For crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14, MH Call 1300 642 255 or in an emergency call 000
Telephone or virtually-enabled services that people can contact to seek information, support and advice
Helplines can provide free and confidential one-off or short-term counselling, guidance and referrals to health professionals and services who have been screened for experience in treating eating disorders.
Helplines are phone-based services but they’re often also available through online chat or email.
Speaking with someone on a helpline can help you to understand what you’re going through or develop new skills through brief counselling support.
They can also help you find health professionals in your local area who support people with eating disorders.
If you need to speak with someone between appointments with your regular team of health professionals, an eating disorder helpline may be useful.
You’ll speak with a counsellor who has training in supporting people with eating disorders or body image issues.
You can contact helplines more than once, but you can’t request to speak with the same counsellor or person.
You can learn more about what to expect from calling a helpline through the provider’s website—including when they are available, waiting times and how they will maintain your confidentiality.
Most helplines are not intended to support people in crisis and don’t provide medical help. If you or someone you care about is experiencing a crisis, there are helplines that offer urgent care.
If you’re worried you might have an eating disorder, or experiencing disordered eating or body image issues, a helpline can be a helpful first point of contact.
If you’re not sure exactly what you need, but know you want to seek help, you can connect with a helpline and they will guide you on what services and supports might help and how to access them.
Butterfly’s National Helpline is available from 8am to midnight every day. You can contact them by:
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
Brisbane North PHN wishes to acknowledge the experience and expertise of the My Mental Health Steering Committee, delegates of the Peer Participation in Mental Health Services (PPIMS) network and health professionals in developing the My Mental Health Website.
