The University of Melbourne Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential, short-term professional counselling to currently enrolled students and staff.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The University of Melbourne is supporting our student community during the current outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). In situations that are uncertain and evolving such as this, you may experience stress, anxiety, or sadness, among other emotional reactions. An important way to cope is to stay up-to-date with the university's advice and support for all students and staff.
CAPS support and resources
During this time, CAPS is offering telecounselling appointments via Zoom. We are also running various webinar programs to learn skills to boost your resilience and wellbeing. Check out our tipsheet on how to manage feelings of stress, anxiety, or distress associated with COVID-19. You can also explore other helpful online resources on looking after your mental health and wellbeing.
Looking after your health and wellbeing is essential to being your best at the University of Melbourne. Life at university can be exciting and interesting, as well as bring challenges such as adjusting to a new environment and the general stress of student life.
Sometimes it can be difficult to reach out to family and friends, or deal with things by ourselves. Counselling can be helpful during these times.
Student workshop program
CAPS offers free workshops on a range of personal development, mental health and wellbeing issues each semester. Mental Health First Aid and other training programs are also available for both students and staff.
Contact us
Parkville (main office)
Level 5, 757 Swanston Street, Parkville
For all appointments and enquiries
Phone: +61 3 8344 6927
Book, check-in for, or change an appointment
Please note: We strongly advise contacting us by telephone or in person to ensure a prompt and appropriate response. Any correspondence received via email cannot be assured of reaching us in a timely or confidential manner. For emergency contacts after hours, please refer to our emergencies page.
Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential, short-term professional counselling to currently enrolled domestic and international students and staff. CAPS is committed to providing quick access to our service for those in need.
For all appointments
Students
All students can book, check-in for, reschedule or cancel an appointment using our online appointment portal.
Staff
Staff who are new to Counselling and Psychological Services or haven't attended an appointment this year should book an appointment by calling us on +61 3 8344 6927.
Staff who are existing clients can book, check-in for, reschedule or cancel an appointment using our online appointment portal.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Counselling support
The health and wellbeing of our students and staff is of paramount importance to us. In line with government policy and the University’s response to reduce rates of infection in the community, CAPS is offering telecounselling appointments via Zoom. If you have any questions or issues connecting with us, please phone our Reception at 03 8344 6927.
Please note: Our current opening hours are 9am - 5pm (Monday - Friday) until further notice.
Appointment types
Initial consultations
Getting support at CAPS begins with an initial consultation. An initial consultation appointment is up to 45 minutes and includes:
- A questionnaire about your health and wellbeing
- A consultation with a counsellor
The consultation is designed to cover a brief overview of your current situation and address any immediate concerns.
Initial consultation appointments are available Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm. They can be booked on the day, or the next day. During semester, with increased demand, wait times can increase. Check out what you can do while you are waiting, or if you need urgent assistance.
If you would feel more comfortable speaking with a male or female counsellor, or have particular preferences in your choice of counsellor, see our staff page for more details. We will endeavour to place you with someone of your choice, but this may not always be possible.
Short-term counselling
At the end of your initial consultation, your counsellor will recommend some support options. Some people find that the initial consultation is sufficient for their needs, while others may proceed with short-term counselling.
Return appointments are up to 50 minutes and are arranged through your counsellor. Majority of students attend between one to four sessions. A small number of students may require up to six sessions.
For important information about what to expect at your initial consultation or from short-term counselling, see our what to expect from counselling page.
LGBTIQA+ counselling and support
At the University of Melbourne, we recognise the richness diversity brings. We pride ourselves on fostering and promoting a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment free from discrimination, harassment, vilification, or victimisation based on sex, sexuality, or gender identity.
Our counsellors are welcoming and supportive of people of all backgrounds, and many counsellors have a particular interest in supporting students of diverse sexuality and gender identity. We also have have a dedicated LGBTIQA+ counsellor, Jean Popomilkov. You can read more about our staff.
Appointments are booked online or by phone at 03 8344 6927. If you would like to see Jean or any specific counsellor, you can request this.
Special consideration
Can a counsellor help me apply for special consideration?
