Find a Mental Health Professional for Suicidal Thoughts & Self-Harm

About Suicidal Thoughts & Self-Harm support

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges to self-harm, support is available right now. In an emergency, call 000. For immediate crisis support, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, and the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. This category connects you with practitioners who specialise in working with people experiencing suicidal ideation, engaging in self-harm, processing suicide bereavement (the grief of losing someone to suicide), and developing personalised safety plans. These are areas requiring specific training and clinical skill, and the practitioners listed here have experience holding these conversations safely and without judgement. Effective therapeutic approaches include Safety Planning, DBT-based skills work, and collaborative approaches that build a person's own reasons for living and internal coping strategies. Medicare-subsidised sessions are available with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, and in some circumstances additional sessions above the standard 10 can be requested where there is a clinical need related to suicide risk. If you are in crisis right now, please reach out to a crisis line before using this directory to book ongoing therapy.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a therapist who specialises in suicidal ideation or self-harm in Australia?

Talk to your GP first if it is safe and possible to do so. Your GP can issue a Mental Health Treatment Plan and refer you to a psychologist or mental health professional with specific experience in this area. You can also search this directory filtering for the crisis support category. If you are in immediate distress, please call Lifeline (13 11 14) or present to your nearest emergency department.

Can I access extra Medicare sessions if I am at risk of suicide?

Yes. Under the Mental Health Treatment Plan, GPs can request an additional 10 sessions (beyond the standard 10 per year) for people with a diagnosed mental disorder where there is exceptional clinical need, including where there is a risk of harm. Your GP and treating psychologist will typically collaborate on this request. It is worth discussing this with both your GP and your psychologist if you feel you need more frequent or extended support.

What is a safety plan and how does it help?

A safety plan is a personalised document developed collaboratively with a mental health professional that outlines warning signs, coping strategies, reasons for living, and specific steps to take when suicidal thoughts intensify. Unlike a contract not to self-harm, a safety plan is practical and action-focused. Research shows that safety planning significantly reduces the risk of suicide attempts and helps people feel more in control during moments of crisis.