Useful resources for parents, carers & young people
If you or your teenager need immediate support, want more information about mental health, or if you would like to speak to a mental health professional, please check out the following organisations and helplines. You'll also find some other resources referred to in the PiP modules.
If you need to contact the PiP-Ed+ team, see the Contact Us page.
Crisis supports
If you have immediate concerns about your teen's or other's safety, or if urgent medical attention is needed: Dial 000 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.
If your teen is distressed but currently physically safe, and you would like to talk to someone about what steps to take next:
Call your state-specific mental health emergency response line. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to talk with you about your situation, make recommendations, and/or refer you to appropriate support.
- Victoria: you can find the services available near you on the mental health services directory.
- Australian Capital Territory: 1800 629 354
- New South Wales: 1800 011 511
- Northern Territory: 1800 682 288
- Queensland: 07 3068 2555
- South Australia: 131 465
- Tasmania: 1800 332 388
- Western Australia: 1800 048 636
For immediate support and advice about keeping yourself or your teen safe, contact:
Lifeline provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.Phone: 1300 659 467 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
For Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in crisis.Phone: 13 92 76 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
A free, private, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged 5 to 25 years.Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Beyond Blue provides free and confidential support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention. Services are accessible via phone and online.Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Mental health support for parents, carers, and young people
In-person psychological support
If you or your teenager would like to find a registered psychologist in your area, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Find a Psychologist service can help with this.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a plan provided by a general practitioner (GP) to support someone with mental health issues. A MHTP can include referral to a mental health professional, including registered psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and occupational therapists. If you have a MHTP, Medicare will pay some or all of the cost of a limited number of sessions each year. The out-of-pocket cost varies for different professionals or clinics.
Call for emotional, practical and financial support. Carers Gateway can provide financial assistance, 6 free counselling sessions and can help with other support.Phone: 1800 422 737 (business hours)
Medicare Mental Health Centres can connect you with a range of mental health professionals for support across Australia. In Victoria, these services are called Head to Health Clinics.
Telehealth psychological support and counselling
If you want telehealth (online or phone) information and counselling for mental health issues, the following services may be suitable:
Learn more about depression and anxiety, or talk it through with support services at Beyond Blue. Email or chat online.Phone: 1300 224 636 (24 hours, 7 days)
Mind provide mental health and wellbeing support to people, and their families, friends and carers. They have a carer helpline, run workshops for families/carers and can help you make the most of an NDIS package — they offer many services fundable through the NDIS that are personalised to your young person's needs.Carer Helpline: 1300 554 660
Support and referral to specialist men's services.Phone: 1300 789 978 (24 hours, 7 days)
ReachOut provides self-help information, referral tools, and a peer-support program for young people and their parents. See also ReachOut Parents.
SANE Australia's Mental Health Helpline provides free telehealth support, information and referrals.Phone: 1800 187 263 (10 am – 8 pm, Monday to Friday)
Someone Health provides Medicare bulk billing psychologist counselling Australia-wide by video and telephone.Phone: 1300 546 821
Evidence-based, online (self-guided) programs for mental health problems
Moodgym is an interactive program based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy. It can help you to identify the mental health difficulties and to learn skills to cope with your emotions.
This Way Up provides a suite of self-paced online programs for a range of mental health problems. The programs can teach you strategies to help improve the way you feel.
Mindspot provides access to free online and telephone mental health assessments, treatment programs, and a resource library for a range of mental health problems.Phone: 1800 614 434
To explore other online resources and programs, check out:
Medicare Mental Health provides access to many of Australia's trusted mental health and wellbeing organisations, information, online programs, and digital resources.
Parenting support lines by state
Phone: 02 6287 3833 (9 am – 4 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays)
Phone: 1300 130 052 (9 am – 9 pm Monday to Friday, 4 pm – 9 pm weekends)
Phone: 1300 30 1300 (6 am – midnight, 7 days)
Phone: 1800 999 900 (8 am – 4.21 pm, Monday to Friday)
Phone: 1300 30 1300 (6 am – midnight, 7 days)
Phone: 13 43 25 84 (registered nurse 24 hours 7 days, or request the Child Health Team 6.30 am – 11 pm, 7 days)
Calls outside these times will be redirected to the national Health Direct helpline.Phone: 1300 364 100 (7.15 am – 9.15 pm, 7 days)
Phone: 1300 808 178 (24 hours, 7 days)
Phone (Melbourne Metro): 03 9654 0622 (9.30 am – 4 pm Monday to Friday)Phone (outside Metro Melbourne): 1300 552 511 (9.30 am – 4 pm Monday to Friday)
Phone (Metro): 08 9368 9368 (8 am – 8 pm, 7 days)Phone (Regional): 1800 111 546 (8 am – 8 pm, 7 days)
Information and Support Service for Grandparents.Phone: 1800 794 909 (8 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday)
National family support services
Relationships Australia offers a broad range of relationship support services such as counselling, education programs, and resources for individuals, families, and communities.