Students who have been seeing a CAPS counsellor in an ongoing way about issues affecting their study can talk to their counsellor about completing a Health Professional Report (HPR) to support an application for special consideration.
Before making an appointment:
- Please refer to the University's policy and information on Special Consideration.
- Print and complete the Student portion of the HPR. A copy of the HPR form can be found on the Special Consideration page under 'Supporting Documentation'.
What if I haven't been to see a counsellor at CAPS before?
HPR forms are best completed by health professionals who have prior knowledge of your circumstances.
If it's your first time seeing one of our counsellors, we may not be able to complete your HPR. However, you can still make an appointment to discuss personal issues that are impacting your study, and we can discuss options and support with you.
More information
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Why seek counselling?
People attend counselling to talk about personal, emotional, or mental health issues which affect their study and life.
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What to expect from counselling
Important information about what to expect when you visit our service, including how we work, what happens in appointments, and your confidentiality.
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Waiting for your appointment
There are many helpful things you can do to support yourself while waiting for your appointment.
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Worried about someone?
What to do if someone you know is struggling and may benefit from counselling.
Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free workshops on a range of personal development, mental health and wellbeing issues each semester. Mental Health First Aid and other training programs are also available for both students and staff.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Changes to the student workshop program
To prioritise the health and wellbeing of our students and staff, we are modifying the delivery of some workshops to webinars and will progressively be offering more throughout the semester. Please check the details of the individual workshops below for the latest updates. If you have questions about registrations or have technical issues, please ring CAPS Reception at 03 8344 6927 or email caps-workshops@unimelb.edu.au.
On this page:
COVID-19: Looking after your mental health and wellbeing webinar series
Tuesday workshops
International student programs
Mindfulness programs
Social anxiety webinar
Special interest workshops
Mental Health First Aid training
2020 Semester 1 Student Workshop Program
Download a copy of the 2020 Sem 1 Student Workshop Program (PDF 207.1 KB)
COVID-19: Looking after your mental health and wellbeing
A new interactive webinar series facilitated by CAPS counsellors for UniMelb students to boost your resilience and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. You are welcome to attend all sessions in the series to learn different skills, or just attend one or two. You will need to register for each webinar individually using the registration link.
| Date/Time | Webinar | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 5 May 3-4 PM | COVID-19: Building resilience and wellbeing | This feature webinar on University Mental Health Day will help you understand why we respond the way we do in uncertain and challenging times. In discussions guided by CAPS counsellors, discover a range of healthy and adaptive ways we can stay psychologically healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Webinar completed |
| Tuesday 12 May 1-2 PM | Corona and chill: managing stress and how to relax | Understand how our bodies and minds respond to stress, and how knowing this information can help you build relaxation skills. You will be guided through a range of evidence-based relaxation strategies. | Webinar completed |
| Thursday 14 May 1-2 PM | Staying connected during COVID-19: Managing isolation and loneliness | Being physically distant doesn't mean we have to be socially disconnected. This webinar will explore creative ways to stay connected in our relationships. | Webinar completed |
| Tuesday 19 May 1-2 PM | Stuck at home? How to get along with others | Understand what healthy relationships look like while we’re in home quarantine. We’ll discuss the importance of boundaries, how to set them, and helpful negotiation and effective communication skills to resolve conflicts. | Webinar recording (available till 2/6/2020) |
| Thursday 21 May 1-2 PM | Level up your thinking | Identify common unhelpful thinking patterns that can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and other difficult feelings during this time. Learn and practise how to reframe and balance your thoughts. | Webinar recording (available till 4/6/2020) |
| Tuesday 26 May 1-2 PM | How to be kind to yourself during COVID-19 | Understand what self-compassion is (and is not!), and how this approach can enhance motivation and resilience. Learn practical ways you can show yourself a little kindness when you need it most. | Register here |
| Thursday 28 May 1-2 PM | Let it go: unhooking from unhelpful thoughts and worry | In difficult times, we can easily get caught up in worries or persistent negative thoughts, but this is often not useful. Learn and practise ways to unhook from unhelpful thoughts so they have less power over your life. | Register here |
| Tuesday 2 June 1-2PM | Being effective during a tough time | Learn creative ways to get things done! We’ll cover a range of tools and strategies to help you plan and carry out effective actions and build your motivation. We’ll also consider what productivity means during a pandemic. | Register here |
Tuesday workshops
Learn strategies to enhance your learning, wellbeing, and relationships.
