Support for Children and Young People
Ethical and Safety Notice
This page provides general support options for young people and their families, and is not an exhaustive list. It is not a substitute for formal assessment, diagnosis, or tailored therapeutic care.
If you are a young person in immediate danger or feeling unsafe, please call 000 immediately and/or the crisis lines below.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency Services (Police / Ambulance) – 000
For situations where there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others.Lifeline – 13 11 14
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
24/7 telephone counselling for people at risk of or affected by suicide.13YARN – 13 92 76
24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
24/7 confidential support for children and young people aged 5–25
National Resources (Australia)
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headspace
National Youth Mental Health Foundation. For young people aged 12–25. Mental health, wellbeing, and vocational support.
CALL
1800 650 890 (3pm–10pm daily)CHAT
Webchat with clinician (3pm–10pm daily)
https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/connect-with-us/WEBSITE
https://headspace.org.au/ -
Beyond Blue
Access information, advice and support for mental health.
CALL
1300 22 4636 (24/7)CHAT
Webchat with counsellor (24/7)
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor/chat -
ReachOut
Online mental health support and resilience resources for young people aged 16–25.
CHAT
Peer chat (Mon – Thu 3pm – 8pm; Fri 11.30am – 4.30pm)
https://au.reachout.com/peerchatWEBSITE
https://au.reachout.com -
1800RESPECT
Counselling and support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
CALL
1800 737 732TEXT
0458 737 732WEBSITE
https://1800respect.org.au/
Resources in Victoria, Australia
If seeking support through public services, a referral may be required from a GP or school wellbeing coordinator
Melbourne (Metropolitan)
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Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Specialist assessment and treatment services for young people up to 18.
CALL
CAMHS Crisis Connect: 1800 048 636 (24/7)WEBSITE
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/mental-health-services/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services -
Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
Dedicated public youth mental health service for young people aged 12–25 years in Melbourne’s north and west.
CALL
1800 888 320WEBSITE
https://pymhws.org.au/
Victoria (Regional)
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La Trobe Regional Health Services
Community mental health services, including programs for young people across regional Victoria.
Locations include Traralgon, Wonthaggi, Warragul, Sale, and Bairnsdale.
CALL
Mental health triage: 1300 363 322 -
Bendigo Health Youth Mental Health Services
Public youth mental health services across regional Victoria.
Locations include Kyneton, Castlemaine, Echuca, Swan Hill, and Maryborough.
CALL
Mental health triage: 1300 363 788WEBSITE
https://www.bendigohealth.org.au/YouthMentalHealthService