Support services for mental health

Northern Territory mental health line: 1800 682 288

Below is a list of self-help services on the internet that support individuals and carers with emerging or present mental health issues.

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OrganisationDescription

Alcoholics Anonymous

This organisation has been in existence for over 70 years and has assisted millions of alcoholics to achieve long-term sobriety. It advocates a 12-step recovery program and works on the principle of one alcoholic sharing with another. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Amber NTAmber NT supports Territorians through the loss of a child for any reason, from conception through to 18 years old. This includes miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, illness, suicide and accident. Navigating the world after the loss of a child is challenging and the ripple affect through the community is significant. Amber NT provides non-clinical and free support to everyone, no matter their relationship to the child.
Amity Community Services IncAmity Community Services is a non-government non-religious organisation that provides a range of services relating to behaviours of habit. Amity provides confidential counselling, information and education in the areas of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and gambling. The service is available to people who have issues about their own behaviour or are concerned about the behaviour of someone close to them. The Drink Driver Education Centre is also available on a user pays.
Anglicare Resolve Victims of CrimeResolve is a division of Anglicare NT serving Darwin, Katherine and Nhulunbuy areas. Mediation programs have a sliding fee scale. Counselling and parenting programs have a flat rate fee. Services include Family Dispute Resolution, Family Skills Training and the Parenting Orders Program (POP).
ARAFMIARAFMI is an agency which primarily focuses on the provision of support for families, carers and friends with mental health issues. The agency uses the principles of mutual self help and support to build the capacity of families and improve their quality of life.
Australian College of Mental Health Nurses, NSW BranchThe Australian College of Mental Health Nurses is the peak professional body for mental health nurses in Australia. It is the only organisation that solely represents mental health nurses. The college engages with its members and key stakeholders to advance mental health nursing across the country.
Australian Drug FoundationThe Australian Drug Foundation reaches more than a million Australians through their work with community sporting clubs, governments, workplaces, health care settings and schools.
Australian Drug Information Network (ADIN)The only Australian portal to quality-assured Australia and international drug information, research, education, services and databases.
Australian Government Mental Health WebsiteThe Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) is the only national organisation representing the public healthcare sector and the professionals working in it. The AHHA facilitates collaboration between clinicians, academics, policy makers, administrators and politicians. The association's primary role is to uphold and improve Australia's public healthcare sector.
Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental HealthThe key focus of the Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health (Auseinet) is to assist a range of sectors to implement mental health promotion and illness prevention approaches in their respective settings.The website functions as a clearing house for online resources. You can view archived Auseinet publications on the National Library of Australia's Pandora Archive website.
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Better Health ChannelHealth information and services.
Beyond BlueBeyond Blue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders in Australia.
Black Dog InstituteThe Black Dog Institute is an educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in mood disorders - a range of disorders that include depression and bipolar disorder (formerly called 'manic depression'). The Institute's mission is to advance the understanding, diagnosis and management of the mood disorders by continuously raising clinical, research, education and training standards. In so doing, the Institute aims to improve the lives of those affected - and in turn - the lives of their families and friends.
BPD Central (Borderline Personality Disorder)This website offers Borderline Personality disorder information and support.
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Carers AustraliaCarers Australia is the national peak body representing carers in Australia. Carers Australia works with the Carers Associations in each of the states and territories to deliver carer programs and services and advocate on behalf of all carers. Contact the Carer Advisory and Counselling Service on 1800 242 636.
Carers Northern TerritoryCarers NT is the key organisation representing the Northern Territory's estimated 30,000 family carers, who provide: unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail.
Catholic Care NT CounsellingCatholic Care NT supports healthy and resilient relationships by providing support, education, information and counselling. Do you need to talk about your problems? Could you use some help with parenting? Is family violence a safety issue for your family? Are you struggling to cope with a family member's difficult behaviour? Getting married? Catholic Care NT has a marriage preparation program. Catholic Care NT has people who can help. 
Catholic Care NT Counselling - Pregnancy HelpPregnancy Help supports women and families around pregnancy as parents prepare for their baby. It can be home based. Professional, non-judgemental counselling is available for women considering their options. This is a free service.
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal CorporationIn the 40 years since it was established, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation has become the largest Aboriginal medical service in the Northern Territory.
Centre for Rural and Remote Mental HealthThe Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) is based in Orange. It is a major rural initiative of The University of Newcastle, Faculty of Health and the NSW Department of Health. The Centre aims to improve the mental health of rural and remote communities through academic leadership, collaboration and achievements in research, education, service development and information services.
Community Visitors ProgramCommunity visitors are appointed to visit psychiatric services to inquire into matters such as the adequacy and standard of services provided, and the care and treatment consumers receive. Community visitors are independent of the service-providing agency.
COPMI (Children of People with a Mental Illness)The Australian Children of People with a Mental Illness initiative aims to promote better mental health outcomes for children (0 to 18 years) of parents with a mental health problem or disorder.
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Danila Dilba Health Service Emotional and Social Wellbeing CentreCounselling service for Indigenous people in the Darwin region. Prevention, youth programs and camps.
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Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention CentreAn integrated and comprehensive psychiatric service aimed at addressing needs of older adolescents and young adults with emerging psychotic disorders.
Eating Disorders FoundationThe Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria provides support, information, community education and advocacy for people with eating disorders and their families.
Employee Assistance Service Inc (EASA)Employee Assistance Service Inc (EASA) provides confidential counselling by qualified psychologists, social workers and counsellors on a range of issues including work related issues, relationships, stress, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety and alcohol and other drug issues. EASA also provides a 24 hour, seven day a week trauma service.
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The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthThis is the largest brain research group in the southern hemisphere. The institute is committed to improving quality of life through brain research.
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Government Mental Health Sites

