Find Trusted Professionals
We know how overwhelming it can feel when searching for the right help. That’s why we’ve created this curated list of trusted professionals and services recommended by families and support networks who have been through the journey themselves.
Disclaimer
This referral list was accurate when it was last updated. While we do our best to keep it current, services can change over time. We encourage you to contact each service directly to confirm availability, eligibility, and the type of support they provide.
Why Use Our Referral List?
Finding the right professional can make all the difference in building resilience, improving wellbeing, and supporting positive life transitions. Our referral directory connects you to:
- Youth mental health services (including Child and Youth Mental Health Services and Headspace)
- Specialist professionals experienced in psychosocial disability
- Carer and family support services designed for parents, siblings, and kin
- Helplines and community organisations like Lifeline, offering immediate support when it’s needed most
This resource list is grounded in real recommendations from families through our co-design workshops, ensuring it reflects lived experiences—not just generic directories.
Supports and Services
Phone: 1300 30 1300 (8am to 10pm, 7 days a week)
Website: parentline.com.au
Lifeline: Crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Website: lifeline.org.au
QLife: Provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people in Australia.
Phone: 1800 184 527 (3pm to midnight AEST/AEDT, 7 days a week)
Website: qlife.org.au
Kids Helpline: Free, confidential phone and online counselling for young people 5 to 25yrs.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Website: kidshelpline.com.au
13YARN: Crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
Phone: 13 92 76 (24/7)
Website 13yarn.org.au
Beyond Blue Support Service (24/7)
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (Call a counsellor)
Website: beyondblue.org.au (including chat to a counsellor online and 6 free sessions with a MH coach)
Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467
Website suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Peer CARE Companion Warmline: a non-clinical peer-led suicide prevention call back service for all lived experiences of suicide
Phone: 1800 77 7337 (leave a voicemail)
Website: rosesintheocean.com.au
SANE Australia Mental Health Helpline
Phone: 1800 187 263 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 8pm AEST/AEDT)
Website: sane.org
Multicultural Connect Line
Phone: 1300 079 020 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 4:30pm)
Website: worldwellnessgroup.org.au
Phone: 1800 422 737
Website: carergateway.gov.au
Carers Queensland – Peak body for carers in Queensland
Phone: 1300 747 636
Website: carersqld.com.au
SANE Forums – Safe space for families, friends and carers
Website: saneforums.org
Reach Out - Free professional coaching for parents and carers of teens
Website: parents.au.reachout.com
Arafmi Queensland – Supporting mental health carers in Queensland
24-hour Carer Support Line: 1300 554 660
Website: arafmi.com.au
Raising Children – Australian parenting website
Website: raisingchildren.net.au
Culture Care – empowering multicultural carers in wellbeing
Website: worldwellnessgroup.org.au/culture-care
Website: headspace.org.au
Raise – digital mentoring for teens 13-16 years old
Website: raise.org.au/digital
ReachOut – online mental health service in Australia supporting young people, their parents and carers, and schools during tough times.
Website: au.reachout.com
Beyond Blue – Mental health organisation for people struggling with mental health (with a focus on anxiety and depression)
Online peer support community - beyondblue.org.au
Website: siblingsaustralia.org.au
Eating Disorders Families Australia - provides support to siblings via 3 programs.
Website: edfa.org.au/siblings-support-2
Little Dreamers – supports for people aged 4-25 who support a loved one
Website: littledreamers.org.au
Carers Australia – national peak body representing carers.
Resource: Supporting Siblings (PDF)
Medicare Mental Health Centres
Free, no referral or MH Treatment Plan required, for everyone. Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm excl public holidays.
Website: medicarementalhealth.gov.au
Phone: 1800 595 212
Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs
For children aged 0–12 experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, relational and/or behavioural challenges, also providing support to families. Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm excl public holidays.
Website: medicarementalhealth.gov.au/finding-help/kids-hubs
Phone: 1800 595 212
Mental Health Access Line
The main point of access into access into public mental health services. Can provide support, information, advice and referral. Available 24/7.
Phone: 1300 MH CALL – 1300 642 255
Acute Response Team (ART) at Children's Health Queensland (CHQ)
Provides provides 24-hour crisis support for children and young people under 18 experiencing urgent mental health concerns, and their families, and carers. This service is based at the Queensland Children's Hospital.
Phone: 07 3068 2555
Co-Responder Program
Mental health co-responder programs involve specially trained teams, often a Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedic paired with a mental health clinician, who jointly respond to calls for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Ask for a mental health co-responder to attend when calling 000 for an ambulance.
