This page includes a range of supports you can access while waiting for an appointment, or at any time when you’re feeling emotionally distressed or overwhelmed. It includes crisis and immediate support contacts, as well as trusted online CBT programs, and wellbeing and mental health apps you can use in your own time. These programs and apps are grounded in evidence-based psychological approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and emotional regulation. They are not a substitute for therapy, but can offer valuable support.
Crisis and immediate support contacts
Emergency Services — 000 (24/7)
For life-threatening emergencies or if someone is at immediate risk.
Mental Health Line (NSW) — 1800 011 511 (24/7)
Speak to a mental health professional. This service also connects you to your local Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) if urgent in-person support is needed.
Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7)
Support for anyone in emotional distress or experiencing a personal crisis.
13YARN — 13 92 76 (24/7)
A culturally safe, national crisis line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Speak with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter.
Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — 1300 726 306 (Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 7.30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Support for new and expecting parents experiencing anxiety or depression.
QLife — 1800 184 527 (3:00 pm – midnight)
LGBTQ+ peer support and referral.
Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Support for children and young people aged 5 to 25.
Headspace
Mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12–25 and their families.
MensLine Australia — 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Support for men around mental health, relationships, anger, or fatherhood.
1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 (24/7)
National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858 (24/7)
Free online support for anyone affected by gambling.
Online CBT programs
THIS WAY UP
A range of self-paced and clinician-supported online CBT courses for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and more.
Moodgym
Interactive CBT training to help prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
MindSpot Clinic
Free online mental health assessments and clinician-guided treatment programs, funded by the Australian Government.
Mental Health Online
Assessment tools and structured online treatment for a range of conditions, developed by Swinburne University.
Wellbeing and mental health apps
Calm Harm — iOS / Android
Designed to support people who experience urges to self-harm. Based on DBT principles.
MoodMission — iOS / Android
Offers practical, evidence-based “missions” to reduce low mood and anxiety.
Smiling Mind — iOS / Android
Mindfulness and meditation tools for adults, children, and classrooms.
BeyondNow — iOS / Android / Web version
A partnership between Beyond Blue and Lifeline to make it easier for people to access the support they need, when they need it. BeyondNow is a safety planning app to help people manage suicidal thoughts and stay safe during crises.
PTSD Coach Australia — iOS / Android
Developed by the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Open Arms, PTSD Coach Australia is designed to help individuals understand and manage symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CBT-i Coach — iOS / Android
A free app designed to assist individuals undergoing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) or those interested in improving their sleep habits. Developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with Stanford University and the Department of Defence.