6 ways to get help for mental health

While it’s pretty common to need some help with mental health, knowing how to access the right support can be a little tricky. Here are six free or low-cost ways to get help for your mental health so that you can start feeling better.

1. Head to your GP

A great first step on your journey is to see a GP. While they are trained to support people with mental health issues, they may not always bring it up themselves. If you mention it’s something you want to talk about, they can chat with you about how you’re feeling and suggest treatment options.

Your GP is also the gateway to getting a mental health care plan, which gives you six Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist or therapist. If money is an issue, let them know – they might be able to refer you to fully subsidised or low-cost options.

From the age of 15, you can get your own Medicare card. This means you can access your GP confidentially without having to involve your family or use their Medicare card. Depending on your age, the state you live in and what’s going on for you, your GP may not have to involve your parents or carers unless it’s a really serious matter. Check out our guide to age and confidentiality to learn more.

Most GPs are supportive and really want to help. But if it doesn’t feel like a good fit, you can politely ask them to give you a mental health-care plan and a referral to a psychologist. 

It’s important to find a doctor you feel comfortable with. That might mean someone who understands your background, has experience of working with culturally diverse communities, or is just someone you connect with. You have the right to access support that works for you.

2. Talk to a mental health professional

Going to see a trained therapist can provide a safe environment where you can explore your feelings and figure out some strategies to help you feel better.

There are a lot of mental health professionals out there, all with different qualifications or levels of training, amounts of experience and areas of expertise, so it’s important that you work out which type of professional you want to see.

Watch the video below for clinical psychologist Nasalifya Namwinga’s tips on what to do if you don’t click with your therapist.

Video transcript.

The following links will help you find a professional in your area:

• Find a psychiatrist

• Find a clinical psychologist

• Find a psychologist

• Find a social worker

• Find an occupational therapist

• Find a counsellor

3. Try a helpline

Need immediate help? You can call a trained professional right now, without even leaving your room. Helplines are also a great option if you're not up for a face-to-face conversation.

These free, confidential services are available 24/7. They’ll listen to you and help you to find the support that best meets your needs:

• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

• eheadspace – 1800 650 890

For a service that specialises in supporting First Nations people, try 13YARN (13 92 76) to have a yarn with someone who shares your cultural background, or get in touch with another support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There are also plenty of support services for culturally and linguistically diverse young people. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a severe mental health crisis, contact Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) or call 000.

Learn more about how to call a helpline.

4. Connect with someone online

Some people can talk easily about their feelings, but some of us find it hard to say this stuff out loud and prefer to communicate online. The following services offer confidential chats with professionals:

• ReachOut PeerChat, available Mon–Thurs 3–8 pm, Fri 1–5 pm AEST

• eHeadspace online chat, available every day 9 am–1 am AEDT 

• Kids Helpline WebChat, available 24/7

• Lifeline Crisis Chat, available 24/7

Free 1:1 chat

Anonymous online support

Need to talk? Try PeerChat, a safe and secure space to talk to a trained peer worker about what’s going on for you.

Chat now

5. Head to headspace

Headspace centres are a great option if you want to talk face-to-face with someone without having to get a referral first. You can schedule an appointment by calling or emailing them. There might be a longer wait time for particular centres, so be prepared that you may not get an immediate appointment. Some offer drop-in services, but call beforehand to check.

Many centres also have staff trained to support First Nations young people and offer interpreters or multilingual workers. It’s okay to ask for someone who shares your cultural background or has experience in that space.

6. Access support at your school, uni or TAFE

If you’re studying, check in with your school counsellor or uni/TAFE wellbeing team. These services are free and confidential, and often have shorter wait times than other options. They can also help if your mental health is affecting your grades or attendance.