Helplines, telephone and online counselling services for children, young people and adults
Helplines, telephone and online counselling services for children, young people and adults
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call Police on 000.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, and you are unsure which service to contact, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Both are available from anywhere in Australia 24 hours a day (toll free) and provide generalist crisis counselling, information and referral services.
If you need to report an incident of child abuse or neglect, refer to the CFCA resource Reporting Abuse and Neglect: Information for Service Providers.
Overview
This resource sheet is designed to provide practitioners and service providers with the contact details and links to helplines, telephone and online counselling services for children, young people and adults. Services are grouped according to the location in which they operate:
- Australia wide
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
PDFs of this resource sheet for individual states and territories are also available.
Read the publication
Australia-wide
Information regarding call costs
1800 numbers: Calls to 1800 numbers are free if you call from a landline telephone. These calls are also free for Telstra mobile customers. Please check with your mobile phone provider for further information regarding call costs.
13/1300 numbers: Calls to 13 or 1300 numbers are charged at local call rates when calling from a landline telephone. Higher rates apply when calling from a mobile phone. Please check with your mobile phone provider for further information regarding call costs.
| Helpline/ Counselling service |
Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 RESPECT | A national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for anyone who has experienced, or is at risk of, physical or sexual violence. This service is designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities, Indigenous Australians, young people and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Online counselling is also available. | Yes | 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) |
| Australian Breastfeeding Association | Provides breastfeeding information and support to mothers, their support networks (e.g. other family members) and health professionals. Webchat is also available. | Yes | 1800 686 268 Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline Webchat available: Mon-Fri: 8 - 10pm Excluding public holidays |
| Blue Knot Helpline | Blue Knot Foundation offers free, specialist counselling support and a referral service for people with disability, their families and carers, and anyone affected by the Disability Royal Commission. Webchat is also available. | No | 1300 657 380 Mon-Sun: 9am - 5pm (AEST) |
| Bravehearts Information and Support Line | Open to anyone wanting information, advice, referrals and support regarding child sexual assault. | No | 1800 272 831 Mon-Fri: 8.30am - 4.30pm (AEST) (hours vary on public holidays) |
| Counselling Online | A free online and SMS/text-based service for Australian residents concerned about or affected by alcohol and other drugs. | Yes | See the Counselling Online website to sign-up for SMS support. |
| DrugInfo (Alcohol and Drug Foundation) |
A telephone and online service for anyone who needs relevant, up-to-date information about alcohol and other drugs. | Yes | 1300 858 584 |
| eheadspace | A free and confidential telephone and online service for young people aged 12-25. Qualified youth mental health professionals provide support to young people worried about their mental health or experiencing issues such as depression, bullying and isolation. Support is also available to concerned parents or carers. | No | 1800 650 890 Mon-Sun: 12pm - 8pm (AEST) Chat online: 9am - 1am (AEST) |
| Family Drug Support Australia | A telephone support service for users, families and carers in crisis due to alcohol and other drug use. | Yes | 1300 368 186 |
| Family Relationship Advice Line | Provides information on family relationship issues and advice on parenting arrangements after separation. It is for anyone - including step-parents, young people and friends - affected by family relationship or separation issues. Referrals to local services are also offered. | No | 1800 050 321 Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm |
| Forced Adoption Support Service | Provides specialist support services for people affected by past forced adoption policies and practices. | No | 1800 210 313 Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm (local time) |
| Gambling Help | Provides confidential counselling services for individuals and families affected by a gambling concern. Online chat counselling is also available. |
Yes | 1800 858 858 |
| GriefLine | Provides support to people experiencing loss and grief, at any stage in life. Moderated online forums are also available. | No | (03) 9935 7400 (National) 1300 845 745 Mon-Sun: 6am - 12am (AEST) |
| Kids Helpline | Provides confidential telephone and online counselling services to young people aged 5-25 years old for any reason. | Yes | 1800 551 800 |
| Lifeline | A generalist and crisis telephone counselling, information and referral service, provided by trained volunteers who are supported by professional staff.
