Mental Health & Wellbeing Support
Check in. Reach out.
The Dongara CRC is here to help you find the support you need.
Mental Health is not just about mental illness, it includes emotional, psychological and social well-being and is essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care can play an important role in maintaining your mental and physical health, as well as helping to support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness.
This hub brings together a range of self-help tips and trusted mental health and wellbeing services available locally, across Western Australia and nationally. Finding the right support can make a real difference to your wellbeing.
Whether you’re looking for immediate support, someone to talk to, or information for yourself or a loved one — these services are here to help.
We’re here to connect you with the right support.
Browse mental health providers by category to quickly connect with the services, professionals and support that best match your needs.
How can I take care of my mental health?
Self-care is taking time to do things that help to improve your physical and mental health and help you live well. Self-care strategies can help you manage stress, feel more energetic and lower your risk of illness.
Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Check out the suggestions below. Start small and focus on taking one step at a time.
-
Get regular exercise.
Just 30 minutes of daily, low impact activity (such as walking) can boost your mood and improve your health. If you can’t do 30 minutes at one time, break it up into shorter sessions – it all adds up!
-
Eat healthy and stay hydrated.
Eating a balanced diet and drinking water can help improve your energy and focus. Caffeine and alcohol intake can affect some people’s mood and well-being and reducing consumption of these can be helpful.
-
Explore a relaxing activity.
Try different relaxation or wellness activities, programs or apps. These may include meditation, muscle relaxation or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times and set reminders for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
-
Set goals and priorities.
Decide what needs to be done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Make note and celebrate accomplishments (big and small!) at the end of the day.
-
Practice gratitude.
Practice being conscience of things you are grateful for every day. Be specific and make note of them. Focus on positivity and identify and challenge negative and unhelpful thoughts.
-
Stay connected.
Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
When should I seek professional help?
Seek professional help if you are experiencing severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more, such as:
Difficulty sleeping;
Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes;
Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning because of mood;
Difficulty concentrating;
Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable;
Inability to complete usual tasks and activities;
Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
Need Support?
Find trusted crisis and support services available locally and nationally, including 24/7 assistance options.
Explore Available Support Services
From counselling and crisis support to community programs and specialised care, explore services by category.
-
Aboriginal Services
-
Alcohol & Drug Support
-
Community Services
-
Crisis Support
-
Family & Carer Support
-
Grief & Trauma Support
-
Mental Health Support
-
Specialist Support
-
Youth Support
-
Outreach & Visiting Services
Aboriginal Services
Culturally safe health, wellbeing, crisis and postvention services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, and communities. Support is delivered by Aboriginal‑led organisations and may include primary health care, social and emotional wellbeing services, crisis support and follow‑up care.
-
13 YARN
First national crisis line for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. 24/7 culturally safe support from trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters. Free, confidential and available anywhere in Australia.
CALL - 13 92 76 -
GRAMS (Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service)
Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation providing Social & Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) services, GP services, dental, allied health, and mental health support.
CALL - (08) 9956 6555 -
Thirrili Ltd (Indigenous Suicide Postvention)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation providing culturally safe postvention support following suicide. Supports individuals, families and communities affected by suicide.
CALL - 1800 805 801
Alcohol & Drug Support
Support for individuals and families affected by alcohol or other drug use. Services in this category offer confidential counselling, information, referral and treatment support, primarily accessed by phone or appointment.
-
HolyOake
Holyoake provides alcohol, drug and mental health support services. Offers individual counselling, group programs, family support and community education.
CALL - (08) 9416 4444 -
Alcohol and Drug Support Line
Confidential, non-judgemental telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone seeking help for their own or another person's alcohol or drug use.
CALL - 1800 198 024 -
WACHS Mental Health & CADS
Support for people experiencing moderate to severe mental health, or drug and alcohol issues. Free service. No referral required.
CALL - 1800 051 999
Community Services
Community‑based organisations providing counselling, practical assistance, education, and wellbeing support. Services may include family support, emergency relief, men’s and women’s programs, and community education. Most services operate during business hours and are not crisis services.
-
Yellow Ribbon Midwest
Midwest Yellow Ribbon for Life Inc. promotes mental wellness and prevention of suicide while enhancing life in our community through education, support, and linking to local support services. **NOT a 24hr counselling service.