Step Up Step Down (SUSD)
Support for your mental health in a home-like setting rather than going to hospital – SUSD can also help when you’re discharged from a mental health facility. For ages 16-21 years for up- to 28 days. Operates in various locations across Qld (Logan, Gladstone, Cairns). Example – Logan facility: Service Locations | Metro South Health
Community Care Unit (CCU)
A residential facility that provides clinical care and rehabilitation services for individuals with mental health issues who require ongoing support and assistance to live in the community. Various sites across Qld, including Coorparoo, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Windsor, Redland Bay, Logan, Bundaberg, Pine Rivers. Example – Pine Rivers: Community Care Unit | The Prince Charles Hospital
Website: qamh.org.au
The peak body for the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector in Queensland. Does not provide services but has a list of member organisations that do.
Anglicare
Website: anglicarecq.org.au or anglicaresq.org.au
Mental health, youth and family support services in central and southern Queensland
Brook RED
Website: brookred.org.au
Inclusive peer-run community based offer a range of supports across south Brisbane, northern Gold Coast, Mount Gravatt and Beenleigh.
Contact: (07) 3343 9282 or [email protected]
Lives Lived Well
Website: liveslivedwell.org.au
Supports for people affected by alcohol and other drugs, mental health and gambling. LIME and Lighthouse services for young people aged 12-18.
Contact: 1300 727 957
Neami National
Website: neaminational.org.au
Mental health and wellbeing supports.
Contact: (03) 8691 5300 (Head Office) or [email protected]
Roses in the Ocean
Website: rosesintheocean.com.au
Lived experience informed and/or led suicide prevention. Various services and a warmline.
Wellways
Website: wellways.org
Mental health, wellbeing and carer service provider
Contact: 1300 111 400 or email [email protected]
Wesley Mission Queensland
Website: wmq.org.au/mental-health
Clinical and non-clinical mental health and suicide prevention services.
Contact: 1800 448 448
Website: health.gov.au/our-work/phn/your-local-PHN/Qld-PHN
Independent, federally funded organisations established to streamline health services for their local communities. There are 7 primary health networks in Queensland.
Communication Hub
Website: communicationhub.com.au
Key Word Sign Australia
Website: kwsa.org.au
AssistiveWare
Core word board
Download PDF: download.assistiveware.com/aac/core-word-board-australia.pdf
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
A simple tool (sunflower lanyard) – to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent (e.g. neurodivergence, asthma, epilepsy) – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
Website: hdsunflower.com/au
Link: hdsunflower.com/au/insights/category/invisible-disabilities
Julian’s Key Health Passport
A communication tool designed to help healthcare staff provide you with the best care by sharing important and useful information about your health and needs.
Link: health.qld.gov.au/public-health/groups/people-with-disability/julians-key
Recovery oriented language guide – words matter (3rd edition)
A resource to guide the use of language in the context of mental health, “where words can convey hope, optimism and support, and promote a culture that fosters recovery and wellbeing.”
Download PDF: mhcc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Recovery-Oriented-Language-Guide-3rd-edition.pdf
Resources and Information
Website: childrens.health.qld.gov.au/services/child-and-youth-mental-health
Queensland Health Disability Health Services
Website: qld.gov.au/health/support/people-with-disability-support-workers-and-carers/health-services
Queensland Mental Health Commission
Website: qmhc.qld.gov.au
The Queensland Mental Health Commission has a comprehensive list of support services and agencies:
- Need support: qmhc.qld.gov.au
- Find support services: qmhc.qld.gov.au/find-support-services
Clearly Me (Black Dog Institute): 12 – 17yrs depression or psychological distress Website: blackdoginstitute.org.au/clearlyme-for-parents-carers
Sleep Ninja (Black Dog Institute): 12 – 16yrs experiencing sleep difficulties Website: blackdoginstitute.org.au/sleep-ninja
Teenage mental health: healthdirect.gov.au/teenage-mental-health
Neurodiversity and neurodivergence: healthdirect.gov.au/neurodiversity-and-neurodivergence
Autism Spectrum Disorder: healthdirect.gov.au/autism
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: healthdirect.gov.au/attention-deficit-disorder-add-or-adhd
Medicare - Support for young people Website: https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/support-for-young-people (this page does have links to specific services for certain struggles and concerns).