Online chat and text services are also available. |
Yes* | 13 11 14 Text service: 0477 13 11 14 Mon-Sun: 12pm - 12am (AEST) Online chat service: Mon-Sun: 7pm - 12am (AEST) *Text and online chat services not available 24/7 |
| MensLine Australia | A telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns. MensLine is staffed by professional counsellors who are experienced in men's issues. | Yes | 1300 789 978 |
| Men's Referral Service | Offers a confidential telephone service, as well as online chat. For men who have or are still behaving abusively, family members who are impacted, and friends, family or colleagues who want to understand how to support others. | No* | 1300 766 491 Mon-Fri: 8am - 9pm *Service is available 24 hours in Tasmania and New South Wales. |
| Mind Australia Carer Helpline | Provides free, confidential information, support and referral for family, carers and friends of people with a mental illness. | No | 1300 554 660 Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm (AEST) |
| Miracle Babies Foundation NurtureLine | A free family support helpline for families with a threatened pregnancy, a premature baby in a neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery, or those transitioning to home and onwards. Support is provided by trained family support volunteers. | Yes | 1300 622 243 |
| My Aged Care | Provides information and assistance on how to access aged care services for individuals, family members, friends or an elderly person requiring care. | No | 1800 200 422 Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm |
| National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline | Provides confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs to individuals, family and friends, general practitioners, health professionals, and business and community groups. The hotline will automatically redirect you to the Alcohol and Other Drug Information Service operating in your state or territory. | Yes | 1800 250 015 |
| National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) | Provides National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) information to people with disability, service providers, businesses and members of the community. Webchat is also available. |
No | 1800 800 110 Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm (AEST) Webchat service Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm (AEST) |
| PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) |
Provides confidential counselling, support, information and referrals to local services for anyone affected by perinatal (during pregnancy and after birth) anxiety and depression. The service also provides secondary consultations for health professionals. |
No | 1300 726 306 Mon-Sat: 9am - 7.30pm (AEST) If the matter is non-urgent and/or after hours, leave a message and the call will be returned as soon as possible. |
| Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline | Offers free and confidential support and information about pregnancy, infancy and children up to five years of age. Video call is also available. |
No | 1800 882 436 Mon-Sun: 7am - 12am (AEST) |
| QLife | Provides anonymous peer support and referral services for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex (LGBTI). Telephone and webchat support are available. |
No | 1800 184 527 Mon-Sun: 3pm - 12am (AEST) |
| Quitline | Provides support, information and resources on quitting smoking. Quitline can help people prepare quit plans and develop strategies to overcome cravings, triggers and other common quitting challenges. Online chat service is also available. |
No | 13 78 48 Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm (AEST) |
| Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line | A free bereavement support line for anyone affected by the unexpected death of a baby or child during birth, pregnancy or infancy, regardless of the cause. A trained volunteer parent is available to chat, advocate and assist with support and services. Online chat is also available. |
Yes | 1300 308 307 Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line Online chat Mon: 10am - 3pm |
| Samaritans | Provides anonymous crisis support, for issues such as relationship or family problems, loss and bereavement, financial or job-related worries, illness, addiction and suicide. | No | 135 247 Mon-Sun: 10am - 10pm (AEST) |
| SANE Australia | Provides information, guidance and referrals to people who are affected by or need support to manage mental health concerns. Online chat and email counselling are also available. |
No | 1800 187 263 Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm (AEST) |
| Suicide Call Back Service | Provides telephone, video and online counselling to people 15 years and older who are affected by suicide, which can include feeling suicidal, being worried about someone, caring for someone suicidal, being bereaved by suicide and health professionals supporting people affected by suicide. | Yes | 1300 659 467 Suicide Call Back Service - Online chat and video counselling |
