Victoria
Help for depression
This directory is designed for information purposes only. The BluePages team is not responsible for, and does not necessarily endorse or recommend the practitioners and services listed here (see Disclaimer). Although we strive to keep the directory up to date, no guarantee is given about the relevance and accuracy of the directory listings provided. Directory last reviewed: 4th July, 2011.
EMERGENCY HELP
Mental health services
Psychologists & mental health practitioners
Medications advice
Telephone counselling & helplines
University counselling services (for students)
Public service providers
Self help, resources, & consumer organisations
Carer organisations & services
Community courses
Support groups
Private service providers
Emergency help
If you are feeling suicidal or need urgent help call one of the following:
Emergency – 000*
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Kids HelpLine – 1800 55 1800
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
SuicideLine – 1300 651 251
* If you are using a mobile phone and 000 doesn't work, you can call 112 to access the Emergency Call Service. If you have a hearing or speech impairment and can access a TTY (teletypewriter), call 106 for the text-based Emergency Call Service.
Mental health services
General
Government mental health services in Victoria are located in hospitals. These services are called Community Mental Health Service or Continuing Care, Clinical and Consultancy Service (CCCCS). These groups can provide an initial assessment and help for your problem or can refer you on to other services.
Search for the Community Mental Health Service (or CCCCS) in your area at: www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/index.htm.
Lifeline Service Finder
Web: www.justlook.org.au
The Lifeline Service Finder is a directory of free or low cost health and community services available in Australia. It includes accommodation, domestic violence, family and children's services, financial assistance and mental health services.
Living Is For Everyone
Web: www.livingisforeveryone.com.au
The Commonwealth government's Living Is For Everyone (LIFE) website is a world-class suicide and self-harm prevention resource. Dedicated to providing the best available evidence and resources to guide activities aimed at reducing the rate at which people take their lives in Australia, the LIFE website is designed for people across the community who are involved in suicide and self-harm prevention activities.
Psychologists & mental health practitioners
The Australian Clinical Psychology Association locator
Web: www.findapsychologist.com.au/index.php
The Australian Clinical Psychology Association offers an online search tool to help you find a local Clinical Psychologist who offers the services you want (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy or interpersonal therapy for depression).
The Australian Psychological Society referral service
Free call: 1800 333 497 (outside Melbourne)
Email: referral@psychology.org.au
Web: www.psychology.org.au/ReferralService/About
The Australian Psychological Society offers a referral service. They will provide the names of private psychologists in the ACT who offer the services you want (eg, cognitive behavioural therapy or interpersonal therapy for depression). Alternatively, use the online search on the website to find a practitioner in your area.
Better Health Channel
Web: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Visit this website to search for a health professional in Victoria. More than 38 000 health professionals are listed on this database. To find help, click on "Health services" in the left menu.
beyondblue Directory of Mental Health Practitioners
Tel: 1300 22 4636 (Info Line) | TTY: 133 677
Web: www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=107.1007
For the cost of a local call, the beyondblue info line provides callers with access to information and referral to relevant services for depression and anxiety related matters. Visit the above website to find the relevant Mental Health Practitioner in your area.
Directory of bilingual mental health professionals
Web: www.vtpu.org.au/resources/bilingualdirectory.html
Lists the mental health professionals in Victoria who speak languages other than English.
Medications advice
Psychotropic Drug Advisory Service
Tel: 03 9388 1633
Email: enquiries@mhri.edu.au
Web: www.mhri.edu.au/psychotropic-drug-advice
Provides advice to medical practitioners and the general public on choosing treatments, response, side effects of medications and interactions with other medications; as well as information on using medications by special groups such as children and adolescents, the elderly and women who are pregnant or breast feeding. The service can be contacted via email or by phoning the Mental Health Research Institute number given above and asking to be transferred to the Drug Advisory Service.
