The Farrer MP said the phone line, part of the federal government’s reform plan, would direct callers to the appropriate phone or online mental health service they needed.

Ms Ley said presently more than 30 individual Australian government-supported phone and online mental health services were available to the public.

The National Mental Health Commission review and the government’s expert reference group identified this situation as fragmented, confusing and difficult to access.

“When you are suffering a mental health issue or an episode of mental illness you often need help quickly when and where it strikes,” Ms Ley said.

“There are many fantastic phone counselling and advice services in Australia, but with so many different numbers available, it can be difficult for people to navigate themselves to the right service in their time of need.

“We hope to alleviate some of this pressure by ensuring people are able to contact the right help first time, rather than the first number they find,” she said.

The single phone line service is part of the government’s development of a new digital gateway to help people with a mental illness access the digital mental health services now available.

Ms Ley said work would begin on the digital gateway this financial year as part of the government’s broader three-year reform plan. 

If you or someone you know needs immediate help you can call:

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia 1300 789 978