Australian Government mental health websites

Australian Government Department of Health
Australian Government Mental Health Branch
Western Australian Health - Mental Health
Queensland Government - Mental Health
South Australian Government - Mental Health Services

International government mental health websites

Canada

Public Health Agency of Canada - Mental Health
Health Canada - Mental Health

United States of America

Center for Mental Health Services (US Department of Health and Human Services - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association)
Medline Plus - Mental Health
National Institute of Mental Health

OrganisationDescription
headspace Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation. The headspace mission is to deliver improvements in the mental health, social wellbeing and economic participation of young Australians aged 12 to 25. To this end, headspace aims to be the focal point for youth mental health issues across the country.
headspace Central Australia Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation. The headspace mission is to deliver improvements in the mental health, social wellbeing and economic participation of young Australians aged 12 to 25.

Headspace Central Australia staff can help you with things like:

  • mental health issues
  • general physical health
  • sexual health
  • family and relationships
  • drug and alcohol issues
  • education and training
  • sexuality issues
  • accommodation.
headspace Top End Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation. The headspace mission is to deliver improvements in the mental health, social wellbeing and economic participation of young Australians aged 12 to 25.

Headspace Darwin offers a range of free services and support to young people including:

  • youth friendly counselling
  • drug and alcohol counselling
  • psychological support services
  • information and resources for mental health and wellbeing
  • youth community engagement workers.
Head to health We’re here to help you in times of distress.
  • Immediate help to reduce distress.
  • Support to improve your wellbeing.
  • Help to connect with ongoing support.
  • Support for carers and families.
Healthy Start Healthy Start is an Australia-wide strategy to support parents with learning difficulties and promote a healthy start to life for their young children.
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Institute of PsychiatryThe New South Wales Institute of Psychiatry (NSWIOP) is a major provider of continuing professional education in mental health in Australia.
Internet Mental HealthInternet Mental Health is a free encyclopedia of mental health information created by a Canadian psychiatrist, Dr Phillip Long.
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Kids HelplineKids Help Line is Australia's only free, confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. The service aims to empower young people by assisting them to develop options, identify and understand the consequences of a particular course of action, facilitate more productive relationships with family and friends, and provide information on local support services. Kids Help Line counsellors are fully qualified professionals who undergo additional accredited training at Kids Help Line.
KidsMatter: Australian Primary Schools Mental Health InitiativeKidsMatter is the first national mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative specifically developed for primary schools. The initiative is currently being trialled in 101 schools across Australia and involves the people who have a significant influence on children's lives - parents, families, care-givers, teachers and community groups -making a positive difference for children's mental health during this important developmental period.
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LifelineLifeline is a crisis line for people to call when they are feeling distressed. Lifeline's services operate from 60 locations nationally, with a presence in every state and territory within Australia.
Lifeline 24 Hour Telephone Crisis Support - 13 11 1424 hour telephone crisis support - 13 11 14 is a crisis line for people to call when they are feeling distressed. Lifeline's services operate from 60 locations nationally, including an office in Darwin.
Lifeline Central AustraliaLifeline Central Australia Incorporated opened in Alice Springs on the 1 July 2003. Their primary focus is on community education and training, particularly in the area of suicide awareness and prevention.
Living is For everybody (LiFe)The LiFe website has been developed by the Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health (Auseinet) as part of its commitment to the Australian Government National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS). Factsheets, links, policies, projects, a resources data base, reading lists and statistics are some of the high quality resources which are available. Many of them are free and accessible online.
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MATES in Construction/Energy/MiningMATES in Construction is an industry charity designed by the industry for the industry.

