There are many services in Australia to help support you. Some specialise in miscarriage loss or specific pregnancy loss scenarios. Some aid a broader range of perinatal emotional and mental health issues.
Since COVID-19: Please note that support services are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and you may be put on hold until the next available counsellor or volunteer is available.
If you are in a crisis situation, please call Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), or 000 immediately.
On this page we share links to Australian based organisations that provide pregnancy loss support and mental health support free of charge. All of these services offer telephone support and some also provide online chat, video, and/or face-to face support. Additionally, there are support services that offer specific support and advice for women, men, and the LGBTIQA+ community.
We also discuss speaking to your doctor about pregnancy support counselling and starting a mental health care plan.
Pregnancy Loss and Grief Support
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Red Nose Grief and Support
24/7 Bereavement Support Line available.
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Pink Elephants Support Network
Speak to peer support companions.
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Bears of Hope
Speak to professional grief counsellors free of charge.
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PANDA
PANDA’S national perinatal mental health helpline.
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Miscarriage Information Support Service
Providing miscarriage resources including cards and care package bags.
Perinatal Mental Health Services
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The Perinatal Loss Centre
Support and education for health practitioners, bereaved parents and family.
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The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)
Provides emotional and mental health support pre and postnatally.
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Antenatal and Postnatal Psychology Network
Network of psychologists providing perinatal and postnatal support to people.
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Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
Speak to a maternal health nurse by phone or video call.
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Mums Matter Psychology
Bulk-billed psychological therapy supporting perinatal emotional and mental health.
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Centre for Perinatal Psychology
National group of psychologists offering perinatal support
Crisis and Mental Health Support
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Local Emergency Services – 000
To contact urgent emergency services – police, ambulance, and fire.
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Lifeline
Provides confidential crisis support that is accessible 24 hours a day.
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Beyond Blue
Provides free information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention.
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Griefline
Offers free grief support services 7 days a week.
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Mindspot
Offers free online, personalised, mental health care support.
Specific support
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Support for Women
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Support for Men
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Support for LGBTIQA+
Speaking with a trained mental health professional
If you feel that you are having difficulty managing the intensity of your feelings or need some support, talking to a mental health professional may help. Pregnancy support counselling is available through referral from your GP for anyone who is pregnant or has been pregnant in the last 12 months (for each pregnancy). You are entitled to up to 3 x 30-minute sessions either with an eligible doctor, psychologist, social worker, or mental health nurse through Medicare.
If you need additional support, such as professional counselling, or are experiencing possible symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your doctor about accessing further mental health services under Medicare’s Mental Health Treatment Plan. Under this plan, you and your GP will talk about what’s concerning you and develop a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which entitles you to up to 10 one-on-one subsidised sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year (psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor, social worker, or occupational therapist). Any extra sessions after the initial 6 will require a review with your GP. There are a number of online tools that can help you find a psychologist or counsellor near you including Healthdirect, e-COPE directory, the Australian Psychological Society’s ‘Find a Psychologist’ or by using the find a service tool below to find local services.
The level of Medicare rebate you receive depends on the service provider. It will likely only cover some of the cost of seeing a mental health professional, so it’s best to check their rate beforehand.
Private health insurance
If you have private health insurance, your cover may include counselling services. Check with your private health insurer to see whether you are eligible for a rebate for counselling and mental health services.