| Workshop | Description | Date/time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimising focus and attention | Train your attention, build concentration, remain calm and focused under pressure | Tuesday 31 March 1-2PM | Webinar completed |
| Overcoming procrastination | Explore ways to stay on track and get things done | Tuesday 21 April 1-2PM | Webinar completed |
| Resilience and wellbeing | Build resilience, manage stress, and live a happier, more meaningful life | Tuesday 28 April 1-2PM | Webinar completed |
International student programs
Reflect on your experience as an international student and extend your social network. Gain support from counsellors and other international students in learning ways to adjust to a new environment, build meaningful relationships, and maintain positive wellbeing.
| Webinar | Description | Date/time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigating challenges as an international student during COVID-19 | International student life is an enriching and unique experience. During these unusual times, there can be added complexities that may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Join this webinar to connect with people with similar experiences, get support from each other, and learn ways to better cope with stress and take care of yourself. | Thursday 7 May 1-2PM | Webinar completed |
| Managing loneliness (CAPS and UMSU International Webinar) | Lockdown means that many students are physically distancing, but we should remind ourselves that we are not socially disconnecting. This webinar will explore how to deal with loneliness and suggest ways to bridge the gaps. | Wednesday 13 May 2.15pm - 3.15pm | Webinar completed |
| Building structure in your stay-home routine (CAPS and UMSU International Webinar) | Some students may be struggling with building structure in their stay-home routine and find themselves procrastinating. Join this webinar to learn how to forgive yourself when you do, and how to start anew the next day. | Wednesday 20 May 2.15pm - 3.15pm | Register here |
| Dealing with anxiety (CAPS and UMSU International Webinar) | With end-of-semester exams fast approaching, it's common to experience exam stress and anxiety. Under the unique circumstances we're in, some of the usual coping mechanisms or studying hacks may not be available. In this webinar, share ways students can deal with stress and anxiety while physically distancing. | Wednesday 27 May 2.15pm - 3.15pm | Register here |
| CAPS and GSA Graduate International Student Program | Connect, share, and learn about wellbeing as a graduate international student in this 6-session program. More information coming soon. | To be advised | To be advised |
Mindfulness programs
Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with an attitude of openness, curiosity, and acceptance. Regular practice can help us better manage stress and anxiety, improve our focus, engage more fully in life, and take effective action.
| Workshop | Description | Date/time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midday mindful moments (Uni Mental Health Day) | This webinar aims to introduce the experience of cultivating calm and wellbeing from within. On University Mental Health Day (and beyond!), give your brain a break from study or work at home by joining a CAPS counsellor in a guided mindfulness meditation. Suitable for all students and staff. | Launching on University Mental Health Day - Tuesday 5 May, 12PM - 12.30PM Every Wednesday and Friday thereafter, 12PM - 12.30PM | Webinar completed |
| Midday mindful moments (Wednesdays) | This webinar aims to introduce the experience of cultivating calm and wellbeing from within. Give your brain a break from study or work at home by joining a CAPS counsellor in a guided mindfulness meditation. Suitable for all students and staff. | Every Wednesday till 5 June 12PM - 12.30PM | Register here |
| Midday mindful moments (Fridays) | This webinar aims to introduce the experience of cultivating calm and wellbeing from within. Give your brain a break from study or work at home by joining a CAPS counsellor in a guided mindfulness meditation. Suitable for all students and staff. | Every Friday till 5 June 12PM - 12.30PM | Register here |
| Mindfulness for stress management for graduate researchers | This program aims to provide a supportive learning environment for graduate researchers to develop a regular mindfulness practice to better manage stress. This requires a commitment to attend 6 x 1-hour weekly sessions and 20 minutes of practice per day. | Every Thursday (28 May - 2 July) 2.30PM - 3.30 PM | Registrations full |
| Mindfulness for stress management for graduate researchers | This program aims to provide a supportive learning environment for graduate researchers to develop a regular mindfulness practice to better manage stress. This requires a commitment to attend 6 x 1-hour weekly sessions and 20 minutes of practice per day. | Every Tuesday (16 June - 21 July) 12.30PM - 1.30PM | Expressions of interest open |
Webinars
| Webinar | Date/time | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Social anxiety program This three-week online program will help you understand social anxiety and offer strategies to overcome it. | Friday 24 April, Friday 1 May, Friday 8 May 1-2PM | Webinar completed |
Special interest workshops
| Workshop | Date/time | Details | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studying on the spectrum How to survive and thrive at uni with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). |
Tuesday 7 April 1-2PM | Webinar delivery | Webinar completed |
| Coming out of your cultural zone Struggling with sexuality or questioning gender identity from a different cultural perspective? Join a safe space for discussion, ideas, and support. | To be advised | To be advised | Register an expression of interest |
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training
Learn to recognise and assist someone developing a mental health problem or in crisis.
