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Counselling and support services

If you are experiencing any form of online abuse you do not need to face it alone. Talking to someone makes it easier to decide what to do and deal with the impact.

Crisis Support

If you, or someone you care about, is at risk of harm right now call Triple Zero (000).

Suicide/self-harm

If you are having thoughts about suicide or self-harm please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Support services near you

Ask Izzy is a website that connects people with thousands of local services including counselling, domestic and family violence support, and help with housing, meals and money.

Lifeline

All ages. All issues. Phone counselling and online chat available all day, every day.

1800RESPECT

Confidential counselling, support and information for people affected by sexual abuse or domestic and family violence. Available 24/7.

ACON Health

Counselling, health promotion, inclusion and support for people of diverse sexualities and genders, and those with HIV in NSW.

Australian Human Rights Commission

Investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination and breaches of human rights, including racism and sexual discrimination. You can make a complaint no matter where you live in Australia. The service is free and impartial.

Beyond Blue

All ages. All issues. Phone counselling and online chat available all day, every day.

Blue Knot Foundation

Phone counselling for adult survivors of childhood trauma, their friends, family and the health care professionals who support them. Available between 9am and 5pm, every day.

Butterfly Foundation

The Butterfly Foundation provides help for people experiencing eating disorders or body image issues, and those that care for them. It also provides support to professionals managing these issues with clients.

Community health centres

Local community health centres offer face-to-face counselling. To find one in your local area, search for ‘Community Health Centre’ online.

Family violence law help

Online resources for people wanting to understand domestic and family violence, the law and where to get help.

General practitioners (GP)

You can ask your GP for a referral to a counsellor/psychologist if you need. You don’t have to tell the GP what happened — simply explain that you need support as you are feeling very sad/angry/worried. If you meet the criteria for a mental health treatment plan, some of your out-of-pocket expenses for a counsellor/psychologist may be covered by Medicare.

Intersex Peer Support Australia (ISPA)

Intersex peer support, information and advocacy group for people born with variations in sex characteristics and their families.

Legal Aid

All ages. Directory for Legal Aid in each state and territory. Legal aid commissions provide legal assistance services in criminal, family and civil law matters.

Men's Referral Service

This service from No to Violence offers assistance, information and counselling to help men who use family violence.

Meridian

Provides health and social support services for LGBTIQ+ communities in ACT.

Minus18

Articles, resources and training for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer and/or intersex young people. As well as professional training to help support LGBTQI people.

Police

If you, or someone you care about, is at risk of harm right now call Triple Zero (000).

QLife

All ages. Counselling and referral for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and/or intersex. Phone counselling and online chat available every day from 3pm to 12am.

Queensland Council for LGBTI Health formerly (QuAC)

Counselling, health promotion, inclusion and support for people of diverse sexualities and genders, and those with HIV in Queensland.

Safe and Equal Victoria

Safe and Equal is the peak body for specialist family violence services that provide support to victim survivors in Victoria.

SANE Helpline

SANE Australia's helpline provides the information, guidance, and referrals to manage mental health care and concerns. Available weekdays from 10am to 10pm AEST.

Say It Out Loud

Provides support and information for LGBTIQ+ people in a domestic and family violence relationship, 

Seniors Rights Service

Free legal advice and assistance that protects the rights of older people. They provide telephone advice, advocacy, legal advice and educational services.

Suicide Call Back Service

Suicide Call Back Service is a free, independent and confidential nationwide service that provides professional phone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide. Available all day, every day.

Thorne Harbour Health

Counselling, health promotion, inclusion and support for people of diverse sexualities and genders, and those with HIV in Victoria.

Urgent psychiatric help

If you are experiencing a serious episode, tell a friend, call your GP, counsellor or psychologist. If you fear for your safety, or the safety of others, call Triple Zero (000).

Western Australian Aids Council (WAAC)

Counselling and health services for LGBTIQ+ people and those with HIV in Western Australia. 

Workplaces

Workplaces might offer counselling through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This service can be used for any issue and is confidential.