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.
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.
Walk-in Support on the Coast
Gosford Safe Haven
Drop-in support if you’re in distress or having suicidal thoughts, in a calm space with peer workers. 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). Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Crisis Lines · 24/7
Lifeline
Crisis support for anyone, anytime. You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out.
Suicide Call Back Service
24/7 counselling for anyone thinking about suicide, or worried about someone who is.
NSW Mental Health Line
24/7 advice and connection to public mental health services on the Coast.
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.
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS)
24/7 confidential support, information and referral for anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use.
Central Coast Drug and Alcohol Service
The local public treatment service. One call to the intake line connects you with a clinician who finds the right local program. Self-referral welcome, Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Young People & Kids
headspace Gosford
Free and low-cost mental health support for ages 12–25. Suite 1, Level 2, 237 Mann St, Gosford.
headspace Wyong
Free and low-cost support for ages 12–25 at the Wyong centre, 28 Hely St.
headspace Lake Haven
Free and low-cost support for ages 12–25 at the Lake Haven centre, 70 Chelmsford Rd.
Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub
Free, family-focused support for children aged 0–12 and their families, with paediatricians, mental health clinicians and care navigators. No diagnosis or referral needed. Block A, 2 Reliance Dr, Tuggerah.
First Responders & Defence
Fortem Australia
Wellbeing support for first responders and their families, from counselling to community programs.
Open Arms
Free, confidential 24/7 counselling for current and ex-serving ADF members and their families.
More Support
1800RESPECT
24/7 counselling and support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centres
Trauma-informed counselling, groups and health services, by women for women, including support around domestic and family violence. Centres at Wyoming, Wyong (4351 1152) and Woy Woy (4342 5905).
Butterfly Foundation
Counselling and referral for eating disorders and body image concerns, 8am to midnight every day (closed public holidays).
Carer Gateway
Free services and support for anyone caring for a family member or friend, including counselling and emergency respite.
Uniting Family & Carer Mental Health Program
Free local support, education and groups for families caring for someone living with mental illness.
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.
MindSure Psychology, Gosford
Local psychology practice (that’s us) for anxiety, stress, burnout, trauma and depression. Suite 112, 159 Mann St, Gosford.
About this page. Prepared and maintained by James Wightman, Principal Psychologist & Clinical Psychology Registrar (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.