MATES train a community-based peer network that has construction workers trained in the world best practice in suicide prevention.

The purpose of MATES is to reduce the rates of suicide and give construction workers some tools on how to look out for their mates. MATES founded on four pillars of support; case management, field visits, critical incidents and postvention.

MIC uses a strength-based approach and connects workers to existing services.

MATES are here to support workers, their families and their mates 24/7 everyday of the year through their website and 24/7 support line 1300 642 111.
medicinewise Being medicinewise will help you make better health decisions for you and those you care for.

We all take medicines, but too often we take them for granted. Being medicinewise will help you to get the most benefit from your medicines.
Melaleuca Refugee Centre: Counselling and Advocacy Services for Survivors of Torture and TraumaMelaleuca Refugee Centre provides services to people from refugee backgrounds who have experienced torture and trauma prior to arrival in Australia.

The centre aims to assist with recovery from trauma through individual support, recognising the importance of rebuilding meaningful lives and developing new networks and strengthening communities.

Melaleuca provides social and emotional support to new arrivals as well as counselling, advocacy and other therapeutic services to people who might have arrived in Australia many years ago.

Melaleuca assists around 250 people a year. Counsellor/advocates provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment where people can talk about their experiences, both pre and post migration, and can explore their strong feelings, thoughts and memories.

Reactions to trauma may include disturbed sleep, nightmares, panic attacks, feeling anxious, feelings of guilt and shame, feelings of hopelessness and too much worry.

People may be suffering from headaches, the pain of loss of loved ones and homeland and feelings of dissatisfaction or emotional exhaustion. We often feel humbled by the courage, dignity, resilience and strengths people have brought with them.
Mental Health Association of Central Australia MHACA was founded in 1992 and incorporated under the Associations Act of the Northern Territory. 

Its main objective is to improve the quality of life of people with mental illness and those that care for them.

It has grown from a small group of participants and carers advocating for improved mental health services to a significant service provider engaged in a range of activities.
Mental Health Australia (MHA) The peak, national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector, committed to achieving better mental health for all Australians.
Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) The Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) is a national organisation that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in the primary mental health care sector via local networks.
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia Northern Territory - MIFA(NT)Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia NT (MIFANT) is a not-for-profit charitable organisation that has been operating in the NT for over 30 years. Its services are in Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

MIFANT provides recovery-based support to people with a mental illness, their families and carers.

It also provides early intervention to children and young people at risk of developing a mental illness.

MIFANT provides a range of NDIS services for people with a mental illness including:
  • a recovery coach
  • support coordination
  • social and community participation
  • community access.
As a not-for-profit organisation, all NDIS funds go back to providing quality supports.

MIFANT is the NT member for national organisations Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia and Mental Health Carers Australia. Both organisations provide a national advocacy platform for the NT to be represented on issues affecting the whole of the mental health sector.
mindful Centre for training and research in development health.
Mission AustraliaMission Australia's psychosocial services in the Northern Territory provide support to people with mental illness as they transition to the NDIS, as well as to those who are not eligible for NDIS or for whom NDIS is not the most appropriate support.

Working within a recovery framework, the service supports people to achieve their recovery goals by providing non-clinical services so that people are able to maintain their housing, manage their finances and daily living activities, engage in work or training, and maintain their physical and social wellbeing.
MoodGYM A free online self help program formulated by the Australian National University.