Telephone counselling & helplines
beyondblue Info Line
Tel: 1300 22 4636 (24 hour service) | TTY: 133 677
For the cost of a local call, the beyondblue info line provides callers with access to information and referral to relevant services for depression and anxiety related matters (not a counselling service).
CAN Mental Health Phone Connections
Tel: 1300 135 846
Web: http://canmentalhealth.org.au/resources/forms/phone-connections.html
Phone Connections is a national peer support and information referral line for four nights per week (Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). Please visit the website for current phone hours.
Kids Helpline
Tel: 1800 55 1800 (24 hour service)
Web: www.kidshelp.com.au
Provides specialised help for young people aged 5 to 25 years, and is staffed by professional counsellors. Daily web-counselling available (see website for current times) and email counselling (not for crisis).
Lifeline
Tel: 13 11 14 (24 hour service)
Web: www.lifeline.org.au
Volunteers with professional support, trained in responding to callers concerned about suicide. Provides general counselling and referrals to services in caller's local community. Calls to Lifeline from a landline are usually the cost of a local call, and calls from mobile phones are free of charge.
MensLine
Tel: 1300 789 978 (24 hour service)
Web: www.menslineaus.org.au
Provided by professional staff. The website also includes moderated forums with specific spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Vietnamese and Arabic men, rural men, partners, children.
Mental Health Advice Line
Tel: 1300 280 737 (24 hour service)
Web: www.health.vic.gov.au/mhal/
A state-wide telephone information service available to all Victorians seeking mental health information, advice and referral for themselves or another person.
SANE Mental Illness Helpline
Tel: 1800 18 SANE (1800 18 7263)
Web: www.sane.org/information/helpline
Provides information and referral for callers concerned about mental illness anywhere in Australia (not a counselling service).
Suicide Call Back Service
Tel: 1300 659 467 (24 hour service)
Web: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
The Suicide Call Back Service provides crisis counselling to people at risk of suicide, carers for someone who is suicidal and those bereaved by suicide, 24 hours per day 7 days a week across Australia. People who are not linked in with current professional support can also access up to six sessions of ongoing counselling with the same counsellor at times scheduled to suit you.
SuicideLine
Tel: 1300 651 251 (24 hour service)
Web: www.suicideline.org.au
Provides crisis counselling, support, information, and referral.
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service
Tel: 1800 011 046
Web: http://at-ease.dva.gov.au
The VVCS provides counselling and group programs to Australian veterans and peacekeepers and their families and is run by qualified psychologists or social workers. Visit the website for more information about mental health and online resources.
University counselling services (for students)
The following Victorian universities provide counselling services for their students. Some also provide counselling services to their staff.
University of Ballarat
Tel: 03 5327 9470 & Mt Helen campus
Tel: 03 5327 8206 & SMB campus
Email: counselling@ballarat.edu.au
Web: www.ballarat.edu.au/current-students/support-services/advice-and-counselling
Deakin University
Tel: 03 9244 6300 – Melbourne campus
Tel: 03 5227 1221 or 03 5227 1223 – Geelong campus at Waurn Ponds
Tel: 03 5227 8400 – Geelong Waterfront campus
Tel: 03 5563 3256 – Warrnambool campus
Web: www.deakin.edu.au/studentlife/counselling
LaTrobe University
Tel: 03 9479 2956
Email: counselling@latrobe.edu.au
Web: www.latrobe.edu.au/counselling
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
Tel: 03 9925 4365
Web: www.rmit.edu.au/counselling
University of Melbourne
Tel: 03 8344 6927
Web: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel/index.html
Monash University
Tel: 03 9904 7019 – Berwick campus
Tel: 03 9903 2500 – Caulfield campus
Tel: 03 9905 3156 – Clayton campus
Tel: 03 9902 6425 or 03 5122 6425 – Gippsland campus
Tel: 03 9903 9635 – Parkville campus
Tel: 03 9904 4223 – Peninsula campus
Tel: 1300 361 008 (After hours telephone counselling)
Web: www.adm.monash.edu.au/community-services/counselling
Swinburne University of Technology
