LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF

There are a number of organisaitons that provide free, 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

If you or someone close to you is in distress or immediate danger, call 000 immediately.

Lifeline

Call: 13 11 14
Text: 0477 13 11 14
Chat online here.

Beyond Blue 

Call: 1300 22 4636
Chat online here.

National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line

Call: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Chat online here.

To access bulk-billed mental health services in your area, you will generally need to start with a visit to your GP.

If you’re nervous talking about your mental health with a GP, remember these are conversations they do every day. Finding a GP you trust is always worthwhile.

After an assessment, your GP may create a mental health treatment plan with you. This plan allows you to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 20 sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year.

Your GP is best placed to recommend services in your local area and can advise you on free, low-cost and private practice options too.

For more information about mental health and Medicare, read here.

The Indigo Project is a progressive, online therapy practice, dedicated to providing counselling that is insightful, nourishing and supportive.

The Indigo Project’s diverse team are trained in a range of therapy styles. And their match-making tool can help you find a psychologist who suits you best. You can also call (02) 9212 5469 or email [email protected] to speak with one of their dedicated Therapy Matchmakers As a fully-virtual service, the Indigo Project can reach anyone in Australia with internet.

As a private practice, the Indigo Project prides itself on its low wait times.

Please note, however, that costs are out of pocket, with most sessions ranging from $120-205  (after the Medicare rebate). To access the rebate, you will need a mental health treatment plan from your GP (see above). The Indigo Project is also an NDIS service provider.

Gidget Foundation Australia supports expectant and new parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety.

Gidget offers psychological sessions at no cost, in-person or online, peer support groups, resources and more.

Call: 1300 851 758
Email: [email protected]

R U OK? is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.

R U OK? is not a crisis support or counselling service. Their website lists a detailed collection of available support services in Australia as well as a number of useful tools and resources.