CALL - 0428 381 545 -
CentaCare Family Services
Centacare offers counselling, emergency relief, housing support and family support. Based in Geraldton at 3 Maitland St.
Also operates Men's Hub (156 Durlacher St, Ph: 0460 528 986) promoting men's mental health, Family Relationship Centre (116 Durlacher St), plus offices in Carnarvon and Exmouth. Counsellor visits Dongara every second Tuesday.
CALL - (08) 9921 1433 -
Desert Blue Connect
Confidential service offering: Women's Health, Family Violence Response, Children's Services, Men's Services (Ph: 9937 9188), Rural Support (Morawa-based counsellor: 0419 348 006), Crisis Accommodation (Chrysalis House: 08 9964 2173), Sexual Assault support, and Unintended Pregnancy support. Main office: 25 Chapman Road, Geraldton.
CALL - (08) 9964 2742 -
WA Country Health Service - Midwest Mental Health
Government mental health service providing community mental health services across the Midwest region including Geraldton, Carnarvon, Meekatharra and Exmouth. Services include assessment, case management, therapy and psychiatric services. Priority support for people with major mental illness. Referral via GP (preferred) or self-referral. Located in Community Health Building, 51-85 Shenton St, Geraldton. After hours: Rural Link 1800 552 002. STATE GOV - WA Country Health Service.
CALL - (08) 9956 1999
Crisis Support
Immediate support for people experiencing emotional distress, crisis or safety concerns. Services in this category are primarily accessed by telephone, with some offering additional options such as live chat or scheduled online counselling. Not all services operate 24/7 — individual availability is listed with each service.
-
Lifeline
Lifeline is a national charity providing 24-hour crisis support. Lifeline WA operates locally. Crisis Support services are confidential one-to-one, short-term support with a trained professional. Text service also available.
CALL - 13 11 14 -
Rural Link
A confidential after-hours psychiatric emergency assessment and advisory service to assist mental health clients and their carers. Available 4:30pm-8:30am weeknights and 24hr on weekends and public holidays. Connected to trained mental health clinician. STATE GOV - East Metropolitan Health Services. TTY: 1800 720 101
CALL - 1800 552 002 -
Suicide Call back Services
Suicide Call Back Service offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues. Video counselling available by appointment for 18+ only. Online chat available 15+.
CALL - 1300 659 467 -
Beyond Blue
Offers Crisis support. Can connect to Peer Support Community Forum, which can be accessed anonymosly. If not needing to talk to a counseller right away, client can email Beyond Blue Support Service for information about mental health information, services or resouces which will be reply to within 24 hours. which cannot be replied to but will give other options to start a convorsation
CALL - 1300 224 636
-
DV assist
DVassist provides free, specialist family and domestic violence phone counselling and support for people in regional, rural, and remote Western Australia. Services focus on recovery and healing for victim-survivors. Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-8pm AWST, Fri 8am-4pm AWST. Live chat available. NOT available 24/7.
CALL - 1800 080 083
-
Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL)
24/7 psychiatric emergency telephone line for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Provides assessment, support and referral. Mid West region use Rural number 1800 552 002. Metro use 1300 555 788. Peel: 1800 676 822. STATE GOV - WA Mental Health Commission.
CALL - 1800 552 002 (Rural) / 1300 555 788 (Metro)
-
MensLine Australia
24/7 telephone and online counselling service for men with relationship and mental health concerns. Free, confidential support for relationship issues, family violence, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Video counselling available by appointment. Webchat available.
CALL - 1300 789 978
-
Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling
24/7 free and confidential counselling and support for Australian veterans, current serving ADF members (including Reservists), and their families. Provides individual, couple and family counselling, group programs, and crisis support. Funded by Department of Veterans' Affairs. Webchat and video counselling available.
CALL - 1800 011 046
-
1800RESPECT
24/7 national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Free, confidential support for anyone experiencing or at risk of sexual assault, domestic or family violence. Provides counselling, information and referrals to local services. Webchat available. Operated by Telstra Health for Australian Government.