Tel: 03 9726 1710 – Croydon campus
Tel: 03 9214 8025 – Hawthorn campus
Tel: 03 5957 1800 – Healesville campus
Tel: 03 9215 7101 – Lilydale campus
Tel: 03 9214 6734 – Prahran campus
Tel: 03 9210 1293 – Wantirna campus
Web: www.swin.edu.au/stuserv/counselling
Victoria University of Technology
Tel: 03 9919 2399 – St Albans campus
Tel: 03 9919 8801 – Footscray Nicholson campus
Tel: 03 9919 4418 – Footscray Park campus
Web: www.vu.edu.au/Current_Students/Support_Services/Counselling_Services/index.aspx
Public service providers
University of Ballarat Psychology Clinic
Tel: 03 5309 1915 or 0418 144 435
Web: www.ballarat.edu.au/schools/bssh/clinic
The University of Ballarat Psychology Clinic provides psychological services for the general public. In most instances psychological services will be provided by registered probationary psychologists, who are currently undertaking advanced training in the Master of Psychology and Doctor of Psychology programs in clinical psychology. All services provided are closely supervised by a team of highly experienced registered psychologists, who have doctoral level professional qualifications in clinical psychology.
LaTrobe University Psychology Clinic
Tel: 03 9479 2150
Web: www.latrobe.edu.au/psy/clinic
The Psychology Clinic operates as part of the advanced professional training program for Masters and Doctoral students in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology. Therapy is carried out by Master of Psychology and Doctoral provisional psychologists who are supervised by experienced registered psychologists.
RMIT Psychology Clinic
Tel: 03 9925 7603
Web: www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qdt2rk5chmol
The RMIT University Psychology Clinic provides psychological services to the general public. Most of the clinical sessions are conducted by postgraduate clinical psychology students, under careful supervision of psychologists who are staff members in Psychology. Decisions about interventions are based on current research evidence and on clinical judgment about the most effective procedures.
Self help, resources, & consumer organisations
Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria, Inc
Web: www.adavic.org.au
Provides support, information and resources to individuals suffering from or affected by anxiety, depression, and related issues.
Beacon
Web:www.beacon.anu.edu.au
Provides consumers and professionals with information about e-health online applications for mental health and physical health disorders. Websites throughout the world are reviewed and ranked by a panel of health experts. Consumers can also submit rankings and comments. Beacon is developed and delivered by the ANU Centre for Mental Health Research.
e-couch Personal Self Help
Web: www.ecouch.anu.edu.au
An interactive, evidence-based, self help program that includes modules for depression, social anxiety and generalised anxiety, divorce and relationship breakdown, and bereavement and loss. It provides self help interventions drawn from cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal therapies as well as relaxation and physical activity. e-couch is developed and delivered by the ANU Centre for Mental Health Research.
JobAccess
Tel: 1800 464 800
Web: www.jobaccess.gov.au
Provides advice on matters relating to the employment of people with a disability, including those with mental health conditions. The website includes information on practical workplace solutions to overcome barriers in the workplace as well as access to the Australian Government funding via the Workplace Modification Scheme.
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria
Tel: 03 8486 4200 | Helpline: 03 8486 4222
Email: enquiries@mifellowship.org
Web: www.mifellowship.org
Mental Illness Fellowship is a membership based not-for-profit organisation working with people with mental illness, their families and friends to improve their well being.
Mind
Web: www.rfv.org.au
Offers a range of services to assist people in their recovery from a mental illness and to secure safe and stable accommodation.
MoodGYM Training Program
Web: www.moodgym.anu.edu.au
An interactive, evidence-based program for depression which incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy. Research has found MoodGYM to be helpful in reducing symptoms of depression in users (See Online Prevention). MoodGYM is developed and delivered by the ANU Centre for Mental Health Research.
