Mental health support

Looking after your mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and support is available.

Mental health support exists on a continuum, ranging from general wellbeing and counselling services through to specialist clinical care and, when needed, inpatient support. Different types of support are available depending on what someone is experiencing, and linking in with local support services and mental health specialists can help you determine the right level of care for you. 

There are many free and confidential services that provide counselling, crisis support, wellbeing advice and connections to ongoing care. This includes helplines, online resources, local community health services, and specialist mental health providers.

You’re not alone, support is available.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 000.

Mental health care plans

A mental health care plan is accessible through your General Practitioner (GP) and provides a structured support and treatment plan to address your mental health needs.

How to access a mental health care plan:

• Book an appointment with your GP and inform them that you would like to discuss a Mental Health Care Plan.

• During the appointment, be open about your mental health concerns, your GP may ask you specific questions to determine the best support for you.

• If your GP agrees that a Mental health care plan is appropriate, you will work together to create it. This may include referrals to mental health professionals, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist for further support.

• The plan typically allows for up to 10 subsidised sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year and can be reviewed and adjusted to meet your needs.

Mercy Mental Health Triage Service and Saltwater Clinic	Visit the website
1300 674 259 Operates 24 hours a day. Mercy Mental Health provide mental health and wellbeing services in Maribyrnong, including Saltwater Clinic.  Saltwater Clinic is an adult community mental health clinic providing Mental Health community care for people living in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay City Councils. Saltwater Clinic is by appointment only, and referrals are through the Mercy Mental Health Triage phone number above.

Cohealth counselling service	Visit the website
9448 5521 CoHealth provides general counselling for adults and can help with issues including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship and family difficulties, grief and loss, pain or illness causing emotional distress, elder abuse, self-worth, work-related stress and more.  Cost depends on income, you can find out more on the website or by phoning CoHealth directly.

 

Crisis mental health services

Lifeline	Visit the website
131 114  Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. They offer immediate, confidential help via phone, text, and online chat for anyone feeling overwhelmed, in emotional distress, or at risk of harm.

Beyond Blue	Visit the website
1800 224 636 Beyond Blue provides mental health support, information, and counselling for people experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional distress. They offer 24/7 phone and webchat support, plus practical resources to help people manage their mental health and connect to further care.

Kids Helpline	Visit the website
1800 551 800 Kids Helpline provides confidential, 24/7 counselling and support for children and young people aged 5-25. They help with mental health, safety concerns, family issues, and any problem big or small via phone, webchat, and email.