If the matter is urgent, contact emergency services on 000 (24 Hrs)

Lifeline telephone counselling
13 11 14 (24 Hrs)

Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467 (24 Hrs)

Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800 (24 Hrs)

How to help when someone experiences a mental health crisis

When caring for someone with a mental illness, there may be times when their health deteriorates to a point that immediate support is required. When this occurs, it is best to contact a specialist service that is able to assess the situation and help you to decide on the best course of action.

If the person you are caring for agrees, you can attend the emergency department of your local hospital. However, there are times when the person affected might not agree there is any risk, or might not be willing to reach out for help. You can contact the local Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) through the closest major public hospital. 

To find your local CATT, ring your closest major public hospital or visit health.vic.gov.au.

Other helplines

beyondblue depression, anxiety and stigma reduction. Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours / 7 days a week.

Blue Knot Foundation Helpline information, support or referral for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380, 9am-5pm / 7 days a week.

Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline counselling and treatment referral for people with eating disorders, and body image and related issues. Call 1800 33 4673 8am-9pm / 7 days a week.

eheadspace mental health and wellbeing support, information and services to young people aged 12 to 25 years and their families. Call 1800 650 890.

MensLine Australia telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days a week.

MindSpot Clinic telephone and online service for people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. Call 1800 61 44 34 AEST, 8am-8pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-6pm (Sat).

QLife telephone and web-based services to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. Call 1800 184 527, 3pm-12am (midnight) / 7 days a week.

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) telephone information, counselling and referral service. Call 1300 726 306, 9am-7:30pm AEST (Mon-Fri).

SANE Australia support, training and education enabling those with a mental illness to lead a better life. Call 1800 18 7263, 9am-5pm (Mon-Fri).

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) 24/7 confidential, nationwide counselling and support for war and service-related mental health conditions. Call 1800 011 046.