Eating Disorders Families Australia – Website: edfa.org.au
Queensland Eating Disorder Service Website: health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/referrals/statewide-specialist-services/queensland-eating-disorder-service-queds
Eating Disorders Queensland Website: eatingdisordersqueensland.org.au
Butterfly Website: butterfly.org.au
Eating Disorders Neurodiversity Australia Website: edneuroaus.com Information sheets: edneuroaus.com/information-sheets
National Eating Disorders Collaboration Website: nedc.com.au NEdC Eating Disorder Service Locator: nedc.com.au/support-and-services/service-locator
Queensland Child & Youth Eating Disorder Program Website: childrens.health.qld.gov.au/services/eating-disorders
Autism Queensland
Website: autismqld.com.au
ADHD Australia
Website: adhdaustralia.org.au
Aspect
Website: aspect.org.au
Autism Awareness Australia
Website: autismawareness.com.au
Reframing Autism
Website: reframingautism.org.au
I CAN
Website: icannetwork.online
Empower Autism
Website: empowerautism.org.au
Yellow Ladybugs
Website: yellowladybugs.com.au
Chill for Autism (formerly Code Blue for Autism)
Social skills coaching for young adults on the autism spectrum
Website: chillforautism.com.au
- Resource Library: selfinjurysupport.org.uk/library-directory
- Resource & Worksheet – why do I self harm?: selfinjurysupport.org.uk/why-do-i-self-injure
- Resource and Affirmations: Is there something wrong with me? (PDF)
- Resource – Helpful responses to self harm: https://www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/i-want-to-help-someone
- Rainbow Journal – Self Injury Self Help: https://www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/rainbow-journal
National Self-Harm Network (UK based)
Resource: a href="https://www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=da155763-3ca3-4542-ac19-5ced1788b1fc">Self-Harm First Aid (PDF)
headspace – understanding self-harm
Website: headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/self-harm
Oxford Psychiatry – Coping with young people’s self-harm
Resource: psych.ox.ac.uk/news/you-are-not-alone
Roses in the Ocean - lived experience of suicide organisation
Website: rosesintheocean.com.au
Phone: 1300 411 461
Alternatives to Suicide Peer Support
(18+ years, people from outside the host state are welcome to attend online groups unless otherwise stated).
Queensland (BrookRED): www.brookred.org.au/supporting-suicidality
NSW (Alt2Su NSW): alt2su-nsw.net
South Australia (LELAN): lelan.org.au/alt2su
Western Australia (DISCHARGED): discharged.asn.au (more details below)
DISCHARGED – Alternatives to Suicide Peer Support (some groups specifically for trans, non-binary, gender diverse and gender questioning people)
Calendar of groups: discharged.asn.au/calendar
Resource: How to support someone who is suicidal (PDF)
HERE
LGBTQIA+ suicide prevention resources
Services: here.org.au/services
Resources: here.org.au/resources
Safety Plan Template: here.org.au/resource/safety-plan
Charlee – LGBTQIA+ suicide lived experience resources
Suicide Safety Card Template: www.charlee.org.au/lgbtiqa-suicide-safety-plan-card
How to start a conversation about suicide: www.charlee.org.au/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-suicide
Conversations Matter
Supporting safe conversations about suicide
Website: conversationsmatter.org.au
ChatSafe
How to talk safely about suicide online
Website: orygen.org.au/chatsafe
Lifeline Suicide Safety Planning App
Website: toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/resources/beyond-now-safety-planning
The Suicide Response Project
Website: suicideresponseproject.com
What to say and do: www.suicideresponseproject.com/09-what-to-say-and-do
Mental Health First Aid Australia
How to talk about suicide
Website: mhfa.com.au/how-to-talk-about-suicide-your-words-matter
Samaritans
Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts
Manual of Resources
Suicide prevention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities
Website: manualofresources.com.au
Black Dog Institute
Teen Mental Health Matters: For Parents & Carers, (60 mins, free, online) but need an org to book
Link: blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/schools/parents/teen-mental-health-matters-parents-carers
Emerging Minds
Online courses:
Link: emergingminds.com.au/training/online-training
Aus Government eSafety Commissioner
Young people: esafety.gov.au/young-people
Kids: esafety.gov.au/kids/i-want-help-with
Parents: esafety.gov.au/parents
Mental Health Law Queensland
Website: mhlawqld.com.au
Children and youth information
Link: mhlawqld.com.au/mental-health-information/mental-health-children-and-youth
Young people and medical consent
Link: mhlawqld.com.au/top-legal-issues/carers/carers-young-people-and-medical-consent
Decision-making flow chart for Child and Youth Mental Health Care
Download PDF: health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/860540/LRW_Decisions_Flowchart_CYMHS.pdf
Queensland Mental Health Review Tribunal
Independent decision-making body under the Queensland Mental Health Act 2016. Main role is reviewing involuntary status of people using mental health services. Website provides information about hearings and supporting people.