The Salvation Army Australia supports children and families through a wide range of services including counselling, children's and parenting services, and educational programs.
MacKillop Family Services offers support to children, young people and families across VIC, NSW, NT and WA through homelessness and foster care services, family support programs and education programs.
The Raising Children Network provides free, reliable, and evidence-based information to parents and carers through parenting videos, articles and apps.
Better Place Australia offers counselling, mediation and dispute resolution services, education programs and additional support to individuals, couples and families.
The Family Relationship Advice Line is a national telephone service that assists families affected by relationship or separation issues. They provide information, advice, guidance, and referral to relevant local services.Phone: 1800 050 321 (8 am – 8 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am – 4 pm Saturday)
Family violence and emergency accommodation
Provides 24/7 telephone and online counselling support as well as access to information and services for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, and abuse.
Online parenting and family forums
The ReachOut discussion forum provides an online space for parents and carers to talk with other parents about their experiences, work through concerns, ask questions and browse previous discussions in a safe, anonymous environment.
The Beyond Blue family and relationship forum is a safe and supportive online space for individuals to share their experiences of managing relationships and family, such as parenting, separation, divorce, loneliness, and friendships.
Service & communities directories for First Nations Peoples
This site shares stories and information celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, and aims to connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with Australian Government policies, programs and initiatives that affect them.
The Healing Foundation is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that works with communities to support the healing of Stolen Generations survivors and their families.
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet provides evidence-based information about Indigenous health including specific health topics and relevant programs.
Resources for school refusal
General resources
These guidelines provide expert-endorsed strategies for parents that can be downloaded for free. The content of the PiP-Ed+ program expands on these guidelines.
This is a helpful resource that explains how to address school refusal and provides strategies for communicating with your child. This article draws on the same research that informed the PiP-Ed+ program content.
An online webpage about school refusal and how to best provide support for your child.
Books
Albano, A. M., & Pepper, L. (2013). You and your anxious child: Free your child from fears and worries and create a joyful family life. Penguin Publishing Group.
Kearney, C. A. (2021). Getting your child back to school: A parent's guide to solving school attendance problems. Oxford University Press.
State-specific information or support for school attendance difficulties
Please note that each state has different resources available for families dealing with school refusal. Some states have more support available than others. The list below includes some information or support that may be relevant for each state. Where there are no direct support services available, we have included links to government websites or policies on school engagement.
Victoria
The Navigator program supports disengaged young people by working with the young person, their family and support network to address issues underlying disengagement and help them re-engage with their education. To be eligible, a young person (aged 12 to 17) must be enrolled in a Victorian education setting (government or non-government) and have attended 30% or less of the previous school term. Referrals can be made by anyone. Please note that the waitlist for this program is usually quite long.
This government webpage explains the steps to take if your child cannot attend school and tips to improve their school attendance.
This website details the attendance policy for Victorian schools.
This page explains some reasons why children may be anxious about going to school and how you can help your child through their anxiety.
This policy sets out the requirements for schools in relation to re-engagement programs for secondary students in Years 7 to 10.
The school engagement programs work with students who are at risk of disengaging from school and their families. These programs support the wellbeing of children and their families and help to build on strengths, increase school attendance, improve school connectedness and get more involved in their community.
New South Wales
This e-resource was developed by the NSW government and provides beneficial strategies for parents and teachers for identifying and responding to school refusal.
This e-resource was developed by the NSW government to provide information regarding attendance requirements and support options.
This e-resource was developed by the NSW Department of Education about supporting young people with the transition to high school.
Australian Capital Territory
This resource is designed to inform parents of the wellbeing support services available to their child attending an ACT public school. It provides information on what services exist, who provides them and how to access them.
Queensland
This program aims to build resilience and promote positive mental health in teenagers, improving family relationships, and promoting school connectedness.
Every Day Counts is a state-wide initiative that aims to assist in improving student attendance at school through a shared commitment by students, parents, caregivers, schools and the community. This website includes information for schools, families, and students themselves.
Tasmania
The Tasmanian Government's Anything is Possible campaign was developed to promote student engagement, wellbeing, and school attendance. The webpage has various resources for parents and carers regarding supporting their young person and family.
This webpage provides school attendance requirements for students in Tasmania and the steps the school may take for continued absences.
Western Australia
This resource provides parents and carers with practical strategies to address school refusal.
This website provides a downloadable resource on how to help your child engage with school, and was developed in consultation with WA school students in Years 3 to 12.
This webpage provides some guidance on how to recognise school refusal and help your child re-engage with school.