This program teaches cognitive behaviour therapy skills to people vulnerable to depression, with more than 100,000 registered users worldwide.
Multicultural Mental Health Australia Provides national leadership in mental health and suicide prevention for Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
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Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition (NTMHC)The Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition (NTMHC) is the peak body for community managed (NGO) mental health sector in the Northern Territory. The NTMHC has a network of around 200 individuals, organisations and stakeholders including a membership of about 35 organisations across the Northern Territory.
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OzHelp Foundation Ltd The OzHelp Foundation is a workplace based early intervention suicide prevention and social capacity building program. It is built on a vision to enhance the resilience of workers, and strengthen the influence and support of leaders, within industry and community groups. Call 1300 694 357 (1300OZHELP).
Open Arms
Veterans and Families Counselling
Provision of professional, individual and couple counselling, group programs, health programs and referrals. Visits are made to larger country areas and contract counsellors are available in some regional centres.
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Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) PHaMs workers provide practical assistance to people with severe mental illness to help them achieve their personal goals, develop better relationships with family and friends, and manage their everyday tasks. One-to-one and ongoing support ensures the individual needs of the PHaMs participants can be addressed. They are assisted to access services and participate economically and socially in the community, increasing their opportunities for recovery. 
Psych Central Psych Central is a valuable information source for all things mental health.
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Reach Out ProReach Out Pro provides access and advice for health care professionals on a range of technologies and online resources that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of psychosocial support and mental health care provided to young people.
Reach Out!Reach Out is a web-based service that inspires young people to help themselves through tough times and find ways to boost their own mental health and wellbeing. The aim of the service is to improve young people's mental health and well-being by building skills and providing information, support and referrals in ways we know work for young people. The service is run by the Inspire Foundation.
Relationships Australia NT IncRelationships Australia NT offers confidential counselling with qualified psychologists /social workers. Counselling can be with individuals, couples or families on any issue affecting relationships. Services include family dispute resolution services (mediation) and relationship education - programs and courses for the public.
Ruby Gaea Darwin Centre Against RapeCounselling, information and support for women and children who are survivors of sexual violence. Education and training with community and school groups to raise awareness about and prevent sexual assault.
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Sane AustraliaSANE Australia is a national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness - through campaigning, education and research. The organisation conducts innovative programs and campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends. Sane also operates a helpline.
Schizophrenia FellowshipThe Schizophrenia Fellowship is a non-profit community-based organisation working in the field of mental illness. The organisation is committed to improving the circumstances and welfare of people living with schizophrenia, their relatives and carers. The fellowship also provides assistance to professionals working in the area.
Somerville Family ServicesProvides a confidential professional counselling and support service for a wide range of clients in the Darwin, Palmerston and surrounding rural areas. Staff include psychologists, social workers, welfare workers, support workers and financial counsellors and money management workers.
Suicide Call Back ServiceA national telephone counselling service funded by the Australian Government Department of Health that provides short to medium term support to people at risk of suicide, their carers, and people bereaved by the suicide of a loved one. Call 1300 659 467 10am to 8.30pm (EST) seven days a week.
Sunrise Health Service
Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs)
The Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation's main purpose is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people in the region east of Katherine in the Northern Territory. PHaMs workers provide practical assistance to people with severe mental illness to help them achieve their personal goals, develop better relationships with family and friends, and manage everyday tasks.
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TEAMHealthTEAMHealth provides services to people and families affected by mental illness. TEAMhealth services are provided within a model of recovery focused on psychosocial rehabilitation and within the framework of the National Mental Health Plan and Standards. TEAMhealth works closely with other specialist service providers such as Top End Mental Health Services (TEMHS), drug/alcohol services and other non-government organisations.
TEMHCO

Top End Mental Health Consumers Organisation Inc (TEMHCO) is a not-for-profit charity organisation in Palmerston. The drop-in centre gives people living with a mental illness a place to feel safe, build friendships and get the help and support they need.

TEMHCO works with other organisations to make sure consumers and their families get the best possible service.

The MHS ConferenceThe Mental Health Services Conference Incorporated (The MHS) is a learning network for improving mental health services in Australasia. The MHS provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, professional development, networking and debate for professionals, consumers, carers (families), and managers. The MHS aims to promote positive attitudes about mental health and mental illness, and to stimulate debate that will challenge the boundaries of present knowledge and ideas about mental health care.
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Veterans and Families Counselling (Open Arms)Provision of professional, individual and couple counselling, group programs, health programs and referrals. Visits are made to larger country areas and contract counsellors are available in some regional centres.
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Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Corp
Family Mental Health Support Service
Family Mental Health Support Service (FMHSS) aims to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people, and their families. FMHSS provide early intervention support to assist vulnerable families with children and young people who are at risk of, or affected by, mental illness. These services support parents to reduce stress and enable young people to reach their potential.
Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation
Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs)
PHaMs workers provide practical assistance to people with severe mental illness to help them achieve their personal goals, develop better relationships with family and friends, and manage their everyday tasks.

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