Finding support (when self-help is not enough)
While self-care strategies play an important role in maintaining mental health, there are times when they may not be enough. If you are finding it difficult to cope, struggling with ongoing stress, or noticing changes in your mood, energy, or behaviour, it may be time to reach out for support.
Speaking with a trusted colleague, friend, or family member can be a helpful first step. Seeking help from a professional mental health service provider can be the most effective way to identify the causes and learn what treatment and strategies may best help you in your specific situation at that time.
If you are seriously injured or know someone who is at risk of harm right now, call triple zero (000)
Other options for urgent help are listed below:
Call 13 11 14 for their 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support telephone service.
Text 0477 131 114 for their pilot service Lifeline Text (available from 6pm – 10pm (AEDT), seven days a week.
Message their online Crisis Support Chat between 7pm and 12am midnight (AEDT), seven days a week.
Call 1300 659 467 for 24/7 free, professional and immediate counselling for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.
There are also options to online chat or video chat at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Law Care WA – Member assistance program
Law Care WA is the Law Society’s member assistance program. Similar to an employee assistance program, Law Care WA provides an opportunity for Law Society members to speak to a mental health professional for support with personal and work-related issues that may impact your job performance, health, mental and emotional wellbeing.
The program is delivered by Converge International, which offers an online booking service to find a professional that suits you in your preferred location.
The program is confidential. Members are entitled to three free sessions with Converge International per year.
In most cases, appointments with the member assistance program can be conducted by phone or video conference, face-to-face, or through a live chat.
To access the program, you can:
- Call 1300 687 327
- Make an online booking from the Converge website here.
- Download the Converge app.
The Law Society’s organisation code LAWOQLO can be used to access the app or make an online booking.
You can download the Converge app using the QR code below, or by searching ‘Converge International’ in your app store.
Specialist phone helplines
Converge also provides specialist phone helplines. Law Society members are provided with one phone session per year.
- First Nations Specialist Helpline: 1300 287 432
- LGBTQI+ Specialist Helpline: 1300 542 874
- Domestic and Family Violence Helpline: 1300 338 465
For more information, see Law Care WA.
To find out more about options for longer term support, see:
Call 1300 22 4636 for 24/7 assistance. The Beyond Blue telephone hotline provides support to anyone experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, or going through a tough time.
Beyond Blue provides an online chat between 3pm and 12am midnight (AEST) seven days a week, as well as confidential mental health coaching (for those not currently seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist).
Beyond Blue also provides an online directory to locate a mental health service professional near you.
Call 1800 737 732 for 24/7 free information, counselling and support for anyone impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
Text 0458 737 732 to seek support via text.
Message their online chat service available 24/7.
Call 1300 78 99 78 for 24/7 free professional telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, relationships, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), stress or suicidal thoughts.
Message their online chat service at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call 13 92 76 to access free, confidential and anonymous crisis support. 13 Yarn is a culturally safe helpline run by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons.
Call 1800 551 800 for 24/7 phone and online counselling for young people aged five to 25.
