Helplines for parents of teens
No parent or carer has all the answers, and reaching out for help is a real sign of strength. Whether you're looking for immediate help or long-term guidance, here's a list of services you can access for support.
Parentline Australia
Parentline offers free telephone counselling services to parents and carers all around Australia. In some states, Parentline offers face-to-face counselling, webchat, parenting courses, and resources for positive wellbeing for families.
Parentline ACT: 02 6287 3833, 9 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
Parent Line NSW: 1300 1300 52, 9 am–9 pm, Monday to Friday; 4 pm–9 pm, weekends
Parentline Queensland and Northern Territory: 1300 30 1300, 8 am–10 pm, 7 days
Parent Helpline South Australia: 1300 364 100, 24/7
Parentline Tasmania: 1300 808 178, 24/7
Ngala Parenting Line (WA): 08 9368 9368 (metro) / 1800 111 546 (regional), 8 am–8 pm, 7 days
Note: Parentline Victoria ceased operations on 31 October 2025. Visit the website for alternate support services.
Other helplines for parents and carers
National telephone service that helps families affected by relationship or separation issues. They provide information on parenting arrangements after and during separation, and can also refer callers to local services that provide assistance.
Call 1800 050 321, 8 am–8 pm, Monday to Friday; 10 am–4 pm, Saturday, or visit the Family Relationship Advice Line website.
Provides confidential sexual assault and family and domestic violence counselling via phone and webchat.
Call their 24/7 helpline on 1800 737 732, or visit the 1800RESPECT website.
Free online and phone counselling for dads and men with concerns about emotional health and relationships.
Call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 789 978, or visit theMensline Australia website.
Provides information and resources for people with complex mental health issues. It also has a hotline and forums where you can chat with other people.
Visit the SANE Australia website for more information, or call 1800 187 263, 10 am–8 pm, Monday to Friday.
National helpline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are going through a tough time and feel like having a yarn. All of the operators are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are trained to support you without judgement and to provide a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns.
Call their 24/7 hotline on 13 92 76, or visit the 13YARN website.
Free and anonymous helpline for LGBTQIA+ people and their loved ones wanting to talk about a range of issues, including sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Call 1800 184 527, 3 pm–9 pm, 7 days, or visit the QLife website for more information.
Organisation for friends and family members supporting people with mental health concerns.
Visit the Mental Health Carers Australia website for more information.
Provides practical advice and support for carers, including information on respite and financial help.
Call 1800 422 737, 8 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday, or visit the Carer Gateway website.
Offers phone support and resources if you’re experiencing financial difficulty. Online chat is also available.
Call 1800 007 007, 9.30 am–4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, or visit the National Debt Helpline website.
Offers support for anyone affected by gambling. Online chat support is also available.
Call their 24/7 hotline on 1800 858 858, or visit the Gambling Help Online website.
National free and confidential multilingual telephone hotline for people in Australia affected by overseas conflicts. Staffed by mental health practitioners and bicultural support workers.
Call 1800 845 198, 10 am–7 pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays), or visit the Witness to War website.
Frequently asked questions about parent helplines
Usually when you call a helpline, you'll chat with a trained telephone counsellor who has experience in the area of support you’re looking for. They can listen to your concerns, help you figure out your next steps and direct you to more helpful resources.
Australian helplines are usually either free (look for 1800 numbers) or cost a standard call rate. Keep in mind that mobile phone calls may be charged at a higher rate. You can also ask about any costs when you call a particular helpline.
Yes, there are a range of ways to find support as a parent, although sometimes it can feel overwhelming to get started. If you’re looking for support beyond helplines, you could start by:
joining local parent groups or online communities
asking your GP for a referral to a family counsellor
meeting with your teen's school counsellor
trying parenting workshops through your local community centre
booking a ReachOut One-on-One Support session with a parents coach
visiting headspace centres for family support
visiting the Raising Children Network website for expert advice.
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I need to know more - Read more about getting help for your teenager.