Recommended external resources
Explore external online mental health resources recommended by counsellors.
Ask Counselling
Ask Counselling is an online tool for University of Melbourne students with personal questions about psychological and emotional issues.
Question of the week: Anxiety about novel coronavirus situation
I'm in China currently and I don't know when I can get back to Australia. I'm worried about how this will affect my studies... I feel extremely anxious... I don't know what I should do.
ReachOut NextStep
ReachOut NextStep recommends online and in-person support services based on your situation and needs. Recommendations are tailored for 18 – 25 year olds, however they may still be helpful to those outside of this age range.
Other resources
Explore other resources offered by Counselling and Psychological Services, including tip sheets and guided exercises.
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Mental health problems
Tip sheets on common mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self-harm.
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Study-related issues
Information on how to cope with psychological issues which may be affecting your studies, including stress management and motivation to study.
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Relationships
Find out how to make the most out of your relationships at uni or manage relationship issues.
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Life transitions
Get advice on how to handle big transitions in your life, from adjusting to life at University to grief and loss.
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Wellbeing
Tip sheets on wellbeing, including self-care, getting better sleep and dealing with anger.
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Addictive behaviours
Advice about how to deal with or help others with addictive behaviours such as drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.
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Trauma
Information and advice on how to cope with and respond to traumatic life events.
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Guided exercises
Access a range of guided mental health and wellbeing exercises, with accompanying audio files.
Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provide a number of services to staff of the University of Melbourne.
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Students at risk
We encourage and promote early identification and support of students who may be experiencing mental health issues or personal distress.
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Mental health training
Counselling and Psychological Services offer a range of mental health training for staff.
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Staff counselling
Staff can access counselling through the Employee Assistance Program, as well as short-term counselling through Counselling and Psychological Services.
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Programs for residential colleges and affiliated accommodation
Counselling and Psychological Services provide a number of specialist training programs for student leaders, tutors and advisors in residential colleges.
Liaison with faculties, departments, and Stop 1
We encourage communication and aim to assist you with any matters pertaining to student issues.
We can provide:
- Assistance in managing and responding to critical incidents
- Advice on management of complex issues through secondary consultation
- Information on emerging issues and trends
- Facilitation to improve working relationships between groups of students, or groups of staff and students
- Help in facilitating referrals, including to individual counselling, and to workshops for students and staff
- Attendance to staff meetings, as requested
For further information, please contact Orania Tokatlidis, Manager, Counselling and Psychological Services.
Get help now
Are you or someone else in immediate danger? If you are in an emergency:
- Contact University Security on 03 8344 6666
- Call the Police on 000
- Go to your nearest hospital emergency department
- Contact your local psychiatric triage service
If you're near the Parkville campus
The local psychiatric triage number is 1300 874 243 or 1800 888 320 (ages 15-25 years, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
The nearest hospitals include the Royal Melbourne Hospital (Phone: 03 9342 7000) and St Vincent's Hospital (Phone: 03 9231 2211).
