Many people may be feeling anxious, worried or afraid within flood-affected communities. Looking after the mental health of ourselves, friends and family is an important part of staying well. If you need support, there are a number of services you can access for free. The fact sheets below contain contact details for organisations delivering services in local flood affected communities and state-wide mental health support services.
Find out more including self-guided mental health resources and programs as well as one-on-one connection to professionals through webchat, online counselling and phone services.
Accessing mental health services in NSW Northern NSW mental health services
You can call these crisis lines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Talk to a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night. Calls are confidential. They will listen, provide information and advice and point you in the right direction to seek further support.
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636Open 24/7
Beyond Blue chat onlineOpen 1pm to midnight, 7 days a week
Beyond Blue - email
24-hour crisis support telephone service. Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Lifeline131 114
Lifeline chat
A telephone counselling support line for children and young people ages 5 to 25 and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Kids Helpline1800 551 800
A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about, including children, teens, adults and older people.
Mental Health Line1800 011 511
National services that provides free 24/7 phone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
Suicide Call Back Service1300 659 467
Beyond Blue has helpful information and resources, including flyers and videos, for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.Beyond Blue – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have eating or body image concerns. Resources include videos, fact sheets and posters.
Butterfly - Every Body is DeadlyOnline chat1800 33 46377 days a week, 8am to midnight
Created by the Australian Government to provide information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families who have a lived experience of mental health issues. Head to Health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
A social and emotional wellbeing self-help app for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians aged 15 years. iBobbly began as a partnership between Black Dog Institute, ALIVE & Kicking Goals! and Men’s Outreach Service Inc based in Broome, WA.
Download the iBobbly app from the Black Dog Insitute website
Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation was founded in 1980 to help all Aboriginal people:
It supports the healing journeys of those removed and delivers professional, culturally sensitive and confidential research, reunions and social, emotional and wellbeing services to those over the age of 18.
Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation(02) 7227 14431800 624 332 (free call not available for mobiles)
The National Indigenous Postvention Service (CIPS) is a program of Thirrili that provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people postvention support and assistance, and support to individuals, families and communities affected by suicide or other trauma.
The call is answered by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander advocate. If the call goes to the message bank, leave your name and contact number and someone will call back as soon as possible.
Thirrili1800 805 801Open 24/7
This Hub has resources about the NDIS for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live with a psychosocial disability. Resources include videos and learning activities for people who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Reimagine – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Hub
Yarn Safe has information for young people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. It is part of the Headspace website.Yarn Safe
Information to support Aboriginal people in reducing the harms caused by alcohol and drugs and to help our mob become healthier.
Your Room for Aboriginal people
See Mental health organisations and advocacy groups.
ADIS provides phone counselling, support, referrals and information for people affected by alcohol or other drugs. Counsellors are trained to work with people concerned about their alcohol and drug use, as well as people concerned about their family or friends.
Sydney metropolitan: (02) 9361 8000Regional and rural NSW: 1800 422 599Open 24/7
Online text-based counselling for people concerned about their drinking or drug use. The service is also available to concerned family members, relatives and friends.
Counselling OnlineOpen 24/7
A telephone helpline providing opiate pharmacotherapy information (including methadone and buprenorphine), referrals, advice and a forum for pharmacotherapy concerns.
Opioid Treatment Line
1800 642 428Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm
The website is a great resource for information about alcohol and other drugs, including:
See alsoFamily and carer mental health support services and programs.
Short-term counselling and emotional and psychological support services for carers and their families.
Carers Australia1800 242 636
If you are a family member, friend, or carer of someone with a mental illness, call the Carers Connection Line to receive information, referrals and support.
Mental Health Carers NSW1300 554 660(02) 9332 0777Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Provides information, education and support for carers, including carer support groups.
Carers NSW(02) 9280 4744Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
The COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) national initiative develops information for parents, their family and friends in support of children and young people. This information complements online training courses developed by COPMI for professionals to support families either individually or through community services and programs.
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness
Gives young people tips on how to look after themselves and the person they are caring for.
Young Carers Network1800 242 636
Promotes wellbeing and resilience in young people 12-18 years old through psycho-education, positive psychology and related approaches.
