Support if you’re concerned about your child’s mental health

As parents and carers, you’re often in the best position to identify if your child or teen is struggling with their mental health.

On this page

Emergency help

Recognising when your child needs support

Like all of us, children and teens can feel sad, angry or upset sometimes. Knowing that these feelings are normal can be helpful.

However, if your child feels like this a lot or most of the time, or has difficulty coping, getting on with others, or doing their usual activities, it’s a sign they may need help.

Letting your child know that you care for them and are ready to listen and help is a great first step.

You don’t have to manage these concerns on your own. There’s a range of supports available through your child’s school and within your community.

If you’re concerned about your child’s wellbeing

  • Contact your child’s school. Start with their classroom teacher, year level coordinator or the wellbeing leader. Depending on your child’s needs, the school can put in place a range of supports or help you in seeking further support. Read more about how schools can support your child's mental health.

    If you’ve raised these concerns with a staff member and aren’t satisfied, you may wish to escalate your concern to an assistant principal or principal.

  • Call Parentline on 13 22 89 for telephone counselling services from 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week.
  • Make an appointment for your child at the GP to make a mental health care plan and seek advice on appropriate further support.
  • Mental health support, resources and advice are available for students and families to access over the school holidays. To access translated factsheets, visit: mental health supports for students over school holidays.

Common mental health and wellbeing concerns

Children and teens can struggle with a range of issues as they grow up.

Get advice and help for these common problems:

Encourage your child to seek help

It can be hard to ask for help, but it’s important your child knows it‘s okay.

You can encourage help-seeking in your child by:

  • asking how things are going
  • letting them know it’s okay if they’re feeling sad or frustrated
  • listening without judgement when they seek out your support
  • giving your child information on where to get help if they need it.

Look after yourself

Parenting can be very challenging at times, and it’s normal to feel ups and downs. While it may not always be easy to prioritise your own needs, your wellbeing is important.

The Raising Children Network provides comprehensive advice to help parents look after themselves and have healthy relationships.

If you’ve been experiencing negative or frightening feelings and thoughts for more than a couple of weeks and they’re getting in the way of daily life, it’s a very good idea to seek some help. You could start by talking with your GP, or a psychologist if you’re already seeing one.

Immediate advice and support

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).

Medical support

  • Contact:
    • the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
    • your local community health centre or GP.
  • Nurse on call -expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days):

Mental health support

  • Beyond Blue - information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention
  • Butterfly - support for people impacted by eating disorders and body image issues
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS)
    • Victorian Department of Health mental health services for children and adolescence (0-18 years).
    • CAHMS - access services in your area by selecting from the table on the right-hand side of the page.
  • Sane - support for people experiencing recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma
  • Mind Australia - support for people with mental health and wellbeing concerns

Suicide prevention support

Sexual assault and family violence support

  • 1800RESPECT - national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.
  • Safe Steps – Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre
  • The Orange Door - a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children
Education

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