Crisis Support Resources

If things feel unsafe, overwhelming, or too much to handle alone, help is available right now. Reaching out can take incredible courage — especially when past experiences with crisis care have been difficult — but you still deserve support and safety. These options exist to help you through the hardest moments, even if they don’t always feel perfect.

NOTE: A majority of these resources are Australia/Victoria-based. For international support, please visit findahelpline.com

Emergency Services (000)

Call if someone’s life is in danger or there’s an immediate safety risk.

You can ask for Ambulance or Police.

Paramedics are trained to respond to mental health emergencies and can take you to a hospital if needed.

Emergency Department

If you need urgent medical or mental health care, you can go (or be taken) to your local hospital ED.

You’ll usually speak with a triage nurse and may see a mental health clinician. It can be a long wait and a hard environment, but you have a right to care and to ask for someone to stay with you.

Crisis Helplines

Lifeline

13 11 14

24/7 phone and online chat for anyone feeling overwhelmed or in crisis. You don’t have to be suicidal to call.

Suicide Call Back Service

1300 659 467

24/7 phone and online counselling for people in crisis, feeling suicidal, or supporting someone who is.

Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) and Triage Contacts – Metropolitan Service Areas

What they are:

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.

CATT & Triage Teams by Location (VIC)

You can scroll through to find your local CATT Team and the right contact for your area

Name	Phone	Coverage	Hours
Central East	1300 721 927	Manningham (LGA), Monash-Waverley East & West, Whitehorse-Box Hill & Nunawading West (SLA)	8am–10pm, 7 days a week
Dandenong	1300 369 012	Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia (LGAs), Frankston-East (SLA)	24 hours
Inner South East	1300 363 746	Port Phillip, Stonnington (LGAs), Glen Eira-Caulfield (SLA)	24 hours
Inner Urban East	1300 558 862	Yarra, Boroondara (LGAs)	24 hours
Inner West	1300 874 243	Moonee Valley, Melbourne (LGAs)	24 hours
Middle West	1300 874 243	Melton, Brimbank (LGAs)	24 hours
Middle South	1300 369 012	Bayside, Kingston (LGAs)	24 hours
North East	1300 859 789	Nillumbik, Banyule (LGAs)	24 hours
North West	1300 874 243	Hume, Moreland (LGAs)	24 hours
Northern	1300 874 243	Whittlesea, Darebin (LGAs)	24 hours
Outer East	1300 721 927	Maroondah, Knox, Yarra Ranges (LGAs), Whitehorse-Nunawading East (SLA)	24 hours
Peninsula	1300 792 977	Mornington Peninsula, French Island (LGAs), Kingston-South, Frankston-West (SLAs)	24 hours
South West	1300 657 259	Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong (LGAs)	24 hours

Other Helplines and Supports

Suicide & Crisis Supports

When things feel too heavy or hopeless, these services offer someone to hold that weight with you — right now. You don’t have to have a plan or be in immediate danger to reach out; it’s okay to call simply because you’re struggling. Trained counsellors will listen without judgment, help you stay safe, and talk through options for support.

Lifeline — 13 11 14 — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467 — 24/7 phone and online counselling for people affected by suicide.
SuicideLine Victoria — 1300 651 251 — State-based phone and online counselling for suicidal thoughts or bereavement.
StandBy Support After Suicide — 1300 727 247 — Support for people bereaved or impacted by suicide.
13YARN — 13 92 76 — 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, by Indigenous counsellors.
Thirrili — 1800 805 801 — Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities after a suicide or fatal event.
Mental Health Triage — Contact local service for urgent assessment; available 24/7 (wait times may vary).
CATT (Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team) — Call through local triage; provides urgent in-person assessment and support for acute mental health crises.

Specialised Support

Living with a specific challenge—like trauma, perinatal mental health issues, eating disorders, or substance use—can feel isolating and difficult. These services provide expert advice, practical tools, and a safe space to talk about your experiences. You are not alone, and specialised support can help you navigate these challenges.

ARCVic OCD & Anxiety Helpline — 1300 269 438 OR (03) 9108 7383 - Support and information for anxiety, OCD, and related disorders.
Butterfly National Helpline — 1800 33 4673 — Support for eating disorders and body image concerns.
Blue Knot Foundation — 1300 657 380 — Support for adult survivors of complex trauma and childhood abuse.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — 1300 726 306 — Support for expecting and new parents.
ForWhen — 1300 24 23 22 — National perinatal mental health navigation service for parents and families.
Gidget Foundation — 1300 851 758 — Emotional wellbeing support for expectant and new parents.
Gamblers Help / Youthline — 1800 858 858 — Support for gambling-related issues.
DirectLine — 1800 888 236 — 24/7 confidential support for alcohol and drug-related issues.
National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline — 1800 250 015 — Information and referrals nationwide.
Nurse on Call (Vic) — 1300 606 024 — 24/7 advice from registered nurses.
VAHI — (Victorian Agency for Health Information) — Access to local hospital and mental health service contacts.
Open Arms — 1800 011 046 — 24/7 counselling for veterans, current ADF personnel, and their families.
Carer Gateway — 1800 422 737 — Support for carers, including those supporting loved ones with mental illness.
Bush Support Line — 1800 805 391 — 24/7 counselling for rural and remote health professionals.
MATES in Construction — 1300 642 111 — Support for construction, mining, and energy workers.
Transcultural Mental Health Line (TMHL) — 1800 648 911 — Telephone support for people in NSW from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm
The Compassionate Friends Victoria — 1300 064 068 — Worldwide support for bereaved parents, siblings (18+), and grandparents, 24/7

General Mental Health Support

Sometimes you just need someone to listen — not fix things, but hear you. These helplines can be that space. They’re here for moments of loneliness, confusion, or overwhelm, and can offer guidance or gentle next steps toward feeling supported.

Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 — 24/7 mental health support, information, and referrals.
SANE Helpline — 1800 187 263 — Support for people living with complex mental health conditions.
FriendLine — 1800 424 287 — A friendly chat for anyone feeling lonely or isolated.
Griefline — 1300 845 745 — Support for grief, loss, and life transitions.
Mental Health Foundation Helpline — 1300 643 287 — Mental health information and referral service.
Mental Health Triage — Contact local service for urgent assessment; available 24/7 (wait times may vary).
CATT (Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team) — Call through local triage; provides urgent in-person assessment and support for acute mental health crises.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community can bring unique challenges, and it takes courage to ask for help. These helplines offer safe, affirming, and confidential support for identity, relationships, and mental health concerns. You are seen, heard, and valued every time you reach out.

QLife — 1800 184 527 — 3 pm–midnight daily; anonymous phone and web chat support for LGBTQIA+ people.
Rainbow Door — 1800 729 367 — Specialist LGBTQIA+ support for mental health, relationships, and family violence.
Switchboard Victoria — (03) 9663 2939 — Support and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people and allies.

Domestic, Relationship & Family Violence Support

Asking for help with family conflict, relationship stress, or unsafe situations can feel intimidating, but it’s a brave and important step. These helplines offer confidential support, guidance, and safety planning for you or someone you care about. You deserve to feel safe, supported, and understood.

1800 RESPECT — 1800 737 732 — 24/7 national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
Safe Steps — 1800 015 188 — 24/7 crisis support for people experiencing family violence in Victoria.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (Victoria) — 1800 806 292 — 24/7 counselling for victim-survivors of sexual assault.
Brother to Brother — 1800 435 799 — 24/7 support line for Aboriginal men dealing with family violence, relationship issues, or parenting concerns.

About This Section:

Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, scary, or exhausting — especially when things already hurt.
If you’re here, that’s an act of courage. You’ve already taken a meaningful step toward care and connection.
You deserve safety, understanding, and support, no matter what you’re feeling or how long you’ve been struggling.
Every service listed below is free, confidential, and available to help — whether you’re in crisis, needing to talk, or simply unsure of what you need right now.
You don’t have to know what to say; it’s okay to start with “I’m not okay.” The person on the other end will gently guide you.
If you’re unsure who to contact, you can always start with:
- Lifeline (13 11 14) — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) — 24/7 emotional support and mental health guidance.
If you ever feel unsafe or in danger, calling 000 will connect you to emergency help. It’s okay if you’re unsure or afraid — the call takers are there to keep you safe.
You are not alone in this, and every part of you is welcome here, exactly as you are.

Sections included here:

Suicide & Crisis Supports
General Mental Health Supports
Specialised Supports
LGBTQIA+ Support
Domestic Violence Support
Youth Support
Peer Supports
Trained Clinical Support
Prevention & Recovery Care Units (PARCs)

Youth Supports

Reaching out as a young person can feel intimidating, but it’s a brave and important step. These services provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about mental health, relationships, school, or life challenges. You can expect understanding, guidance, and support tailored to the unique experiences of young people.

Headspace — 1800 650 890 — eheadspace is a national online or phone mental health support service for young people aged 12 to 25, and for family who are seeking support about how to help a young person aged 12-25 in their life. Available 3pm to 10pm: chat to a trained mental health clinician via phone or webchat
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 - The Kids Helpline is a 24-hour telephone service that is available for young people (aged between five and 25) who need advice, counselling or just someone to talk to. You can also contact the Kids Helpline by email or online.

More comprehensive services (usually have a wait time):

Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Services - https://pymhws.org.au/ - referral based public service supporting young people aged 12-25 in Melbourne’s north and west
Infant, Child and Youth Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Service - https://www.alfredhealth.org.au/services/child-youth-mental-health-service - They provide comprehensive and caring mental health services and support for infants and children aged 11 years and under, as well as their families and support networks.
Child and Youth Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (CYMHS) - https://www.alfredhealth.org.au/services/child-youth-mental-health-service - They provide comprehensive mental health services and support for young people aged 12 to 25 years, as well as their families and support networks. We provide intensive support foryoung people experiencing challenges with their mental or physical health, including eating disorders, as well as young people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviour, or who are at risk of self-harm.