Bite Back
Online program to help children aged 8 to 12 and teenagers aged 13 to 17 with anxiety, based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
BRAVE-Online
Online, email and phone counselling and forums for people aged 12-24 years living with the impact of cancer.
CanTeen1800 888 236
A website with tip sheets, news and useful links to help young people manage problems and issues such as bullying, relationships, stress and mental health, and conflict with parents.
connectEDSpace
A free service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time.
eheadspace1800 650 890Open 9am - 1am
A free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling services for people aged 5 to 25. Helpful information on their website for children and young people, parents and carers, schools and teachers.
Kids Helpline1800 551 800Open 24/7
Kids Helpline Online ChatOpen 8am to 12am, 7 days a week
Are you feeling the pressures of study, finding a job or starting a career? myCompass can help. It has an interactive self-help service that aims to promote resilience and wellbeing for people experiencing mild to moderate stress, anxiety and depression.
myCompass
Tools and support for young people ages 14–25, from everyday issues to tough times. Information on mental health, peer support forums and apps. ReachOut Next Step service for ages 18-25 recommends support options. ReachOut Parents provides information and support to “help parents help teens”.
ReachOut
Online and app based program to improve the wellbeing of young people through mindfulness meditation. Provides age-specific content for ages 7-11, 12-15, and 16-22.
Smiling Mind
Information, online and phone counselling for young people 12 to 25 years old, who can get help from a trained mental health professionals 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Youth Beyond Blue1300 22 4636Open 24/7
Chat onlineOpen 1pm - midnight
See also:
The helpline has trained, experienced and trauma-informed male and female counsellors to support adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, their partners, family and friends, health professionals and workplaces.
Website: Blue Knot FoundationEmail: helpline@blueknot.org.auPhone: 1300 657 380Open Monday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Information about how to access 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions each calendar year.
Department of Health - Looking after your mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Call a trained counsellor 24/7 if you're struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Information and advice on how to cope, isolation and connection, workplace and financial hardship, and how to support the mental health of others.
Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service1800 512 348 24/7
The Australian Department of Health has a list of services that provide grief and trauma support for those living, working and caring in the aged care sector, who have been impacted by COVID-19.
COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services
The Gidget Foundation has videos and fact sheets related to COVID-19 for new and expectant parents.
Head to Health was created by Australia's Department of Health to provide trusted information and digital resources to help support mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic. Helpful information includes:
Head to Health - Mental health and COVID-19
Head to Health - Pop Up services
The Life in Mind website has a list of helpful and informative resources:
Two statewide Hubs can help people with intellectual or developmental disability access appropriate mental health care. One is for adults, and one is for children and teens.
Statewide Intellectual Disability Mental Health Outreach Service for adults
Mental Health Intellectual Disability Hub at Sydney Children's Hospital Network
Online and phone counselling, information, and online support groups for people concerned about eating disorders, disordered eating, body image problems.
Butterfly Foundation1800 334 673
Chat onlineOpen 8am to midnight
Email supportsupport@thebutterflyfoundation.org.auOpen 8am to midnight
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
Beyond Blue1300 22 4636Open 24/7
Beyond Blue - emailBeyond Blue chat onlineOpen 1pm to midnight, 7 days a week
The Black Dog Institute website contains information and resources for mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.
Black Dog Institute
A digital mental health gateway created by the Australian Government, containing a range of trusted mental health services and resources.
Head to Health
Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis support telephone service and suicide prevention services. Call if you have suicidal thoughts or attempts, personal crisis, anxiety, depression, loneliness, abuse and trauma, stress or to get information for friends and family. Services provided through Lifeline centres include:
Lifeline - Get help131 114 Open 24/7
Lifeline Crisis Support online chatOpen 24/7
The website has information, an online psychological assessment, online self-guided treatment programs for anxiety, panic, OCD, PTSD, and depression for people 18 years old and older. The site also offers a free 12-week online program with free access to eTherapists.
Mental Health Online
MindSpot is a free service for Australian adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression and low mood. They provide an online assessment and treatment course, or also help you find local services.
Mindspotcontact@mindspot.org.au1800 61 44 34Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 6pm.