Website: mhrt.qld.gov.au
Independent Patient Rights Advisor (IPRA)
Link: mhlawqld.com.au/mental-health-act/independent-patient-rights-advisors-ipras
Children’s Independent Patient Rights Advisor (IPRA)
Advisors who make sure your child’s rights are protected if they’re involved with mental health services.
Phone: 07 3069 7104 or 0476 830 919
Email: click here to send an email
Legal Aid Queensland
A range of information about legal concerns and access to some types of legal help. Also Find a Lawyer and advice on your eligibility for Legal Aid.
Website: legalaid.qld.gov.au
Queensland Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support
Supports for parents and carers of young people, including victim assist.
Link: youthjustice.qld.gov.au/parents-carers/support-for-parents,-carers-and-young-people/mental-health-and-wellbeing
Ryan’s rule
Raising concerns if a patient’s health condition is getting worse while admitted to any Queensland Health public hospital, including the emergency department, and in some Hospital in the Home (HITH) services.
Link: qld.gov.au/health/support/shared-decision-making/ryans-rule
Nominated support person authority (public health system)
This must be nominated at every hospital admission – it doesn’t last. A family member suggests having a standby “letter of authority” from your over 18 young person, signed by them for times when they need you to speak or advocate on their behalf.
Link: health.qld.gov.au/public-health/topics/mhaod/for-healthcare-providers/treating-patients-under-the-mental-health-act/patient-rights/support-persons-and-nominated-support-persons
Download PDF: health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0039/639867/nominated-support-person-form.pdf
Mental Health Law Queensland
Website: mhlawqld.com.au
Children and youth information
Link: mhlawqld.com.au/mental-health-information/mental-health-children-and-youth
Young people and medical consent
Link: mhlawqld.com.au/top-legal-issues/carers/carers-young-people-and-medical-consent
Decision-making flow chart for Child and Youth Mental Health Care
Download PDF: health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/860540/LRW_Decisions_Flowchart_CYMHS.pdf
Queensland Mental Health Review Tribunal
Independent decision-making body under the Queensland Mental Health Act 2016. Main role is reviewing involuntary status of people using mental health services. Website provides information about hearings and supporting people.
Website: mhrt.qld.gov.au
Independent Patient Rights Advisor (IPRA)
Link: mhlawqld.com.au/mental-health-act/independent-patient-rights-advisors-ipras
Children’s Independent Patient Rights Advisor (IPRA)
Advisors who make sure your child’s rights are protected if they’re involved with mental health services.
Phone: 07 3069 7104 or 0476 830 919
Email: click here to send an email
Legal Aid Queensland
A range of information about legal concerns and access to some types of legal help. Also Find a Lawyer and advice on your eligibility for Legal Aid.
Website: legalaid.qld.gov.au
Queensland Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support
Supports for parents and carers of young people, including victim assist.
Link: youthjustice.qld.gov.au/parents-carers/support-for-parents,-carers-and-young-people/mental-health-and-wellbeing
Ryan’s rule
Raising concerns if a patient’s health condition is getting worse while admitted to any Queensland Health public hospital, including the emergency department, and in some Hospital in the Home (HITH) services.
Link: qld.gov.au/health/support/shared-decision-making/ryans-rule
Nominated support person authority (public health system)
This must be nominated at every hospital admission – it doesn’t last. A family member suggests having a standby “letter of authority” from your over 18 young person, signed by them for times when they need you to speak or advocate on their behalf.
Link: health.qld.gov.au/public-health/topics/mhaod/for-healthcare-providers/treating-patients-under-the-mental-health-act/patient-rights/support-persons-and-nominated-support-persons
Download PDF: health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0039/639867/nominated-support-person-form.pdf
Information Sharing Guidelines
For sharing information between mental health staff, consumers, family, carers, nominated support persons and others.
Download PDF: health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/444635/info_sharing.pdf
School
School Can’t Australia
Peer support and resources for parents, children and young people experiencing school attendance difficulties.
