Free Mental Health and Support Services for Teens and Young Adults in Australia
If you are a teen or young adult aged 13–20 and need support, you are not alone. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed or facing challenges with mental health, relationships, identity, or school life, there are free and confidential services across Australia designed just for you.
This guide provides an overview of reliable mental health and support services for young people across Australia, detailing what they offer and how to connect through phone calls, text messages, web chat, or email.
1. Kids Helpline
– 24/7 Counselling for Young People
Ages: 5–25
Website: kidshelpline.com.au
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (Free, 24/7)
Web Chat: Available via website
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free and confidential 24/7 counselling service specifically for young people aged 5 to 25 years. It provides a safe and non-judgmental space for teens and young adults to talk to professional counsellors about anything that’s on their mind—big or small.
Young people reach out to Kids Helpline for support with a range of concerns, including:
• Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or stress
• Relationship or friendship problems
• Bullying (online or in-person)
• Family conflict or separation
• Identity, gender, or sexuality
• Study and future worries
• Loneliness or feeling overwhelmed
Kids Helpline:
• Available 24/7 – You can contact them anytime, day or night
• Free and confidential – Even from mobile phones
• Professional support – All counsellors are qualified and experienced
• You choose your counsellor’s gender
• Option to request the same counsellor again for follow-up conversations
• Inclusive of all identities and backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ youth
Information for teens (13–17)
Information for young adults (18–25)
2. headspace
– Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Ages: 12–25
Website: headspace.org.au
Phone: 1800 650 890 (9 am – 1 am AEST, 7 days)
WebChat & Email: Available via website
headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention services to support young people aged 12 to 25. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people through its national network of headspace centres, online and phone counselling, school-based programs, and vocational support services.
Young people can get support for a wide range of issues, including:
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Physical health, including sexual health
• Alcohol and other drug concerns
• Study, work, and career support
Through headspace, young people can chat with mental health professionals online or over the phone, while local headspace centres offer face-to-face support in communities across Australia. Services are free and confidential.
3. Beyond Blue
– Youth Mental Health Support
Ages: 12-25
Website: beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/youth
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Text: 0477 13 11 14 (24/7)
WebChat: Via website
Beyond Blue helps young people manage mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, low mood, and stress. The youth section of their site includes helpful articles, mental health check-ins, real-life stories, and tools that support your emotional well-being.
Beyond Blue
• 24/7 support for emotional well-being
• Accessible via phone, webchat, or text
• LGBTQIA+ inclusive resources and support
• Youth-focused mental health tools
• Online forums and community stories
4. QLife
– LGBTQIA+ Peer Support and Counselling
Website: qlife.org.au
Phone: 1800 184 527 (3 pm – midnight, every day)
WebChat: Available during service hours via website
QLife is a free, anonymous, and nationwide support service for LGBTQIA+ people, including teens and young adults who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity, exploring relationships, or needing a safe space to talk. Support is provided by trained peer workers who understand the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ communities. Conversations are non-judgmental, respectful, and affirming.
Common reasons young people contact QLife:
• Coming out or exploring identity
• Navigating relationships and family acceptance
• Dealing with isolation, anxiety, or discrimination
• Finding community and connection
• Accessing inclusive mental health resources
5. Lifeline
– Crisis Support
Ages: all ages
Website: lifeline.org.au
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Text: 0477 13 11 14 (24/7)
WebChat: 5 pm – midnight AEST via website
Lifeline is one of Australia’s most trusted crisis support and suicide prevention services, offering free, confidential help to anyone feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or in need of immediate emotional support. You don’t need to be in crisis to call—just needing someone to talk to is reason enough. Lifeline is committed to empowering Australians to be suicide-safe through connection, compassion and hope. Trained crisis supporters are there to listen without judgment, helping you feel heard and supported.
Lifeline
• 24/7 crisis support via phone, text, and web chat
• Free and confidential conversations
• Inclusive of all genders, backgrounds, and identities
• Emotional support, suicide prevention, and mental health help
• Compassionate listening and crisis de-escalation
6. ReachOut
– Online Mental Health Tools and Peer Support
Website: au.reachout.com
Ages: 14–25
ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health service for young people. It’s designed especially for teens and young adults who want to better understand their emotions, build resilience, and connect with others in a safe, anonymous environment.
ReachOut is a self-help platform, which means you can explore support in your own time—no waiting, no appointments, and no pressure to speak to someone directly. It’s ideal for those who might not feel ready for phone or face-to-face support.
ReachOut
• A huge library of evidence-based articles, videos, and tips on topics like anxiety, stress, depression, identity, friendships, bullying, study pressure, and more
• Real-life stories from young people sharing their mental health journeys
• Interactive tools and self-assessments to help you track your mood and mental well-being
• Peer support through moderated online forums, where you can ask questions, offer advice or just connect with others who get what you’re going through
• Dedicated LGBTQIA+ support content, including coming out stories, coping strategies, and identity exploration resources
Ways You Can Connect With These Services
Everyone communicates differently—these services offer multiple ways to reach out, so you can choose what feels most comfortable:
• Phone support – Speak directly to a trained counsellor
• Web Chat – Message a support worker in real time
• Text support – Great for quiet or private moments
• Email counselling – For written conversations at your own pace
• In-person support – Available at headspace centres and some local services
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Reaching out for help shows strength, not weakness. Whether you are working through a tough moment, questioning your identity, facing anxiety or stress, or just need someone to listen, you deserve support.
These services exist to help you feel heard, safe, and understood—no matter what you are going through.
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We aim to provide accurate information on teen events, places and support services across Australia. However, we recommend parents check details directly, as details, dates, times, and prices may change.