An interactive self-help service for young adults, adults and seniors that aims to promote resilience and wellbeing for people experiencing mild to moderate stress, anxiety and depression.
Talk to a mental health professional for information, guidance and referrals to manage your mental health concerns.
Sane - Get helphelpline@sane.org1800 187 263Open weekdays 10am - 10pm
Information and support for mental health consumers, their families and carers, and to the general public. The WayAhead Free Online Directory can help find accommodation, community organisations, emergency services, government assistance, information and support services and treatments in your local area.
WayAheadLevel 5, 80 William St, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011info@wayahead.org.au(02) 9339 6000
WayAhead Mental Health Information Service 1300 794 991 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
WayAhead Anxiety Disorders Information Service 1300 794 992Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Provides information on health issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTIQ) people and offers a range of services including in the area of mental health and ageing.
ACON - mental health
QLife phoneline and web chat provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ peer support and referral for people want to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
QLife
1800 184 527Open 3pm to midnight, 7 days
To access MensLine Australia online counselling, you need to be:
MensLine Australia1300 78 99 78
Provides telephone counselling, information and referrals for men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues. The service also providers help to women (or other family members) who are experiencing violence or controlling behaviour by men.
Men's Referral Service
1300 766 491
Mental health resources and personal stories translated in more than 30 languages.
Embrace
The NSW Refugee Health Service aims to protect and promote the health of refugees and people of refugee-like backgrounds living in NSW. Offices are located in Liverpool, NSW, but there are clinics in Western and South Western Sydney.
NSW Refugee Health Service
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm(02) 9794 0770 SWSLHD-RefugeeHealth@health.nsw.gov.au
STARTTS' services are free for people of any age who have survived torture or trauma or both and are refugees, asylum seekers, from refugee-like backgrounds.
STARTTS02 9646 6800
The Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC) works with health professionals and communities across New South Wales to support positive mental health for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Transcultural Mental Health Centre
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is a free interpreting service. It is run by the Department of Home Affairs.
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)131 450Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To pre-book phone interpreters, email: tis.prebook@homeaffairs.gov.au
Provides support for the carers of people with dementia who have behavioural and psychological changes.
Dementia Support Australia1800 699 799
If you witness, suspect or experience abuse, call the NSW Elder Abuse helpline. The website provides information, support and referrals.
NSW Elder Abuse Helpline1800 628 221
The National Dementia Helpline is a free phone service that provides support to help you manage the impact of dementia and provides information about:
Dementia Australia1800 100 500Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Dementia Australia Helpline web chatOpen Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
See also A guide for dads: Caring for your family during perinatal mental illness
This non-profit organisation's website has high quality, practical information to help you work through all the emotional challenges of becoming and being a parent.
COPE
Gidget Foundation Australia is a not for profit organisation that supports expectant and new parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety. Their range of clinical treatment programs include individual psychological consultations via face to face or telehealth, group treatment and early intervention screening.
Gidget Foundation Australia
1300 851 758
contact@gidgetfoundation.org.au
Provides education and support for mums and dads with children from birth to 5 years of age, including support with sleep and settling, establishing routines, feeding and nutrition, toddler behaviour and pre and post natal anxiety and depression.
Karitane1300 227 464(02) 9794 2350Monday to Thursday 12.30pm - 9pm, 11pm - 6amFriday 8am - 4.30pmSaturday 9am - 3.30pm
An evidence-based online treatment to help new mothers experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety. Six interactive online CBT sessions tailored to users plus SMS support. Accessible from home or on mobile devices.
MumMoodBooster
A phone counselling service for parents who need help or support and want to talk about a parenting issue. Trained counsellors provide confidential and non-judgmental advice to parents, carers or professionals.
Parent Line NSW1300 1300 52Monday to Friday 9am - 9pmSaturday and Sunday 4pm - 9pm
A free online program for Australian parents and caregivers of children aged 2 to 16. It provides evidence-based parenting strategies to improve parenting skills, confidence and child behaviour.
ParentWorks
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) supports women, men and families affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline for individuals and families affected by perinatal anxiety and depression.