South Australia
This webpage helps parents and carers identify who they should speak to if their child cannot attend school for any reason, and provides links to other support services.
Provides tips for communicating with your child's school.
This tipsheet identifies some risk factors that may contribute to children's school refusal and the adjustments that parents and carers can take to address school refusal.
Northern Territory
This webpage provides information on the importance of school attendance and the legal procedures that may be enacted to address ongoing absences, with a dedicated hotline for school attendance support.
This webpage provides some advice for parents and carers on how to manage school refusal and the steps that can be taken to help address it.
The NT Education Engagement Strategy is a framework designed to promote student engagement and educational outcomes in schools across the Northern Territory.
Resources for supporting neurodivergent young people
Understanding neurodiversity and language
For more information about understanding neurodiversity language check out:
- Understanding Neurodiversity
- Neurodiversity: Meanings, Types & Examples
- Autism Terminology Resource — New Zealand
- Amaze — Our Language
- ADHD Glossary: Plain Language Guide
- Talking about ADHD
Community resources
Autism-specific
- Autism Connect — Australia's national autism helpline for free, confidential phone and online support for information and referrals
- Autism Association Australia — therapies and support for parents and carers
- Aspect — support, education and family programs for autism families
- Different Journeys — an autistic-led organisation offering peer support and community specifically for parents and carers
- Yellow Ladybugs — celebration of autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals
- Reframing Autism — autistic-led charity; resources and support
- I CAN Network — autistic-led youth mentoring
- Autism Family Support (ASSN) Victoria — peer support, mentoring and information
ADHD-specific
- ADHD Help — national ADHD support and information line
- ADHD Foundation Australia — support, information and community programs for those in the ADHD community
- ADHD Australia — evidence-based resources, advocacy, and community support for families, educators, and professionals
- ADHD Support Australia — online community, webinars and events
- Navigating ADHD: Lived Experience Resources for Families
- ADHD Professionals Directory — connects individuals and families with experienced professionals supporting people with ADHD across Australia
General supports
- VALID — advocacy support
- NDIS — National Disability Insurance Scheme
- NDIS — funding for meals
- NDIS — short term accommodation and respite
- NDIS — service/support coordination
- NDIS — specialist disability accommodation
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower — tool for sharing your hidden disability
- Gateways Support Services — disability and autism support: therapy, accommodation, support coordination, NDIS plan management
- Positive Partnerships — support for school-aged students on the autism spectrum
- ReachOut — parenting support for autistic and/or ADHD teens
Connecting with the neurodivergent community
To look up where you and your teen can participate in events run by autistic/ADHD community organisations for the autistic/ADHD community, check out:
- Australian Capital Territory — Mary Mead Autism Centre
- New South Wales — Aspect · Learning Difficulties Coalition
- Northern Territory — Autism NT
- Queensland — Autism QLD
- South Australia — Autism SA
- Tasmania — Regional Autistic Engagement Network
- Victoria — AMAZE · ADHD Victoria
- Victoria — Aspergers Victoria
- Western Australia — Autism Western Australia · ADHD WA
Spoon Theory
For more information about the Spoon Theory for autism and ADHD check out:
Supporting your teen's communication
For more information about visual strategies, check out Key Word Signs.
For more information about assistive technology, check out:
For more information about navigating change, check out Social Stories.
Sensory processing
For more information on sensory processing for neurodivergent young people, please see:
- Sensory processing disorder & difficulties — Raising Children Network
- Sensory Sensitivity and Autism (Part 1) — Attwood & Garnett Events
Building supports and connecting with others
For ideas and apps that can be used to connect with others, please see:
Additional mental health resources just for young people
To learn more about mental health issues:
Youth Beyond Blue's website is for young people aged 12 to 15. If you need to talk to someone, find more information, or find out where you can go to see someone, contact the Beyond Blue support service.Phone: 1300 224 636
A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24 hours, 7 days)
Support for issues relating to gender, identity and sexuality:
Australia-wide, anonymous, peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about issues relating to sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. Phone and web-chat available.
If you have mental health challenges or something on your mind that you would like to chat about, you can book a free and confidential text-based chat with a ReachOut peer worker.
Information and support for alcohol and other drug use
An online portal to help parent and school communities access accurate, up-to-date information about alcohol and other drug use in youth.
Evidence-based parenting strategies to help prevent or reduce your teenager's alcohol use, as recommended by the NHMRC Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol (2020).
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline. The hotline is open 24 hours, seven days a week. It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in your state or territory. These local services offer support, information, counselling, and referral to services.Phone: 1800 250 015 (24 hours, 7 days)
National service directories
Ask Izzy is a free and anonymous website that connects people to services to provide support with housing, meals, money, family violence, counselling and more.
Healthdirect Australia is a national online public health information service.