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Mental health support

There are several supports available to help you with your mental health, including a range of activities you can do to help yourself. Speak to your doctor when you are ready to seek help.

Self-help

If you don’t feel ready to seek professional help, there are a range of activities you can do to improve your mental health. Learn more about what you can do on Queensland Health’s Your Mental Wellbeing website.

Head to Health phone service

The Head to Health phone service offers a free, confidential and friendly referral service for people (not in crisis) seeking support for mental and emotional wellbeing. Anyone can call the Head to Health phone service on 1800 595 212 from 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). Visit Head to Health

Speak to your Doctor (GP)

Your GP is a good place to start a conversation about your mental health.  GPs can help assess your mental health, create a mental health plan and provide treatment. They can also help connect you with specialist mental health support. Find a GP

Seek help from a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist

Counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists are mental health professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating people with mental health issues, though each of them have distinct roles and qualifications.

Counsellors provide guidance and support for emotional issues, life challenges, and mental health concerns through talk therapy. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, community centres, and private practice. They typically do not diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medication.  The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) website offers a “Find a Counsellor” service.  

Psychologists provide therapy for mental health issues, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and other therapeutic techniques. They conduct psychological assessments and provide diagnoses for a range of mental health conditions. They are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. The Australian Psychological Society (APS): The APS website has a “Find a Psychologist” service or visit your GP for a referral.

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat complex mental health disorders. They can prescribe medication, conduct medical examinations, and provide psychotherapy. They often manage cases where mental health issues are intertwined with physical health conditions. Your GP can provide a referral to a local psychiatrist. Additionally, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) website offers a “Find a Psychiatrist” directory. 

Accessing our public mental health services

Gold Coast Health provides public mental health, alcohol and other drugs services on the Gold Coast. Services are provided depending on individual needs and range from inpatient treatments, support in the community and specialty services. Read more

Emergency contact

Dial Triple Zero (000) for Police, Fire and Ambulance in an emergency.

Hearing impaired callers dial 106 by TTY or use other National Relay Services in an emergency.

Non-urgent medical help: 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)

General enquiries: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)


Last updated 06 Nov 2024