Where to get help on the Central Coast
Whether it’s stress, money, relationships, injury or just not feeling yourself, support is available around the clock, and reaching out early is a strength, not a weakness. Every service on this page is confidential, and most are free.
Lifeline
13 11 14Anyone, anytime. Three ways to reach them:
You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out. If something’s been off for a while, that’s reason enough.
Checking In On Someone
Worth noticing: pulling away from friends, family or usual routines, snappier than usual, drinking more, or seeming flat for a few weeks.
Ask. “You don’t seem yourself lately. How are you doing?” Ask twice; the first answer is usually “all good”.
Listen first. You don’t need answers, and you don’t have to fix anything. Hear them out properly before you do anything else.
Encourage action. When they’re ready, suggest one small step: a GP visit, a call to one of the numbers on this page, a chat with family.
Check in again. A follow-up message a few days later can matter more than the first conversation.
Worried it’s serious? Don’t sit on it. Call Lifeline together, or 000 if they’re in danger.
Crisis Support · 24/7
Suicide Call Back Service
24/7 counselling for anyone thinking about suicide, or worried about someone who is. suicidecallbackservice.org.au
NSW Mental Health Line
24/7 advice and connection to public mental health services on the Coast.
Gosford Safe Haven
Drop-in support if you’re in distress or having suicidal thoughts. No appointment, referral or Medicare card needed. Gosford Hospital, cnr Ambulance Rd & Holden St. Mon to Fri, 9am to 4.30pm.
Wyong Safe Haven
The same welcoming drop-in support at Wyong Hospital, block K (follow the footprints from the Emergency Department). Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am to 3.30pm.
Someone to Talk To
MensLine Australia
24/7 counselling for men: relationships, family, stress and anger.
Beyond Blue
24/7 support for anxiety and depression, plus online resources. beyondblue.org.au
13YARN
24/7 crisis support with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters.
QLife
Peer support for LGBTQIA+ people, 3pm to 9pm every day, by phone or webchat. qlife.org.au
Young People & Kids
Kids Helpline
Free 24/7 counselling for ages 5–25 by phone, WebChat or email.
headspace Gosford
Free and low-cost mental health support for ages 12–25. Suite 1, Level 2, 237 Mann St, Gosford. headspace.org.au
headspace Wyong
Free and low-cost support for ages 12–25 at the Wyong centre.
headspace Lake Haven
Free and low-cost support for ages 12–25 at the Lake Haven centre.
First Responders & Defence
Fortem Australia
Wellbeing support for first responders and their families, from counselling to community programs. fortemaustralia.org.au
Open Arms
Free, confidential 24/7 counselling for current and ex-serving ADF members and their families. openarms.gov.au
More Support Lines
1800RESPECT
24/7 counselling and support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
Carer Gateway
Free services and support for anyone caring for a family member or friend, including counselling and emergency respite.
Ongoing Support
Your GP
Ask about a Mental Health Treatment Plan. It unlocks Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist.
Medicare Mental Health
Free service that helps you find the right local support. medicarementalhealth.gov.au
MindSure Psychology, Gosford
Local psychology practice (that’s us) for anxiety, stress, burnout, trauma and depression. Suite 112, 159 Mann St, Gosford. About MindSure
About this page. Prepared and maintained by James Wightman, Psychologist (MindSure Psychology, Gosford), so anyone on the Coast has one place to find free, confidential support.
This page is general information, not a substitute for professional advice. Service details last checked July 2026. Spotted something out of date, or know a local service that belongs here? Email [email protected] and we’ll sort it.