If you're near the Southbank campus:
The local psychiatric triage number is 1300 363 746. The nearest hospital is The Alfred Hospital (Phone: 03 9076 2000).
If you're in another area
Call the nearest major hospital; they will connect you with the local after-hours mental health service. You can also find the contact details of mental health services near your suburb or town using the Victorian Government Accessing Mental Health Services Finder.
If you are outside Australia
Please contact your local emergency or crisis services.
If you need to speak to someone urgently
During business hours, Counselling and Psychological Services are available to help.
Please call us at 03 8344 6927 and let us know that the situation needs urgent attention, or read more about our psychological support for personal crises and critical incidents.
For urgent concerns after hours, please see the emergency contacts and external services above and below.
Suicide and crisis support
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Lifeline Australia
Lifeline Australia provides people in Australia access to crisis support and suicide prevention services. Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 13 11 14
- Lifeline online chat
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Suicide Call Back Service
The Suicide Call Back Service provides free counselling for anyone affected by suicide. Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1300 659 467
- Suicide Call Back Service online chat
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Suicideline (Victoria)
Suicideline (Victoria) provides free, professional, anonymous support for people in Victoria at risk of suicide, concerned about someone else’s risk of suicide, and bereaved by suicide. Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1300 651 251
- Suicideline online chat
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Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline provides free phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 – 25 years. Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1800 55 1800
- Kids Helpline online chat
Counselling and mental health assistance
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Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help Australians achieve their best possible mental health, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1300 22 4636
- Beyond Blue online chat
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MensLine Australia
MensLine Australia provides professional telephone and online support and information for Australian men, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1300 78 99 78
- MensLine online counselling
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eheadspace
eheadspace provides a confidential, free, and secure space for young people (12 – 25 years) or their family. You can chat, email, or speak on the phone with a qualified youth mental health professional.
- eheadspace online chat
- Phone: 1800 650 890 (9am - 1am, every day)
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Care in Mind
Care in Mind provides free online and phone counselling for people living, working, or studying in Melbourne's northern, central, and western suburbs (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
- Phone: 1300 096 269
- CAREinMIND online counselling
Sexual assault, family or relationship violence
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Women’s Emergency Care
Women's Emergency Care at the Royal Women's Hospital provide a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week response to recent sexual assaults for women and men:
Address:
Women’s Emergency Care
Lower Ground Floor
20 Flemington Road
Parkville Victoria -
The Royal Women’s Hospital Sexual Assault Crisis Line
The Royal Women’s Hospital Sexual Assault Crisis Line provides crisis care response for people who have experienced sexual assault.
Phone: 03 9635 3610 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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Sexual Assault Crisis Line
The Sexual Assault Crisis Line provides state-wide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.
Phone: 1800 806 292 (5pm – 9am)
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1800Respect
1800Respect provides a national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
- Phone: 1800 737 732 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- 1800Respect online chat
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Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
The Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is Victoria's 24/7 family violence support service.
Phone: 1800 015 188 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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No to Violence Men’s Referral Service
No to Violence Men’s Referral Service is a men's family violence telephone counselling, information, and referral service in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. It is the central point of contact for men taking responsibility for their violent behaviour.
Phone: 1300 766 491 (8am – 9pm, Monday-Friday; 9am - 6pm, Saturday-Sunday)
If your situation is not urgent, you may also wish to view more information and support for those who have experienced sexual assault and/or violence in relationships.
LGBTIQA+
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Switchboard Victoria
Switchboard Victoria is a national telephone and web counselling, information, and referral service for LGBTQI identifying people or families, friends, teachers, and co-workers of LGBTQI people.
Phone: 1800 184 527 (3pm - 12am, 7 days a week)
Drugs, Alcohol, and Gambling
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Directline
Directline is a confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 888 236
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Gambler’s Help
Gambler's Help provide support for anyone affected by gambling, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 858 858
Youthline (under 25 years): 1800 262 376
Grief and loss
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Compassionate Friends Victoria
Compassionate Friends Victoria provide grief support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 03 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068
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GriefLine
GriefLine provide anonymous support and specialist grief counselling to individuals and families.
Phone: 03 9935 7400 (12pm – 3am, 7 days a week)