Find the right care, see Better Health Channel
If you need care today but it's not life-threatening, and you can't get a GP appointment, help is available.
There are telephone and online support services for people affected by mental health issues, with targeted services on particular issues or for particular groups in the community.
| Service | Focus | Phone number | Operating hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency(opens in a new window) | Emergency assistance | 000 | 24 hours/7 days |
| NURSE-ON-CALL(opens in a new window) | Expert health advice from a nurse | 1300 60 60 24 | 24 hours/7 days |
| VAHI mental health services directory(opens in a new window) | For people seeking a specialist mental health response that will identify the urgency and nature of response required | Phone numbers are available in each area | 24 hours/7 days |
| Beyond Blue(opens in a new window) | Depression, anxiety and related disorders | 1300 22 4636 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Lifeline(opens in a new window) | Crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services | 13 11 14 | 24 hours/7 days |
| SANE(opens in a new window) | People affected by complex mental health issues | 1800 187 263 | Mon – Fri 10am – 8pm |
For specific groups in the community
| Service | Focus | Phone number | Operating hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Helpline(opens in a new window) | Telephone counselling service for people aged between 5 and 25 / 24-hour service | 1800 55 1800 | 24 hours/7days |
| headspace(opens in a new window) | Young people aged 12–25 | 1800 650 890 | 9am – 1am/7 days |
| Safe Steps (Family Violence Response Centre)(opens in a new window) | Family violence support | 1800 015 188 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Gay and Lesbian Switchboard(opens in a new window) | Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) communities. | 1800 729 367 (Vic) 1800 184 527 (Aus) | 10am – 5pm/7 days (Vic) 3pm – 12am/7 days (Aus) |
| Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria(opens in a new window) | Victims/survivors of past and recent sexual assault | 1800 806 292 | 5 pm – 9 am/7 days |
| Griefline(opens in a new window) | Support for experiencing loss and grief | 1300 845 745 | 8am – 8pm/7 days |
| DirectLine(opens in a new window) | People impacted by drug use | 1800 888 236 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Family Drug and Gambling Help(opens in a new window) | People impacted by drug use and gambling | 1300 660 068 | 24 hours/7 days |
| SuicideLine Victoria(opens in a new window) | People affected by suicide | 1300 651 251 | 24 hours/7 days |
| PANDA(opens in a new window) | People planning, starting or raising a family | 1300 726 306 | Mon – Fri 10am – 8pm
Saturdays 9am – 4pm |
| Gambler's Help Youthline(opens in a new window) | Gambling support for people under 25 | 1800 262 376 | 24 hours/7 days |
| OCD and Anxiety helpline(opens in a new window) | Anxiety disorders and depression | 1300 269 438 or 9830 0533 | Mon – Fri 10am–4pm |
| Mensline(opens in a new window) | Men with concerns about mental health, anger, violence, addiction, stress, relationships. | 1300 78 99 78 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Bush Support Line(opens in a new window) | People in rural and remote areas | 1800 805 391 | 24 hours/7 days |
| Suicide call back(opens in a new window) | 24-hour crisis support and counselling | 1300 659 467 | 24 hours/7 days |
Updated