Mental Health Crisis Support Australia | What to Do Right Now
MHD Editorial Team · 22 January 2026
The Mental Health Directory helps you find long-term, sustainable support. However, we recognise that sometimes life feels overwhelming right now. If you feel hopeless, distressed, or unsafe, please know that a massive network of Australians stands ready to listen. This guide provides your "safety net" for the moments when you cannot wait for a scheduled appointment.
If your life, or the life of someone else, is in immediate danger, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
24/7 Crisis Helplines
These national services are free, confidential, and available every hour of the day. They provide immediate stabilisation and help you plan your next steps.
- Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800): Supports young people aged 5 to 25 with any concern.
- Lifeline (13 11 14): Provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention for all Australians.
- Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636): Offers support for anxiety, depression, and general distress.
- 13YARN (13 92 76): Connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with culturally safe crisis support.
State-Based Emergency Teams
Every Australian state operates a specialized Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT). These professionals can provide urgent mental health assessments in your home or over the phone.
- ACT — Access Mental Health: 1800 629 354
- NSW — NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
- VIC — Mental Health Triage (Statewide): 1300 721 927
- QLD — 1300 MH CALL: 1300 642 255
- SA — Mental Health Triage Service: 13 14 65
- WA — Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL): 1300 555 788 (Metro) / 1800 676 822 (Peel)
- TAS — Access Mental Health: 1800 332 388
- NT — NT Mental Health Line: 1800 682 288
Your 5-Minute Safety Plan
If you feel "shaky" but are not in immediate danger, use this active strategy to stay grounded:
1. Promise to Wait: Commit to taking no permanent actions until you speak with a professional. 2. Contact a Safe Person: Call a friend or family member and tell them you are struggling. 3. Remove Hazards: Ensure your immediate environment is safe. 4. Use a Grounding Tool: Try the "5-4-3-2-1" technique — name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.