| Wellways Helpline | A peer-led, volunteer support and referral service that provides information to people experiencing mental health issues, as well as their families and friends. | No | 1300 111 500 Mon-Fri: 9am - 9pm (AEST) |
| Youth BeyondBlue | Provides information and confidential telephone and online counselling for young people aged 12-25 years old, who may be experiencing anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. | Yes* | 1300 224 636 *Online counselling available Mon-Sun: 1pm - 12am (AEST) |
View the Helplines Australian Capital Territory Resource sheet [PDF, 2.21 MB]
View the Helplines New South Wales Resource sheet [PDF, 2.18 MB]
View the Helplines Northern Territory Resource sheet [PDF, 2.17 MB]
| Helpline/ Counselling service |
Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Legal and Advocacy Service | Provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with free legal advice and referral. | No | 1800 422 450 or (07) 3720 9089 Mon-Fri: 8.30am - 4.30pm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Legal and Advocacy Service |
| DVConnect Mensline | Provides confidential counselling, information and advice to men affected by domestic and family violence, relationship problems, child support and health issues. | No | 1800 600 636 Mon-Sun: 9am - 12am |
| DVConnect Womensline | Offers information, advice and counselling to women affected by domestic and family violence. Also provides referral to women and their children who need crisis accommodation due to domestic and family violence. | Yes | 1800 811 811 |
| Immigrant Women's Support Service (IWSS) | Provides support to women from non-English speaking backgrounds who are affected by domestic and family violence and sexual assault. | No | (07) 3846 3490 Mon-Fri: 9am - 4pm |
| Living Well | Provides counselling to men who have experienced child sexual abuse or have been assaulted as an adult. Services are also available to partners, friends and family. | No | (07) 3028 4648 You can also call Anglicare on 1300 114 397 and they will transfer your call to Living Well. Mon: 9am - 5pm |
| Parentline | Provides confidential telephone counselling to support and nurture positive, caring relationships between parents, children, teenagers and significant other people who are important to the wellbeing of families. | No | 1300 301 300 Mon-Sun: 8am - 10pm |
| Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline | A free confidential service operated by DVConnect. Provides crisis counselling and referrals for people who have experienced sexual assault and abuse. | No | 1800 010 120 Mon-Fri: 7.30am - 11.30pm |
View the Helplines Queensland Resource sheet [PDF, 2.17 MB]
| Helpline/ Counselling service |
Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| After Hours Crisis Care | An after-hours crisis helpline for people in need of urgent assistance in the areas of domestic and family violence, child protection and personal trauma, etc. This service is provided by qualified Families SA social workers. | No | 13 16 11 Mon-Fri: 4pm - 9am |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Line | Provides counselling, information and support for anyone affected by abuse in their personal relationships. | Yes | 1800 800 098 The Domestic Violence Crisis Line is part of Women's Safety Services SA |
| Nunga Mi:Minar Women and Children's Shelter | Provides support and emergency accommodation for Aboriginal women and children who are experiencing domestic or family violence. | No | 1800 003 308 or (08) 8367 6474 Mon-Fri: 8.30am - 4.30pm |
| Parent Helpline | Provides confidential telephone information and support to parents with children under 12 years, on issues such as health, behaviour, relationships and service referrals. | Yes | 1300 364 100 Calls received outside of |
| Yarrow Place | Provides crisis response, professional counselling and information about support groups and the collection of forensic evidence for people aged 16 years or over who have been sexually assaulted in South Australia. | Yes | 1800 817 421 |
View the Helplines South Australia Resource sheet [PDF, 2.18 MB]
View the Helplines Tasmania Resource sheet [PDF, 2.17 MB]
| Helpline/ Counselling service |
Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 My Options | Provides information and referrals for sexual and reproductive health, specifically contraception, unplanned pregnancy, abortion, and sexual health care. | No | 1800 696 784 Mon-Fri: 10am - 4pm |
| BreakThrough Ice Advice | Provides information, support and referrals for ice users and their families. | Yes | 1800 423 238 |
| Carers Victoria Advisory Line | Provides information, support and referrals to caring families in Victoria. | No | 1800 514 845 Mon-Fri: 8.30am - 5pm (excluding public holidays) |
| DirectLine | Provides free and confidential counselling, information and referral for alcohol and drug-related matters. | Yes | 1800 888 236 |
