Get help with professional support

Asking for help is an important step towards getting the support you need

Feeling suicidal can be an overwhelming and painful experience, but it is not something you have to bear alone. There is help and professional support for anyone affected by suicide.

There are services and professionals available to help you through this difficult time. You may wish to speak to someone over the phone or prefer to seek help face-to-face. Whichever you choose, be as honest as possible about your situation and how you’re feeling so you can get the support you need.

Talking to someone about such a painful issue can be difficult, so you may want to check out our How to talk about suicide page for information and tips on how to start a conversation.

If it is an emergency, please call 000.

Get help with support from these telephone helplines

Telephone counselling and crisis helplines are here to provide support and information to people feeling suicidal. Telephone helplines allow you to access immediate support (usually 24/7) without waiting for an appointment, getting a referral, or travelling to a health centre. In this regard, they benefit people in rural or remote areas or when you can’t access your regular healthcare provider.

SuicideLine Victoria 1300 651 251

SuicideLine Victoria is a free, professional telephone counselling and information service, available 24/7. The counsellors can help you deal with the pain and sadness you may be feeling, keep you safe, and provide you with support and information about where to go for help.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Suicide Call Back Service is a free nationwide telephone and online counselling service available 24/7. The service provides immediate support to anyone feeling suicidal or impacted by suicide. 

Lifeline 13 11 14

Lifeline is a free national 24-hour telephone helpline offering support to anyone in crisis.

13YARN 13 92 76   

13YARN is a free national 24/7 crisis support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. The service is staffed by Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters for mob who feel overwhelmed or have difficulty coping.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Kids Helpline is a 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people.

General practitioners (GPs)

Your GP is a key contact for mental and emotional health concerns. When talking to your doctor, tell them how you are feeling, your thoughts and symptoms, and anything else that might be relevant. Speaking as openly and honestly as possible to your GP will allow them to provide you with the appropriate support to get through this difficult time.

Your GP will assess whether you will benefit from having a mental health treatment plan. This may also involve receiving referrals for psychological or mental health treatment. Additionally, GPs should have a good knowledge of local services and can refer you to other health professionals if necessary.

If you already have a regular GP, contact them and explain it is important to get an appointment as soon as possible. Book a longer appointment so you have plenty of time to discuss your situation.

If you don’t have a GP, you can use the Health Direct Service Finder to find a GP by suburb or postcode.

Mental health services for professional support

Victoria has a range of mental health support services that can provide treatment, information, and advice.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Local

Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is a service that helps Victorians aged 26 years and older get mental health and wellbeing support and treatment. The service is free, and you don’t need a referral. Support is delivered in a range of ways, including in-person, telehealth, and outreach.

Headspace

For Victorians aged 12 to 25 years old, your local headspace centre can provide you with mental health and wellbeing support. There are over 30 centres in Victoria. Visit the headspace website to find out more information.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect

Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect provides support to people living with mental health and substance use challenges or psychological distress. Support is free, and you don’t need a referral. These centres are open across eight Victorian regions.

State and specialist mental health services

Mental health services, which cover specialist, acute, severe and complex, provide care for Victorians of all ages. These services provide Victorians with a mental illness with treatment and care to support their long-term recovery. For more information and to search for a local mental health service, visit the Victorian Department of Health website.

Head to Health

Head to Health is a free national service from the Australian Government that connects people to mental health support. The service can help you navigate and choose the most suitable support options, whether face-to-face, online or on the phone. You can call 1800 595 212 or visit the Head to Health website.

For comprehensive information on mental health programs, services and resources in Victoria, visit the Better Health Channel website.

Other health professionals

Many other health professionals can assist you if you’re feeling suicidal. Depending on their role and area of expertise, they may be able to provide you with various types of psychological therapy, medication, or refer you to other services.

For more on the different health professionals, visit the websites below:

• Counsellors – The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia has a directory of counsellors and therapists.
• Psychologists – The Australian Psychological Society has a directory of psychologists and more information on seeing a psychologist.
• Psychiatrists – The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has a directory of psychiatrists as well as information on psychiatry and how to get an appointment.

If you’re already seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor, therapist or another professional, arrange to see them as soon as possible.

You may also be supported by a mental health nurse, who usually works as part of a wider team of health professionals. Mental health nurses work in hospitals and in the community.

In an emergency

If you are in immediate danger or concerned for your safety in any way:

• Call 000 and request an ambulance. Stay on the line, speak clearly, and be ready to answer the operator’s questions.
• Go to your local hospital’s emergency department.

Get Help Now

SuicideLine Victoria is a free 24/7 telephone and online counselling service offering professional support to people who are concerned about their emotional and mental health. Call 1300 651 251. If it is an emergency, call 000.