Website: schoolcantaustralia.com.au
ReachOut
School refusal and teenagers
Link: parents.au.reachout.com/school-and-education/school-refusal
Blog: Dos & Don’ts - School Refusal
Link: schoolavoidance.org/advice-from-a-fellow-school-refusal-parent-on-how-to-help-them-get-back-to-school
Education Qld – policies and legislation:
- Student Learning and Wellbeing Framework
- Supporting students' mental health and wellbeing
- Inclusive education
- Inclusive education policy – webpage, scroll down to various documentation/resources
Understanding bullying – for family
Website: headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/bullying
Friendly Schools
An evidence-based whole-school approach to social and emotional wellbeing and bullying prevention.
Website: friendlyschools.com.au
Bullying No Way
Resources and support for bullying prevention for school communities.
Website: bullyingnoway.gov.au
Project Rockit
Youth driven antibullying programs for schools, co-designed, co-researched and co-delivered. Join the Project Rockit community and/or youth collective.
Website: projectrockit.com.au
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation
Work to speak out for and with children and young people to be free from bullying, violence and trauma.
Website: alannahandmadeline.org.au
Queensland Government
Distance Education
Link: education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/distance-education
Flexi Schools
Website: flexi.edu.au
Y Schools Queensland
Website: yschools.qld.edu.au
Mastery Schools Australia
Website: msa.qld.edu.au
Queensland Pathways State College
(Years 10 – 12)
Website: qpsc.eq.edu.au
Sycamore School (Alexandra Hills)
Website: sycamore.qld.edu.au/
Arethusa Colleges (across south-east Queensland)
Website: arethusa.qld.edu.au
Indie Schools (Brisbane, Ipswich, Cairns)
Website: indieschool.edu.au
Humanitas High School (Fortitude Valley):
Website: humanitashighschool.org.au
Omni Academy of Learning (Toowong):
Website: omniacademies.qld.edu.au
Hubbards School (Milton)
Website: hubbards.qld.edu.au
Ohana School (Meadowbrook/Logan)
Website: ohanacollege.qld.edu.au
Carbrook Animal Assisted Learning Centre (Carbrook)
Website: carbrookcentre.qld.edu.au
The Busy School
(Years 11 and 12)
Website: busyschools.qld.edu.au
Mental Health Recovery and Resources
The company we keep – A users guide to mental health clinicians
An older resource (2013) but still relevant and helpful.
Download PDF: peerzone.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Our_Consumer_Place_A_Users_Guide_to_Mental_Health_Clinicians.pdf
Professional organisations may provide assistance finding a local service provider.
Psychologists
Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Website: psychology.org.au
Find a psychologist
Website: psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist
Mental Health Nurses
Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
Website: acmhn.org
Counsellors
Australian Counselling Association
Website: theaca.net.au
Psychiatrists
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
Website: ranzcp.org
Find a psychiatrist
Website: yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist
General Practitioners
Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP)
Website: racgp.org.au
Psychotherapists
Psychotherapists and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Website: pacfa.org.au
Find a therapist
Website: pacfa.org.au/portal/portal/Find-a-Therapist/Find-A-Therapist
Social Workers
Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Website: aasw.asn.au
Occupational Therapists
Australian Association of Occupational Therapists
Website: otaus.com.au
Family Therapists
Australian Association of Family Therapy (AIFT)
Website: aaft.asn.au
Headspace - information for parents, families, friends and others supporting a young person
Website: headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/overview-of-mental-health
ReachOut Parents – free support for parents of teens
Website: parents.au.reachout.com
Emerging Minds - In-person and online training, programs and resources in response to the needs of professionals, children and their families.
Website: emergingminds.com.au
Emerging Minds Families: emergingminds.com.au/families
Emerging Minds online courses: emergingminds.com.au/training/online-training
Raising Children Network - parenting videos, articles and apps including Autism, ADHD, disability, mental health and wellbeing, organised in age groups.
Website: raisingchildren.net.au
Black Dog Institute - Teen Mental Health Matters: For Parents and Carers, (60 mins, free, online) but need an org to book
Mental Health Carers Australia – peak body for mental health carers
Website: mentalhealthcarersaustralia.org.au
Headspace Group Chat – What about the siblings? Held in June 2022, this chat is publicly accessible and has a number of resources at the conclusion.
Autism Australia – Information on navigating support for siblings.
Website: autismawareness.com.au/navigating-autism/navigating-sibling-support-for-autism
Beyond Blue – Mental health organisation for people struggling with mental health (with a focus on anxiety and depression)
Youth mental health: beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/youth
HERE – Social Safety Plan Template