Peer Supports

Peer support is about connecting with someone who has lived experience of similar challenges—whether that’s mental health struggles, grief, trauma, or thoughts of suicide. Talking to a peer can help you feel understood, less alone, and more empowered, because they’ve “been there” themselves. You can expect a safe, non-judgmental space where listening, sharing, and mutual understanding are at the heart of the conversation. Peer support is not a crisis service, but it can provide guidance, connection, and hope while you navigate your journey.

Roses in the Ocean — Peer-led suicide prevention and lived experience advocacy.
Peer CARE Companion Warmline — 1800 777 337 — A 48-hour call-back service connecting people with lived experience of suicide. This is not a crisis line. Reach out to be heard, share your experience, and connect with someone who understands.
Wellways Listen Warmline - 1300 111 500 - Previously known as Helpline, ListenWell is a free, confidential, peer-led warmline phone service. Where lived experience and genuine listening provide the foundation for recovery. https://www.wellways.org/our-services/listenwell-warmline/ - peer lead

Clinician Supports

These services can support you with physical health, medical advice, and urgent care needs. They’re available for moments when you’re unsure what to do, need after-hours guidance, or want to speak with a nurse, doctor, or healthcare professional. If you’re in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 000.

Emergency Services — 000 — For police, fire, or ambulance. Call in life-threatening or urgent situations.
- Hours: 24 hours
Nurse on Call (VIC) — 1300 606 024 — Speak to a registered nurse for immediate health advice and guidance.
- Hours: 24 hours
Poisons Information Centre — 13 11 26 — For urgent information and advice about exposure to poisons, medications, or chemicals.
- Hours: 24 hours
Maternal and Child Health Line (VIC) — 13 22 29 — Support and advice for parents and carers of children from birth to school age.
- Hours: 24 hours
Doctors on Call — 13 74 25 — After-hours medical advice and home doctor visits when your GP is closed.
- Hours: Monday–Friday: 6.00pm – 8.00am, Saturday: 12.00pm – 12.00am, Sunday: 24 hours
Healthdirect (National) — 1800 022 222 — Speak to registered nurses for health advice and triage support anywhere in Australia.
- Hours: 24 hours
NPS MedicineWise Medicines Line — 1300 633 424 — Talk to pharmacists about prescription, over-the-counter, or complementary medicines.
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm (AEST)
Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline — 1800 882 436 — Guidance and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting.
- Hours: 7 days a week, 7.00am – midnight (AEST)

Prevention & Recovery Care Unit

Prevention and Recovery Care is a voluntary program that provides 24/7, short-term residential support for people experiencing mental health issues. PARC sites can accommodate up to 10 people with an average stay of 14 days. PARC’s are run in partnership with local Area Mental Health Services who provide clinical support, including psychiatric consultations and allied health support to participants on site. Usually free of charge if covered by medicare.

Adult PARC Units: Adult prevention and recovery care (PARC) services are community-based, short-term supported residential services for people experiencing a mental health problem, but who do not need (or no longer require) a hospital admission.

PARC provides an individualised approach to supporting recovery within a short term residential environment. Numerous locations available click the links to see the official websites. Usually referrals are processed through your GP or area mental health, an intake assessment is required and then an admission is planned if suitable.

Wellways PARC Units —https://www.wellways.org/our-services/prevention-and-recovery-care/
Ermha365 PARC Units - https://www.ermha.org/residential-support-3/

Youth PARC Units: YPARC centres provide around-the-clock treatment, care and support to young people aged 16-25 who are experiencing mental health challenges and/or psychological distress. The centres are voluntary, referral-based services. Young people can continue to attend work or school, while receiving the appropriate treatment, care and support they need in a safe, home-like environment.

YPARC Frankston - https://www.peninsulahealth.org.au/services/mental-health-services/youth/youth-residential-mental-health-services/
YPARC Orygen Parkville - https://pymhws.org.au/parkville-yparc/
YPARC Bendigo - https://www.mindaustralia.org.au/services/prevention-and-recovery-care-parc-youth-bendigo
Other Locations - https://www.vhba.vic.gov.au/mental-health/youth-services/youth-prevention-and-recovery-care-centre-expansion-program

External Curated Helpline & Support Resources:

In addition to the helplines listed above, some organisations have already created comprehensive and regularly updated collections of support services, events, and peer spaces. We’re linking directly to these external resources so you can explore a wide range of options without us duplicating their work.

These links lead to external websites that manage their own calendars and resources. Event details and availability can change, and some listings may be in different time zones. If you add an event to your Google Calendar, it will automatically adjust to your local time.

Downloadable Resource Cards

Help-seeking cards are printed information tools designed to connect individuals with mental health and suicide prevention support services. The cards are designed to include clear, concise information such as phone numbers and websites to support people who may be experiencing distress.

These small, easy-to-display cards can be printed and placed in accessible locations by organisations, community groups and individuals. Click the link to see which cards are available for download

Created by Life in Mind

LIFE MIND WEBSITE

ICLA National Directory of Recovery Services

Alongside our curated lists, ICLA has compiled an extensive and incredible directory of Australian support services. Their full, downloadable PDF is available below.

This is a great resource, and is sorted by category.

DOWNLOAD PDF