CALL - 1800 737 732
-
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Emergency services for life-threatening situations. Call 000 if someone is in immediate danger, seriously injured, or needs urgent police, fire or ambulance assistance. For deaf or hearing impaired: Text 106. FEDERAL GOV.
CALL - 000
-
Poisons Information Centre
24/7 national service providing expert advice on poisoning, medication overdoses, bites and stings. Call for advice on accidental or intentional poisoning. Free call from anywhere in Australia. Staffed by specialist pharmacists and clinical toxicologists.
CALL - 13 11 26
-
Crisis Care
24/7 crisis counselling, information and referral for people in crisis. Provides support for issues including domestic violence, child abuse, homelessness, financial difficulties, and mental health. Can assist with emergency accommodation and food. Country callers use 1800 199 008. STATE GOV - Dept of Communities.
CALL - (08) 9223 1111 / 1800 199 008 (Country)
-
The Samaritans Crisis Line
24/7 free telephone crisis support service. Provides non-judgemental listening and support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis. Volunteers trained in active listening. Confidential service.
CALL - 135 247
-
Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC)
24/7 crisis line for anyone affected by sexual assault (recent or past). Provides crisis counselling, medical care, forensic examination, and ongoing counselling. Free and confidential. Services available for all genders. STATE GOV - WA Health.
CALL - 1800 199 888
-
Dongara Health Service A&E
24/7 emergency department at Dongara Eneabba Mingenew Health Service. Wheelchair accessible, free parking, no appointment needed. Mixed billing (bulk bill available with conditions). For life-threatening emergencies call 000. Located at 48 Blenheim Road, Port Denison WA 6525.
CALL - (08) 9927 0200
Family & Carer Support
Support for families, parents, and carers, including those caring for someone with mental illness, disability, chronic illness, or age‑related needs. Services may include counselling, parenting advice, respite coordination, and advocacy, generally accessed during business hours.
-
Helping Minds
Free confidential counselling for young people aged 7 to 18 years, flexible and can be delivered as individual appointments or in-school counselling sessions. Also supports families/carers of people with mental health challenges. Geraldton office: 193 Marine Terrace.
CALL - 08 9427 7100
-
Ngala Geraldton
The Parenting Line is staffed by qualified child health nurses, midwives and other professionals. Open 8am-8pm, 7 days a week. Calls are confidential and non-judgemental. Ngala offers contemporary, inclusive and evidence-informed services that enhance the wellbeing and development of children, parents, families and communities. Ngala counsellor attends every Thursday.
CALL - Parenting line: (08) 9368 9368 -
Carers WA
Support services for carers including counselling, respite coordination, education and training, and advocacy. Supports family members and friends caring for someone with disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or frailty due to age. Also delivers Carer Gateway services (Ph: 1800 422 737). Located at The Carer Centre, 182 Lord Street, Perth.
CALL - 1300 227 377
Grief & Trauma Support
Specialist support for people affected by grief, loss, suicide bereavement or trauma. Services provide counselling, emotional support, and recovery‑focused care, accessed via phone, referral, or appointment. Some services provide longer‑term follow‑up support.
-
Stand By Support
Australia's leading suicide postvention program supporting anyone bereaved or impacted by suicide including: individuals, families, friends, witnesses, first responders and service providers. Sarah Collins operates as Midwest and Gascoyne Coordinator. FREE service, accessible 24/7 providing face-to-face and/or telephone support for up to 2 years.
CALL - 1300 727 247
-
Road Trauma Support WA
Provide trauma-informed information and support, education and training, and personalised counselling to help people understand their experience and navigate the impacts of road trauma. Free, confidential, no referral required, no session limits. In-person in Perth or via phone/video call. NOT A CRISIS SERVICE. Delivered by Injury Matters.
CALL - 1300 004 814 -
GriefLine
Free telephone counselling service for anyone experiencing grief, loss or trauma. Available 6am-midnight AEST, 7 days a week. Staffed by trained volunteer counsellors. Supports all types of loss including death, relationship breakdown, job loss. Note: Now part of SANE Australia.
CALL - 1300 845 745
-
Blue Knot Foundation (Complex Trauma)
National helpline for adults who have experienced childhood trauma, abuse and neglect. Provides counselling, information and referrals. Available Mon-Sun 9am-5pm AEST. Also supports partners, family members and professionals. Complex trauma specialist.
