Whether you are experiencing substance use issues, mental health, or co-morbidity, there are many options available for you to get support. You can start by visiting our programs page, which outlines various services and programs available to you.
To provide some insight into what support looks like, please read the some options we have outlined below.
Option one: General Practitioners and Doctors
GPs and doctors aren’t just available for physical concerns. They also provide advice and support on any mental health or substance use concerns you are experiencing, and they can provide further recommendations on specialists you can talk to.
If you do not have a GP or doctor, visit our Find a Service page, select the GP option, and choose your location preference.
Option two: Counselling and Helplines
If you are not ready or unable to see a GP or doctor, you might want to have a chat with someone about what you are experiencing. There are many counselling and helpline services operating in Australia that can provide a listening ear and some advice for your situation.
- Counselling Online. Online text-based counselling for people concerned about drinking or drug use.
- Provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- The Kids Help Line. Support for people up to 25 years of age.
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Service (ADIS).
- 1800 422 599 (Regional.)
- (02) 9361 8000 (Metropolitan.)
- NSW Mental Health Line.
- Beyond Blue. Support for depression and anxiety.
Option three: Psychology and Psychiatry
Psychologists and psychiatrists are professionals who have received extensive training in their fields and are equipped to help you work through mental health and substance use issues, and life issues in general.
To find a psychologist or psychiatrist, check out our Find a Service page, select what service you are looking for, and choose your location preference.
There are many similarities between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, but a key difference between them is that a psychiatrist can prescribe medication while a psychologist cannot prescribe medication. Further differences may arise in their practices and approaches depending on your situation, so it may be recommended to talk to your GP or doctor first to get advice.
The Next Step
The above options are not exhaustive, and there may be other support options available for your set of circumstances or where you are located. However, using any of the above options will put you in contact with people who are trained to deal with issues surrounding mental health and substance use, and they will likely have further information to support you on your journey towards well-being.