| Djirra Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service | Provides telephone and face-to-face legal and non-legal support to Aboriginal people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. | No | 1800 105 303 Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm |
| Family Drug and Gambling Help | A confidential telephone support service staffed by volunteers with experience of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and gambling issues within the family. | Yes | 1300 660 068 |
| inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence | For women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who are victims/survivors of domestic violence. Interpreter services are available. | No | 1800 755 988 or (03) 9413 6500 Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm |
| Maternal and Child Health Line | Available to Victorian families with children from birth to school age. Provides information, support and guidance regarding child health, nutrition, breast-feeding, maternal and family health and parenting. | Yes | 13 22 29 |
| Parentline | Provides a telephone, counselling, advisory and information service for parents and carers with children aged up to 18 years. | No | 13 22 89 Mon-Fri: 8am - 12am |
| Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre | Provides crisis telephone support, information and referral to safe accommodation (refuge) for women experiencing violence and abuse in their relationships. Web chat service is also available. |
Yes* | 1800 015 188 or (03) 9928 9600 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre *Web chat available |
| Sexual Assault Crisis Line | An after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for victim/survivors of both past and recent sexual assault. | Yes | 1800 806 292 During business hours you will be directed to your local Centre Against Sexual Assault. Crisis Line operates from |
| SuicideLine | For people who are feeling suicidal or who are concerned about another person who may be suicidal. Also for people who are grieving or emotionally affected after a suicide. Online chat and video chat services are also available. |
Yes | 1300 651 251 |
| Wire Women's Support Line | Provides support, information and referrals to women on any issues, such as: family relationships and legal issues; domestic/family violence; housing and homelessness; emotional wellbeing; mental health - anxiety, fear, stress and depression; and job search, study options and community volunteering. | No | 1300 134 130 Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm Chat service available: |
| YoDAA - Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice Service | Provides information, counselling and referrals for young people, families, youth workers and school staff affected by drug and alcohol use. | Yes | 1800 458 685 Online chat service for young people: Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice Service - online chat service for young people Mon-Fri: 9am - 8pm |
View the Helplines Victoria Resource sheet [PDF, 2.19 MB]
View the Helplines Western Australia Resource sheet [PDF, 2.16 MB]
| Service | Description | 24-hour service? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Relay Service |
Assistance for making a relay call, for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. | Yes* | Numbers for voice callers to connect with NRS users: NRS Chat Users: 1300 553 467 Options for Internet relay users include: National Relay Service - Chat Call National Relay Service - Captions Call *Helpdesk service operates |
| Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) | Immediate telephone interpreting service with an extensive list of languages available. | Yes | 13 14 50 |
PDF downloads
- Helplines resource sheet — Australia wide [2.55 MB]
- Helplines resource sheet — Australian Capital Territory [2.21 MB]
- Helplines resource sheet — New South Wales [2.18 MB]
- Helplines resource sheet — Northern Territory [2.17 MB]
- Helplines resource sheet — Queensland [2.17 MB]
- Helplines resource sheet — South Australia [2.18 MB]
- Helplines resource sheet — Tasmania [2.17 MB]
- Helplines resource sheet — Victoria [2.19 MB]
- Helplines resource sheet — Western Australia [2.16 MB]
Further reading
Information on how to report suspected child abuse and neglect, including key contacts in each state and territory
An overview of the risk and protective factors for child abuse and neglect in families
A practical guide for organisations, professionals and any other person responding to children and young people disclosing abuse
An overview of online safety for parents, including useful resources and practical tips for monitoring and protecting children online
Authors and acknowledgements
This resource sheet was updated by Will Douglas, Research Officer with the Child Family Community Australia information exchange at the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Featured image: © GettyImages/urbazon
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