How do I support someone to access mental health services?

​At a glance

In an emergency always call 000 or encourage the person to go to a hospital emergency department.

There are a number of ways to find out about services to assist someone to get the mental health support they may need. If services are needed, get help early. 

• Call the NSW Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511
  The NSW Mental Health is a 24/7 telephone assessment and referral service, staffed by mental health clinicians. This service can provide advice about symptoms, the urgency of the need for care and information about local service providers.
• Talk to a GP
  A GP can provide more information about what service may be helpful, the options and make the referral.
• Look online to find what services are available
  There are several online resources to help access mental health services.

If the service you contact isn’t the right one, they should help you find the right one.

Resources

NSW Mental Health Services and Programs
Type: Web page
Produced by: NSW Health

Mental health services and support contact list
Type: Web page
Produced by: NSW Health

Talking to your doctor (GP) about mental health
This is a web page to help choose a GP and gives advice on how to begin a conversation with them about mental health.
Type: Web page
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Produced by: Health Direct

Question builder
This question builder helps prepare for a medical appointment by creating a list of questions to ask the doctor.
Type: Web page
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Audio: Listen available
Produced by: Health Direct

Head to Health – Sam the Chatbot
This online virtual assistant (chatbot) provides information about available services and includes online resources on how to support someone else.
Type: Web page
Produced by: Head to Health

WayAhead Directory
The WayAhead Directory is a comprehensive online database which can be used to find local services, to make referrals and access mental health information and resources.
Type: Web page
Produced by: Mental Health Association NSW

Local health districts and specialty networks
This web page allows you to find the local health district or specialty network for your area, and includes links to their websites.
Type: Web page
Produced by: NSW Health

myCompass: A personalised self-help tool for your mental health
This is an online program, developed by Black Dog Institute, to help people better self-manage mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
Type: Web page
Produced by: Black Dog Institute