What they are:

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CATT and Mental Health Triage services are part of the public mental health system in Australia. They provide 24/7 crisis support and assessment for people experiencing acute mental health distress, severe emotional overwhelm, or situations where safety may be at risk.

When to contact them:

• When someone is in immediate mental health crisis and may need urgent professional support.

• When safety or wellbeing is at serious risk (either for yourself or someone else).

• When you’re unsure what kind of help is needed, but things feel too much to manage alone.

What to expect:

• A trained mental health clinician (often a nurse, social worker, or psychologist) will answer your call.

• They’ll ask about what’s happening, current risks, supports around you, and how you’re coping.

• They can provide phone support, arrange a face-to-face assessment (at home, in hospital, or community settings), or connect you with ongoing mental health services.

• If there is an immediate risk to safety, they may coordinate with ambulance or police to ensure urgent help is provided.

• Wait times and response levels can vary depending on urgency, location, and available staff.