Counselling and Mental Health
Information to help you when addressing your mental health
“Even in recovery I’ve changed counsellors because that person didn’t work for me.
Like, she was good, but I just didn’t feel like I had a connection to disclose when I was struggling, so I would say everything was fine and my anxiety was fine, when in fact I was still really fearful of things. The counsellor I see now is really good. It was about finding the right person to work with me, who I felt comfortable talking to.”
Services to support you in managing difficulties with your mental health
A good place to start is with your GP. Your GP can help decide the right service for you and be part of taking care of you while you get the help you need.
You can also contact the Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511. This will put you through to the Hunter New England Mental Health Services – linked below.

Here are some links to mental health services operating in the Hunter.
Samaritans
Mental care services
Hunter New England Health Mental Health Services
Specialist mental health services
Hunter Partners in Recovery
Assist people with severe mental illness
National Psychosocial Support - NPS
Psychosocial support services
ORS Group Personal Helpers and Mentors Program (PHaM)
Provides support to people with disability
New Horizons Personal Helpers and Mentors Aboriginal Program (PHaM)
Advice, planning, inclusion, housing, clinical and medical services
Flourish Australia
Mental health, wellbeing and inclusion
Headspace
Mental health support for young people
One Door Mental Health Service
Specialised mental health services
Lifeline
Crisis support and suicide prevention
Beyond Blue
Provides information and support for mental health
Beyond Blue Youth
Specialised mental health services
Substance abuse is common among people who suffer from depression and many people with depressive disorder may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to alleviate the symptoms of their illness. DrugRehab.com is a website that has extensive information on a multitude of issues such as substance abuse, addiction, and mental illness.
*please note that this is not an Australian site
DrugRehab.com
Substance abuse support