CALL - 1300 657 380
Mental Health Support
Information, counselling, referral and recovery‑oriented support for people experiencing mental health concerns. Services in this category may include peer support, clinical services, helplines and community programs, with access varying by provider.
-
Neami National - Step up Step Down Geraldton
Short-term residential mental health support for people at risk of hospital admission ('step-up') or transitioning from hospital ('step-down'). 24-hour support for up to 10 people. Maximum stay 28 days. Located at 2 Larkin Street, Geraldton WA 6530 (Yamatji country). Free service funded by WA Mental Health Commission.
CALL - (08) 6323 8980
-
MindSpot Gp
MindSpot is a FREE digital mental health clinic for Australian adults 18+. Offers online and telephone-based assessment and treatment for anxiety, depression, chronic pain, chronic health conditions, OCD, PTSD and substance use. No GP referral required. Medicare eligibility required. Funded by Australian Department of Health. NOT A CRISIS SERVICE.
CALL - 1800 614 434 -
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
National helpline supporting women, men and families affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the first year of parenthood. Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-7:30pm AEST. Provides counselling, information and referrals. Support for partners and family members also available.
CALL - 1300 726 306
-
Here For You Support Line
WA Mental Health Commission support line providing information, support and referrals for mental health and alcohol/drug concerns. Available 7am-10pm daily, 7 days a week. STATE GOV - Mental Health Commission.
CALL - 1800 437 348
-
MIFWA (Mental Illness Fellowship WA)
Provides mental health recovery support and services for people living with mental health issues and their families/carers. Offers Individual Community Living Support, Carer Peer Support, Advocacy, NDIS services and Recovery Programs across WA. Head office: Level 3, 9 The Avenue, Midland. Also offices in Rockingham, Kingsley and Lorikeet Centre (West Leederville).
CALL - (08) 9237 8900
-
SANE Australia
National mental health helpline providing free support, information and referrals for people living with complex mental health issues, their families and carers. Available Mon-Fri 10am-8pm AEST. Online forums (saneforums.org) available 24/7 - anonymous and peer-moderated. Also provides support for people with intellectual disability, autism or acquired brain injury.
CALL - 1800 187 263
Specialist Support
Targeted support services for specific needs or communities, such as eating disorders, gambling harm, LGBTIQ+ support, multicultural mental health, and online safety. These services provide specialised advice, counselling and referrals and are generally not crisis services unless stated.
-
QLife
Australia-wide LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral service. Anonymous, free telephone and webchat support. Available 3pm-midnight daily (AEST). Staffed by trained LGBTIQ+ community members. Part of LGBTIQ+ Health Australia.
CALL - 1800 184 527
-
Butterfly Foundation (Eating Disorders)
National Helpline for eating disorders and body image issues. Provides confidential support, information and referrals for people affected by eating disorders, and their families and carers. Available 8am-midnight AEST/AEDT, 7 days a week. Webchat and email support also available.
CALL - 1800 334 673 -
Gambling Help Online
24/7 free, confidential support for people affected by gambling. Provides telephone and online counselling, self-help tools and referrals. Support for gamblers, family members and friends affected by someone's gambling. Webchat available 24/7.
CALL - 1800 858 858
-
eSafety Commissioner
Government agency providing support for online safety issues including cyberbullying, image-based abuse, online harassment and child safety. Can assist with removal of harmful content. Particularly relevant for youth mental health issues related to online harm. Webchat available.
CALL - 1800 880 176
-
Multicultural Mental Health (Embrace)
Support line providing mental health information and referrals for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Free service with access to interpreters in over 160 languages. Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST.
CALL - 1300 136 289
Youth Support
Mental health and wellbeing services designed for children and young people, typically up to 25 years of age. Support may include counselling, early intervention, family support, education and youth‑friendly online services. Access methods and availability vary by service.
-
Kids Help Line
Free confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Offers webchat and email counselling. Website offers free resources for kids, teens, young adults, parents and schools.