PaNDA. Post and Antenatal Depression Association Inc.
Tel: 1300 726 306
Email: info@panda.org.au
Web: www.panda.org.au
Provides support and information to women and families affected by post and antenatal depression.
Suicide Prevention Australia
Web: http://suicidepreventionaust.org
SPA is a non-profit, non-government organisation working as a public health advocate in suicide prevention. The website provides information and resources for people who are feeling suicidal, helping someone at risk of suicide, people moving forward after a suicide attempt, and bereavement support for people who have lost a loved one to suicide. SPA has also produced a DVD to help men living in rural Australia.
Carer organisations & services
ARAFEMI (Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally Ill)
Tel: 03 9810 9300 or 1300 550 265 (ARAFEMI Carer Helpline)
Email: admin@arafemi.org.au
Web: www.arafemi.org.au
This helpline provides support and information for families, friends and carers of people with a mental illness.
Carers Victoria
Free call: 1800 242 636 (National Carer Advisory & Counselling Service)
Web: www.carersvic.org.au
Offers carer information, support, and counselling.
Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre
Free call: 1800 022 022 (National)
Emergency respite: 1800 059 059
Web: www9.health.gov.au/ccsd
Provides free and confidential information on community aged care, disability and other support services available anywhere within Australia.
Mental health community education courses
LivingWorks Suicide Intervention Training
Web: www.lifeline.org.au/learn_more/livingworks
LivingWorks is a Lifeline national service. It provides community training to equip people to help persons at risk of suicide keep safe and access further support.
Mental Health First Aid
Web: www.mhfa.com.au
Provides first aid courses focussing on mental health issues, including depression and suicide intervention training. Visit the website for first aid strategies for helping someone going through a mental health crisis.
Support groups
The Black Dog Institute maintains a list of organisations that run or coordinate mental health support groups in VIC, available at: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/gettinghelp/supportgroups.cfm#VIC.
You can also contact the Collective of Self Help Groups on 03 9650 2005 (Wednesdays & Thursdays) or by email at info@cohg.org.au for information about self help and support groups available in Victoria. For more information, visit their website at www.coshg.org.au.
Alcoholics Anonymous Australia
Web: www.aa.org.au
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
BlueBoard Bulletin Board
Web: www.blueboard.anu.edu.au
An online support group for people aged 18 years or over and who are affected by depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. It aims to reduce stigma, and to provide support, hope and opportunities for sharing successful coping strategies. The group is run as a moderated bulletin board with strict protocols to enhance safety and privacy. Forums for carers are also available. BlueBoard is developed and delivered by the ANU Centre for Mental Health Research.
GROW
Tel: 03 9528 2977 | Free call: 1800 558 268
Email: vic@grow.net.au
Web: www.grow.net.au
A self help organisation for people who suffer from depression and other mental illnesses. GROW is based on a 12 step self-help program. Members meet weekly.
Soft Pathway: Self support groups for sufferers of depression and anxiety
Tel: 0431 523 058
Email: selfhelp@softpathway.com.au
Web: www.softpathway.com.au
A non-profit organisation which helps people with depression and anxiety through supportive groups run by trained volunteers.
Private service providers
Melbourne Clinical Hypnotherapy
Tel: 03 9853 3221
Email: melbourneclinicalhypnotherapy@hotmail.com
Web: www.melbourneclinicalhypnotherapy.com.au
Provides hypnotherapy consultations for anxiety and panic attacks, relationship issues, addiction, phobias, low self confidence, and other conditions. See the website for more information.
Parent-Infant Research Institute, Infant Clinic
Tel: 03 9496 4496
Email: piri@austin.org.au
Web: www.piri.org.au
Provides psychological treatment (individual and group) to individuals experiencing depression, anxiety or adjustment difficulties during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Most of the services are covered by Medicare or free of charge as part of a research project.