disorders or body image issues. Whether you need support for yourself or someone you care about, you can access support and assistance through our helpline. All of our counsellors are qualified mental health professionals with a background in psychology, social work or counselling.

  • Eating Disorders Association

    08 6186 9550 The Eating Disorders Association Resource Centre provides an information, support and referral service by phone during business hours. We offer support and short-term telephone counselling throughout Australia, plus can put you in touch with other services pertaining to identified issues. Our directory includes therapists and other professionals with specialist knowledge in the treatment and support of people with eating disorders.

Online Counseling

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LGBTQ Hotlines

  • QLife

    1 (800) 184 527QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues, including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. QLife services are free and include both telephone and webchat support, delivered by trained LGBTI community members across the country. Our services are for LGBTI individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals.

Specific Disorders / Other

  • HealthDirect

    1 (800) 022 222 Funded by the Government of Australia, Healthdirect Australia enables anyone, anywhere in Australia, to access free health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Quality health information and advice is available online and over the phone.

  • MindSpot

    1800 61 44 34 MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for Australian adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression, and low mood. We provide therapist-guided assessment and treatment courses, or we can help you find local services that can help.

  • Defence Health All-Hours Support Line

    1800 628 036 The All-hours Support Line (ASL) is a free and confidential telephone service for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ASL is designed as a triage line, which simply means that it is there to help you access ADF or civilian mental health services more easily. Services that you can access include psychology, medical, social work, and chaplain services.

  • Mens Line Australia

    1 (300) 789 978 MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service offering free support for Australian men anywhere, anytime. Our qualified counsellors specialise in family and relationship issues, including relationship breakdown, separation and divorce, parenting, family violence, suicide prevention and emotional well-being.

  • Gambling Help Online

    1800 858 858 Gambling Help Online is a Government funded service to assist anyone in Australia affected by problem gambling. Informed by extensive research and expert advice, Gambling Help Online is staffed by professional counsellors with expertise in problem gambling and online services. Free 24/7 chat and support is available through our website.

  • Open Arms

    1800 011 046 Open Arms – Veterans & Family Counselling was founded by Australia's Vietnam veterans. It is Australia’s leading provider of mental health assessment and counselling for Australian veterans and their families. We provide free and confidential counselling, group programs and peer support, to anyone who has served at least one day in the Navy, Army or Air Force, and their families. Our crisis line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Dardi Munwurro

    1800 435 799 The Brother to Brother crisis line is run by Dardi Munwurro. It provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues, or who are struggling to cope for other reasons. The line is staffed 24/7 by Aboriginal men, including Elders, who have a lived experience in the issues that the line offers support for.

  • Services Australia - Natural Disaster Support Line

    180 22 66 Services Australia provide a range of practical and financial support to anyone affected by an identified natural disaster. Information on what assistance is available can be found on our website. A range of emergency payments can be claimed online, while some require a call to the Natural Disaster Support Line that operates Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

  • Family Relationship Advice Line

    1800 050 321 The Family Relationship Advice Line is a national telephone service that helps families affected by relationship or separation issues. It can provide information on parenting arrangements after separation, plus can also refer callers to local services that provide assistance. Anyone can call the Advice Line about family relationships. It is a free service funded by the Australian Government.

Sexual Health / Pregnancy

  • Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA)

    1300 726 306 PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy, and in the first year of parenthood. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline for individuals and their families to recover from perinatal anxiety and depression, a serious illness that affects up to one in five expecting or new mums, and one in ten expecting or new dads.

  • Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline

    1 (800) 882 436Offers free and confidential information and counselling about pregnancy, childbirth and babies up to 12 months old. This service is available to women, their partners, friends and relatives.

Youth & Parenting

  • Parents Beyond Breakup

    1300 853 437 Parents Beyond Breakup is a charity that supports parents experiencing trauma related to family breakdown and separation. Separation from a former partner and children is a factor closely linked to suicide in Australia. Dads, Mums and Grandparents can call our free helpline for support.

  • Kids Helpline

    1 (800) 551 800A 24-hour nationwide service that provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and counselling services for Australians aged 5–25.

  • Tresilian Parent’s Help Line

    1300 272 736 Tresillian Family Care Centres is Australia’s largest not-for-profit Early Parenting Service. It offers professional advice, education and guidance to families with a baby, toddler or pre-schooler. Our Nurses are only a phone call away, ready to provide a listening ear and helpful advice. They can also assist you to access the Tresillian service which will best meet your needs.

