Help is out there

There are a wide range of services available to help you manage any health concerns.

Community health centres


Community health centres aim to improve the health and wellbeing of the community through a range of health assessment, management, counselling and education services. They are open to the community through direct walk-ins, telephone contact or via referral.

Specific services include mental health, alcohol and drug services, health therapies, community nursing, family and child health, aged assessment and rehabilitation and health education programs. There is also counselling and support and treatment for anyone who may have social, emotional, psychiatric or relationship problems.

You can find your community health centre in the white pages (opens in a new window), ask your Doctor or health worker or contact your local Council.

Your local Doctor/General Practitioner (GP)


General Practitioners (GPs) can give you advice and if necessary, refer you to specialised health professionals. The Beyond Blue directory has a list of local Doctors who have specialist training in mental health issues.

» Find a Doctor in your area (opens in a new window)

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Community mental health centres


Every area of Sydney is covered by a community mental health team. These teams consist of a number of health professionals (psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, psychologists and occupational therapists) who provide services to mentally ill clients such as assessment, support, case management and crisis response teams.

You can find your community mental health centre in the white pages (opens in a new window), ask your Doctor or health worker or contact your local Council.

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Telephone counselling services

Lifeline

Counselling and support is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Face to face counselling is available in some areas.

Call them on 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website (opens in a new window).

Salvation Army Careline

Counselling and support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call them on 1300 36 36 22 or visit the Salvation Army website (opens in a new window).

Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline care and will listen anytime for any reason.

Call them on 1800 551 800 or visit the Kids Helpline website (opens in a new window).

Mensline Australia

Supporting men and their families.

Call them on 1300 78 99 78 or visit the Mensline website (opens in a new window).

Alcohol and Drug Information Services (ADIS)

These services are available across Australia, 24 hours a day. They try to answer any questions about alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

Call them on 1800 422 599.

National Family Drug Support

Family drug support is available 24 hours a day.

Call them on 1300 368 186 or visit the National Family Drug Support website (opens in a new window).

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Support groups


What is a support group? Support groups are a safe place to go and talk about your illness and how you're coping. Some groups are fairly informal, with topics varying according to who's there at the time. Other groups may provide more structure, where they run for a set period and may have homework or guest speakers. Every group is different and there are a lot of options to choose from.

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Mental health information services

Mental Health Association NSW

The Mental Health Association NSW provides information, support and education to people who are affected by the symptoms of mental illness.

Contact them at info@mentalhealthasn.au or visit the Mental Health Association NSW website (opens in a new window).

Mental Health Advocacy Service

The Mental Health Advocacy Service deals with all Legal Aid matters under the Mental Health Act. They provide advice and minor assistance in matters under the NSW Mental Health Act, Guardianship Act and Protected Estates Act.

Visit the Legal Aid website (opens in a new window).

Mental Health Coordinating Council

The Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) is the peak body for community mental health organisations in New South Wales.

Visit the Mental Health Coordinating Council website (opens in a new window).

Transcultural Mental Health Centre

They provide mental health information and assistance in languages other than English.

Visit the Transcultural Mental Health Centre website (opens in a new window).

Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI)

They provide support and information for relatives and friends of people with a mental illness via telephone, newsletter and support groups in various locations in NSW.

Visit the ARAFMI website (opens in a new window).

SANE Australia

SANE Australia is a national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness.

Call their helpline on 1800 187 263 or visit the SANE website (opens in a new window).


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» Return to the mental health page