Sometimes children need extra support beyond school and home. The following Australian and South Australian services offer free, trusted help for children and families, including counselling, information, and guidance around emotions, friendships, worries, and mental wellbeing.
If you have concerns about your child’s wellbeing or notice changes that are worrying you, it’s important to trust your instincts and reach out for support. Speaking with your GP or paediatrician can be a helpful first step to seek advice and discuss appropriate next supports.
📞 1800 55 1800 | 💬 Webchat & email
Kids Helpline provides free, confidential counselling for children and young people aged 5–25 years. Children can talk about worries, friendships, big feelings, family changes, bullying, or anything that’s bothering them — anytime, day or night.
🌐 Online resources | 📞 1300 22 4636
Beyond Blue offers trusted information and resources to support children’s mental health, anxiety, and wellbeing. Their website includes guidance for parents on how to support children with big emotions and worries.
📍 Centres Australia-wide | 🌐 Online support
Headspace supports young people aged 12–25, but many families find their resources helpful for upper primary students and for parents wanting to understand mental health, emotions, and help-seeking.
🌐 Online support for young people & parents
ReachOut provides practical tools, videos, and articles for children, teens, and parents about friendships, emotions, resilience, and mental wellbeing. Particularly helpful for parents supporting older primary-aged children.
📍 South Australia | 🏥 GP referral required
CAMHS provides assessment and support for children and young people experiencing significant mental health concerns. Families can access CAMHS through a GP referral.
💬 Online & phone support
eHeadspace provides free mental health support for children and young people (generally 12+) and their families, with options for online or phone counselling.
Grief can look different for every child and family. The services below offer respectful, child-centred support to help children and families navigate loss, big changes, and difficult life experiences. Support may include counselling, group programs, or creative approaches such as art or play therapy. If you’re unsure where to start, your GP or paediatrician can also help guide next steps.
AnglicareSA – Loss & Grief Services
https://www.anglicaresa.com.au/services/suicide-loss-grief
Includes the Star Bear Loss & Grief Camps, offering child-centred, therapeutic and peer-based support for children and families who have experienced the death of a significant person.
Red Tree Foundation
https://www.redtreefoundation.org.au
Provides free, specialised grief counselling and support for families following the death of a baby, child, or young person.
The Compassionate Friends SA
https://www.compassionatefriendssa.org.au
Peer support for families and siblings grieving the death of a child, with groups, resources, and community connection.
(These services support emotional expression and processing, which many families find helpful when a child is grieving.)
Adelaide Art Therapy
https://www.adelaidearttherapy.com.au
The Art of Expression
https://www.theartofexpression.com.au
Connected Self
https://www.connectedself.com.au
Resilient Kidz
https://www.resilientkidz.au
Griefline
https://griefline.org.au
Red Nose Grief and Loss
https://rednosegriefandloss.org.au
Kids Helpline
https://kidshelpline.com.au
(Free, confidential counselling and support for children and young people aged 5–25, including around grief and loss.)