  • Headspace

    1800 650 890 Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation in Australia. We support young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug issues, as well as work and study support. You can connect with one of our trained clinicians by phone or online 7 days a week.

  • ReachOut

    02 8029 7777 ReachOut is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia. Our trusted self-help information, peer-support program, and referral tools save lives by helping young people be well and stay well. The information we offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too.

Grief Support

  • Griefline

    1300 845 745 Griefline works with anyone experiencing grief and loss across Australia, inclusive of remote, regional, rural and metropolitan regions. Our national toll-free helpline operates from 6am to midnight (AEST). All of our services are free and available 365 days a year.

  • Sands

    1300 308 307 Sands is a volunteer-based organisation providing individualised care from one bereaved parent to another, giving them support and hope for the future following the death of a baby. Today our 60+ volunteers provide peer-to-peer support services for bereaved parents around the clock, through our national support line, email, live chat and local face-to-face support groups.

Mental Health Conditions & Family Support

  • Mental Health Carers Australia

    1300 554 660 Mental Health Carers Australia grew out of the national movement of ARAFMI organisations across Australia. Originally, ARAFMI was an acronym for Association of Relatives And Friends of the Mentally Ill. There are state based support organisations for carers of people with mental illness throughout Australia. The information and support line run by Mental Health Carers Australia is the easiest way to connect with a relevant support service in your state.

  • Wellways Australia

    1300 111 400 Wellways helpline is a national volunteer support and referral service, that provides information to people experiencing mental health issues. Family, friends and carers can also access the service. We can help if you are feeling socially isolated, seeking information about mental health or services, or simply need someone to talk to. Everyone working on the Helpline has a lived experience of mental health issues, whether personal, or as someone who cares for a family member or friend.

  • Family Drug Support Australia

    1300 368 186 Family Drug Support operates a national 24 hr, 7 day a week telephone support service for families affected by alcohol and other drug issues. We recognise the vital role that families and friends play in helping drug users maintain good health and regain a normal life. We believe that by helping families of drug users we are ultimately helping the user.

  • Public Mental Health Crisis Services

    Refer to your state's hotline number:
    Each state in Australia provides comprehensive mental health support and treatment through the public health system. Part of these services are crisis lines that anyone can call for assistance to manage a mental health crisis. State based contact numbers for emergency mental health assistance are listed below:

    ACT - 1800 629 354 NSW - 1800 011 511 NT - 1800 682 288 QLD - 1300 642 255 SA - 13 14 65 TAS - 1800 332 388 VIC - 1300 874 243 WA - 1300 555 788

  • Sane Australia

    1800 187 263 SANE Australia is a national mental health charity making a real difference in the lives of people affected by complex mental health issues. The Sane helpline provides free information, counselling, and support to anyone in Australia struggling with their mental health, or that of a loved one.

  • Carers Gateway

    1800 422 737 Caring for someone can be hard work and a big responsibility. Whether you need support, advice, counselling, or help in an emergency, Carer Gateway can assist. By calling Carer Gateway you will be connected with a new Australia-wide network of service providers. They will talk through what you need and help you to find local support services. Our phone line is available 24/7.

Trauma Survivors

  • FASSTT

    Refer to your state's hotline number:
    The Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) is a network of eight specialist rehabilitation agencies. These agencies work with survivors of torture and trauma who have come to Australia from overseas. Please call the number below that corresponds to your state for free support and assistance.

    WA (ASeTTS) - 08 9227 2700 ACT (Companion House) - 02 6251 4550 VIC (Foundation House) - 03 9388 0022 NT (Melaleuca Refugee Centre) - 08 8985 3311 TAS (Phoenix Centre) - 03 6234 9138 QLD (QPASTT) - 07 3391 6677 NSW (STARTTS) - 02 9794 1900 SA (STTARS) - 08 8206 8900

  • Blue Knot Foundation

    1300 657 380 Blue Knot provides information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma. Complex trauma is repeated, ongoing, and often extreme interpersonal trauma (between people). It may include violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation experienced as a child, young person and adult. You can call the Blue Knot Helpline 7 days a week for support from our trained counsellors.
Suicidal? In Danger? Go to Suicide Hotlines.