PANDAPANDA National Helpline1300 726 306Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 7.30pm
NSW Health Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services (PIMHS) are free for women, babies and families, including LGBTIQ families. Free advice and services are available:
To get help, get a referral letter from your doctor or call the Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.
Informative, reliable, up-to-date information about parenting and health issues, from babies to teens, backed my experts and funded by the Australian government.
RaisingChildren.net.au
St John of God Raphael Services help parents and families with perinatal anxiety and depression. Services including holistic, person-centred therapies to treat postnatal depression and anxiety. The service is located in Blacktown.
St John of God - Raphael Services36-38 First Avenue, Blacktown, 2148 Raphael.blacktown@sjog.org.au(02) 9839 0900Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm
SMS4dads provides new fathers with information and connections to online services through their mobile phones. The text messages with tips, information and links to other services help fathers understand and connect with their baby and support their partner.
SMS4dads
Provides guidance to new parents, a residential service, an outreach home-visiting service and support groups. Advice is also provided to parents through their phone service and through online support.
TresillianParent Help Line1300 272 736Open Monday to Sunday, 7am to 11pm
The Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) supports Australians affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. PANDA operates a national Helpline for individuals and families to recover from perinatal anxiety and depression.
The mission of Rainbow Families is to build a community that fosters resiliency by connecting, supporting and empowering LGBTIQ+ families.
Raising Children is an Australian parenting website providing reliable information reviewed by experts.
Rainbow and same-sex families: services, resources and links
The centre provides leadership in rural and remote mental health research. It runs the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program which helps to educate and connect people in rural areas with mental health support through projects, local and national partnerships, health information, tailored advice, workshops and short courses. They do not provide emergency services.
Centre for Rural and Remote Mental HealthBloomfield Hospital, Forest Road, Orange NSW 2800ramhp@newcastle.edu.au(02) 6363 8444
Information for people who live and work in regional, rural or remote parts of Australia.
Lifeline - rural mental health
Talk to a trained mental health professional. Completely confidential.
Beyond Blue1300 22 46 36Open 24/7
Beyond Blue chat onlineOpen for chat from 1pm to 12am (AEST) every day
A free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Lifeline13 11 14Open 24/7
Talk to a mental health professional.
Mental Health Line1800 011 511Open 24/7
A national counselling and referral service for the LGBTI community.
1800 184 527Open 3pm to midnight
A Safe Haven is a place you can go to if you're distressed or having suicidal thoughts. A safe place where you can talk to a peer-support worker or a mental health professional or just hang out and listen to music. Find the nearest Safe Haven location.
A nationwide service that provides professional phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide
Suicide Call Back Service1300 659 467Open 24/7
Aftercare is a free support service for people who've recently attempted suicide. For up to three months you can get support in your recovery, including creating a safety plan and counselling. The service is available in the Newcastle-Hunter Valley, Murrumbidgee and North Coast NSW. Find out how you can access Aftercare.
Youth Aftercare is a support service for children and teens and young people aged 25 and under, after suicidal ideation, self-harm and suicide attempt. The service is currently only available in Blacktown in Western Sydney and in Coffs Harbour in the Mid North Coast. Find out how to access the Youth Aftercare service.
If you are affected by someone's suicide, you may feel grief, guilt, anger and sadness. You could be a friend, family member, witness or first responder. You can get free post-suicide support including counselling. You can meet face to face or talk over the phone
StandBy - Support After Suicide servicestandby@socialfutures.org.au1300 727 247Open 24/7
Open Arms counsellors and staff understand veteran and military culture, providing support to improve mental health and wellbeing, including help with anxiety, depression, anger, PTSD, sleep difficulties and substance abuse. Free and confidential counselling and group programs.
Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling1800 011 046
See also Perinatal and parenting
Understanding the factors that affect women's mental health and recognising the symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicide can help you to recognise them in yourself and others.
Beyond Blue - WomenBeyond Blue - Pregnancy and new parentsBeyond Blue - emailBeyond Blue chat onlineOpen 11am to midnight, 7 days a week
Beyond Blue support line
open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1300 22 4636
Women’s Health NSW is an association of state-wide women’s health centres and specialist women’s centres. All centres are non-government, community based, feminist services that provide choices for women to determine their individual health needs.
Women's Health Centres - locations