CALL - 1800 55 1800
-
headspace Geraldton
Free youth mental health services for ages 12-25. Provides early intervention mental health services, physical health (including sexual health), work and study support, and alcohol and drug services. Located at 193 Marine Terrace, Geraldton. Walk-ins welcome. No referral needed. Operated by Youth Focus. Hours: Mon 9am-7pm, Tue-Wed 9am-5pm, Thu 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-5pm.
CALL - (08) 9943 8111 -
CAMHS Crisis Connect
24/7 mental health crisis support for children and young people (up to 18 years) in WA. Provides telephone-based assessment, support and referral during mental health crises. STATE GOV - Child and Adolescent Health Service.
CALL - 1800 048 636
-
Youthline WA
Free telephone counselling service for young people in WA. Provides support for a range of issues including mental health, relationships, family problems, bullying and more. Confidential service for youth.
CALL - 1800 198 313
-
Youth Focus
Youth mental health organisation providing free counselling, support groups and early intervention programs for young people aged 12-25 in WA. Operates headspace centres in Geraldton, Joondalup, Midland, Perth, Rockingham and Bunbury. Head office: Burswood.
CALL - (08) 6266 4333
-
ReachOut Australia
Online mental health service for young people (14-25) and their parents. Provides self-help tools, peer support forums, and mental health information. No phone line - website and app-based support. Free and anonymous. Includes ReachOut Parents for parent/carer support.
Outreach & Visiting Services
Some services listed on this page also provide face-to-face outreach servicesinDongara.
Availability varies by provider and is often by appointment.
For help identifying which services may be available locally or when they are next visiting, contact the Dongara Community Resource Centre during business hours.
You can also view the Dongara CRC Events page to view upcoming outreach visits.
How can I find help?
If you have concerns about your mental health, talk to a primary care provider. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help you figure out the next steps.
If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to reach out — you don’t have to navigate things alone.
If the situation is urgent or life-threatening, please call 000 immediately.
Other ways to get support
For non‑urgent mental health concerns, seeing a General Practitioner (GP) can be a helpful first step. A GP can provide assessment, discuss treatment options and refer you to appropriate services.
A GP can also discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which may help people access Medicare‑subsidised mental health services if ongoing support is needed.
Recommended Links & Downloads
Access useful resources, fact sheets, guides and external links to support your mental health and wellbeing journey.
Mental Health Support Summary
(Printable PDF)
A quick reference guide to local, regional, and national support services
Wellbeing & Self‑Help Resources
Links to trusted mental health organisations offering information and self‑help resources.
The following external resource libraries offer downloadable fact sheets, guides and tools created by qualified mental health professionals:
-
Beyond Blue Resource Library
-
SANE Australia Factsheets & Guides
-
WA Mental Health Commission Resources
-
Headspace Factsheets
Printable Guides for Young People
-
ReachOut Australia Resource Library
-
MindSpot Resource Library
-
Smiling Mind Educator Resources
-
Lifeline Support Toolkit
-
Black Dog Institute Resources & Tools
Wellbeing Apps
These resources offer downloadable PDFs, worksheets and online tools. They are developed by qualified professionals and are appropriate for education and self‑help.
These resources are not a substitute for emergency or crisis support.
If you need urgent help, contact 000 or a crisis service listed on this page.
(Availability and suitability may vary. These apps do not provide crisis support.)
-
Headspace
Mindfulness and meditation app
-
Smiling Mind
Free Australian mindfulness app
-
MindShift CBT
Tools to manage anxiety
-
ReachOut WorryTime
Support for managing worry
(youth focused) -
Virtual Hope Box
Wellbeing and coping tools
Disclaimer & Important information
This resource hub has been developed by the Dongara Community Resource Centre as part of a WAPHA Self-Help Awareness Grant initiative, aimed at improving access to support services and increasing awareness of mental health resources within our community. Dongara CRC is also proudly supported by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Dongara Community Resource Centre provides information, guidance and support to help people navigate available services. We are not a crisis service and do not provide emergency or clinical mental health care.
If you are in danger or need immediate support, please contact 000 or a 24/7 crisis service listed on this page.
This information is provided for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical or mental health advice. If you are concerned about your mental health or safety, please seek support from a qualified health professional or contact a crisis service.
The Mental Health Resources Hub is a Dongara CRC inititiative proudly supported by:
