Telephone counselling services
Healthdirect
Healthdirect Australia is a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by registered nurses to provide expert health advice. You can call 1800 022 222 for advice if you, or a member of your family, are feeling ill and are unsure what to do, or for health information on a particular condition. At night and on weekends the nurse will help you to work out if you should speak to a general practitioner (GP). If so, the nurse will put you through to the after-hours GP helpline
kids helpline — crisis and suicide prevention
kids helpline is a free, private and confidential counselling service aimed specifically at young people between the ages of 5 and 25. Call 1800 551 800.
Children and young people can choose to speak with either a male or female counsellor and are able to continue to speak with the same counsellor to work through their issues. Kids Helpline has an extensive referral database of more than 7,000 support services such as suicide prevention, self-help resources and mental health information, as well as a variety of programs specific to the needs of local communities.
Mental Health Line
The Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 is a statewide 24-hour mental health telephone access service. Anyone with a mental health issue can use the Mental Health Line to speak with a mental health professional and be directed to the right care for them.
Carers and health professionals and emergency service workers can also use the Mental Health Line for advice about a person's clinical symptoms, the urgency of the need for care and local treatment options.
ADIS — Alcohol and Drugs Information Service
The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) is a 24-hour confidential NSW state-wide telephone service. ADIS provides education, information, referral, crisis counselling and advice about illegal drugs such as heroin, ice and cannabis, and the problematic use of legal drugs such as alcohol and prescription medication. People in Sydney metro can call (02) 9361 8000, while regional and rural
Lifeline — Crisis support and suicide prevention
Lifeline provides a 24-hour crisis, suicide prevention and mental health support service line. They can be contacted on 131 114. Lifeline also provides national services and campaigns that promote emotional wellbeing, encourage help-seeking, and address suicide prevention and awareness.
Like more information?
NSW Health has a range of online resources that may help you when accessing healthcare or looking for information about specific health conditions.