Lifeline, Beyond Blue and mental health support services in Australia
Key crisis and support lines
| Service | Number | Who it helps | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Crisis, suicidal thoughts | 24/7 |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | Anxiety, depression, loneliness | 24/7 |
| Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800 | Children and young people 5–25 | 24/7 |
| headspace | headspace.org.au | Young people 12–25 | Online + centres |
| 13YARN | 13 92 76 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people | 24/7 |
| MensLine | 1300 78 99 78 | Men needing support | 24/7 |
| Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | Anyone | 24/7 |
Call 000 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.
Lifeline — crisis and suicidal ideation
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (also available via chat at lifeline.org.au)
Lifeline supports people experiencing an emotional crisis — feeling unable to cope, having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or facing any situation that feels overwhelming. All calls are confidential and answered by trained crisis supporters (volunteers with specialised training).
No appointment is needed. You do not need to explain yourself. You can call even if you are unsure whether your situation is serious enough — it always is.
Beyond Blue — anxiety and depression
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (also via chat and forums at beyondblue.org.au)
Beyond Blue focuses on people experiencing anxiety and depression — including those unsure whether what they are feeling requires help. Support is provided by qualified mental health professionals.
Beyond Blue also hosts an active online community forum where people share experiences and support each other.
headspace — for young people aged 12–25
headspace offers free or low-cost mental health support for young people aged 12–25 through:
- Over 150 headspace centres across Australia (free initial consultation).
- eheadspace (eheadspace.org.au): online chat or video call sessions.
- No referral from a GP required.
Language support for non-English speakers
Most Australian mental health services can connect you with an interpreter through TIS National (131 450). When you call a crisis line, simply tell the support person you need a Vietnamese (or other language) interpreter — they will connect one within minutes.
When to call a crisis line vs. see a GP
Call a crisis line when:
- You need to talk to someone immediately, at any time of day or night.
- You are in crisis or feeling isolated and need someone to listen.
- You are unsure what kind of help you need.
See a GP when:
- You want a professional assessment of your mental health.
- You want a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
- You may need medication (only a doctor can prescribe).
- You want a Mental Health Treatment Plan to access 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions.
The two paths are complementary, not alternatives — many people use both.