Topic key points
- Sometimes, a client or someone they know needs extra support outside of what we can offer.
- Fortunately, there are a wealth of fantastic helplines and referrals we can share with clients to help them navigate whatever challenges they are facing.
- This page houses some of the most commonly shared helplines and referrals in the WMHC program.
- As always, if you think a resource/helpline should be included, let your manager or one of the triage specialists know.
Introduction to topic
Below is a summary of the helplines/referrals provided on this page:
- New Access: free mental health coaching for small business owners
- Mental health support/helplines: A NSW Gov page that outlines some commonly used mental health helplines and supports
- Lifeline Australia: Confidential crisis support available via phone (available 24/7), text (available at night), or online chat (available at night).
- Suicide callback service: Suicide Call Back Service is a free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.
- MensLine: Free advice and support via phone, video and chat
- The Family Relationship Advice Line: The Family Relationship Advice Line can help you with family issues and separation. They can also refer you to local services for more help.
- NSW Health Mental Health Line: Provides telephone assessment, referral and central intake services 24/7 for people living in New South Wales who are concerned about their own or another’s mental health or are at risk of self-harm or suicide.
- Kids Helpline: 24/7 Phone Support for individuals aged 5-25 years
- 13 YARN: 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Individuals
- 1800 Respect: Family and Domestic Violence Support
- Where to go to get mental health support: A centralised page with information about various mental health supports including helplines and low-cost services
Process Considerations
- Dealing with risk can be a challenging topic for coaches. If risk has been a topic of conversation in one of your sessions, it is important to look after yourself. If possible, reach out to another member of the team to debrief.
- It can be helpful to provide some basic information about the referral to the client. This helps them understand the purpose of the referral and how it may be able to help them.
- Some coaches/psychologists feel pressure to ‘solve’ all of a client’s problems, but often our programs have a specific focus, and we can’t be everything to everyone. Knowing when and how to refer on (or expand a person’s support network) is an important part of being an ethical psychologist. If you have any concerns about when/how to refer someone on, speak to a colleague or supervisor.
Included resources
- New Access for Small Business Owners
- Mental health support/helplines
- Lifeline Australia
- Suicide callback service
- MensLine
- The Family Relationship Advice Line
- NSW Health Mental Health Line
- Kids Helpline
- 13 YARN
- 1800 Respect
- Where to go to get mental health support
Copy for Clients
As discussed, it seems like [insert information about what you discussed relating to the referral/helpline] is a concern for you and your workplace. Fortunately, there are some good supports that can help you navigate this challenge. I encourage you to check out and engage with the following support. [insert a brief summary of the referral/helpline].