Where can you get free mental health help in Victoria?
In Victoria, individuals experiencing mental health challenges who need free accommodation, food, and treatment can access various services and support through government programs, non-profit organizations, and community services. Here are some key options for mental health patients seeking free or low-cost support:
- Specialist Homelessness Services
- Launch Housing provides crisis accommodation, transitional housing, and mental health support in Melbourne.
- Salvation Army Housing Services offers emergency accommodation and support services for vulnerable individuals.
- Sacred Heart Mission provides crisis accommodation, food, and case management, with a focus on people experiencing homelessness, including those with mental health conditions
- Non-Profit and Community Organizations
- Mind Australia offers supported housing programs for people with mental illness. Their services include accommodation, mental health support and help with daily living skills.
- Neami National provides community mental health services, including outreach programs, transitional housing, and rehabilitation support.
- Vinnies (St. Vincent de Paul Society) offers crisis accommodation, food, and mental health support for individuals in need, including those facing homelessness or mental health issues.
- Community Mental Health Crisis Services
- 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Teams (CATT) offers immediate assistance to people experiencing mental health crises and can arrange hospitalization or other support services, including accommodation if necessary.
- Residential Rehabilitation Services
- Mind Australia Residential Services offers medium to long-term residential programs for people recovering from mental illness, providing accommodation, meals, therapy and support with daily activities.
- Wellways Australia provides residential recovery programs, where individuals can receive mental health treatment, participate in rehabilitation activities and live in a supportive community setting.
- Charitable Food and Shelter Programs
- The Salvation Army offers meals and emergency accommodation for people in need including those experiencing mental health issues.
- St. Mary’s House of Welcome provides free meals, showers, and social support for individuals experiencing homelessness including those with mental health challenges.
- Community Centers and Churches often run food programs, shelters and social support services for those facing mental health and housing difficulties.
- Public Mental Health Services
- Your Local Mental Health Service (Area Mental Health Services) in Victoria are organized by geographic area and provide assessment, treatment and support and you can find your nearest service via your GP or by contacting your local.
- Headspace provides mental health services for young people aged 12-25. Headspace centers offer free or low-cost support including counseling and mental health education.
- Crisis Support and Helplines
- Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- Beyond Blue offers support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention with 24/7 access to mental health professionals.
- Kids Helpline is a free service for young people aged 5-25 needing mental health support.
- Specialist Mental Health Services
- Orygen (Youth Mental Health) specializes in mental health care for young people aged 15-25, offering free early intervention services.
- SANE Australia provides support for people affected by complex mental health issues such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
- Support for Culturally Diverse Communities
- Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) offers support for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are experiencing mental health issues.
- Open Arms (Veterans and Families Counseling)
- Open Arms offers free mental health support for veterans and their families and offers individual, couple, and family counseling, as well as group programs.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support
- Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) provides culturally sensitive mental health support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- 1800RESPECT
- 1800RESPECT is a 24/7 national sexual assault, family, and domestic violence counseling service. Offers support for people experiencing trauma or needing emotional assistance.