Professional help

There are heaps of ways to get professional mental health support, like talking to a therapist, connecting with a peer worker or calling a helpline. These resources explain what different professionals do, what getting help is actually like, and how to find support that works for you.

Ask ReachOut

Have questions? Get anonymous, professionally backed answers to your questions, sourced from ReachOut articles and resources. Just Ask ReachOut.

What are mental health issues?

Learn what mental health issues are, what causes mental illness and common signs of mental health issues.

How to get professional help if you don't have much money

Getting professional support doesn't have to cost lots of money. Here are some free and affordable ways you can get help.

illustration quiz where can you go for support

Quiz: What support is right for you?

There are so many options out there for getting professional help. Take this quiz to find one that suits your unique needs.

teenage boy talking to mental health professional and smiling

Types of mental health professionals

Learn about the differences between mental health professionals such as doctors, counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, youth workers, social workers, occupational therapists, peer workers and mental health nurses.

Q&A: What's it like to see a therapist?

Bryden and Nasalifya sit down to answer your questions about what it’s like to see a therapist.

How to call a helpline

Calling a helpline is an accessible way to get the support you need. Learn more about what to expect when contacting a helpline and the kinds of help they can provide.

young man sits on couch talking to a mental health professional

5 tips for choosing the right mental health professional

Read on for a few practical steps to help you choose the right mental health professional for you.

emily peer worker sitting on chair and looking at camera

What is peer work and how can it help me?

Peer work is a type of mental health support that many young people find really helpful. Learn more about the benefits of peer work.

woman meditating journalling and looking at sun thumbnail

Types of therapy: CBT, ACT, DBT and IFS

Registered psychologist Rashida Dungarwalla breaks down different types of therapy.

A young woman in rural Australia closing a gate on her farm

Telehealth and more – getting psychological help online

If you’re from a regional, remote or rural area and you’re looking for professional help, telehealth might be useful.

Getting and using a mental health care plan

We’ll help you figure out if speaking to your GP about a mental health care plan is the right move for you, and what to expect once you have one.

Medication

In some cases, medication prescribed by a GP or a psychiatrist can help with mental health issues.

What can you do if nothing is working?

It can be tricky to find the right kind of help for your mental health. If things aren't working, here are some next options you can consider.

What are your healthcare rights?

Health consumers have legal rights in Australia. Consent and treatment are particularly important areas where your health-care rights need to be respected.

Confidentiality and healthcare

Most of what you say to health workers is confidential, and your confidentiality is a high priority in regards to your health-care rights.

How age affects confidentiality

Confidentiality is an important concept in health care. Most of what you tell a doctor is confidential, but your age could affect how this works.