Below are practical, affordable mental‑health options available in Australia (quick summary + where to find them). If you want, I can help you find local services near your suburb or book a referral.

Immediate crisis support (free)

• Lifeline — 24/7 crisis support by phone, chat or text: 13 11 14 (chat & text options on their site). (Lifeline.org.au)
• Beyond Blue — phone & online counselling for anxiety and depression: 1300 22 4636 and web chat. (beyondblue.org.au)
• Kids Helpline — free counselling for children & young people (5–25): 1800 55 1800. (betterhealth.vic.gov.au)

GP pathway & Medicare rebates (low / reduced cost)

• Better Access (Medicare Mental Health Care Plan): see a GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan; Medicare rebates cover sessions with psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists (currently a capped number per year). This is the common route to lower-cost allied mental-health care. Ask your GP about bulk-billing or reduced-fee options. (health.gov.au)

Free or government-funded digital services

• MindSpot Clinic — free, government‑funded online assessment, courses and short teletherapy for adults (no cost). Good if you prefer online/telephone treatment. Phone / assessment info is on the MindSpot site (1800 61 44 34). (MindSpot.org.au)
• Head to Health (government portal) — helps you find approved digital programs and local services; links to free online options. (headtohealth.gov.au)

Youth‑focused free services

• Headspace — free (or Medicare‑covered) youth mental‑health centres for people aged ~12–25 (in‑person and telehealth at local centres). Self‑referral usually accepted. (betterhealth.vic.gov.au)

Low‑cost face‑to‑face options

• University psychology clinics — many universities run low‑fee clinics where postgraduate trainees provide supervised therapy and assessment (usually much cheaper than private practice). Search “[your state] university psychology clinic.” (theaustralian.com.au)
• Community mental‑health centres / PHNs — state and local health services and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) fund low‑cost programs and stepped‑care; contact your local PHN or community health centre for options. (health.gov.au)

Sliding‑scale and telehealth private options

• Some private psychologists and telehealth providers offer sliding‑scale fees or lower‑cost brief therapy packages (look for clinicians who bulk‑bill Medicare or advertise reduced fees). Telehealth providers can sometimes be cheaper and reduce travel/costs. (Availability varies by provider and region.) (health.gov.au)

Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and state First Nations wellbeing programs deliver culturally‑safe, often low‑cost mental‑health and social & emotional wellbeing services — contact your local ACCHO or your state/territory health website. Recent government funding supports local First Nations mental‑health programs. (couriermail.com.au)

Other helpful free/low‑cost supports

• Suicide Call Back Service (telephone & online professional support) and other national services — check the national portals (Head to Health, Beyond Blue) for links to these programs.
• Local peer support groups, Facebook community groups and charity services often run free peer programs and group therapy (availability varies by area). (beyondblue.org.au)

How to choose a route (quick guide)

1. If you’re in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call 000.
2. For crisis emotional support, call Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636). (Lifeline.org.au)
3. See a GP and ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan to access Medicare rebates (Better Access) — and ask the receptionist which clinicians bulk‑bill or offer reduced fees. (health.gov.au)
4. Try MindSpot or other government‑funded digital programs for free, evidence‑based treatment if you prefer online care. (MindSpot.org.au)
5. If you’re 12–25, contact Headspace — it’s free and youth‑focused. (betterhealth.vic.gov.au)

Would you like me to:

• find low‑cost services near a specific suburb/postcode, or
• draft phrasing you can use when calling a GP or clinic to ask about bulk‑billing/reduced fees?

(If you want local options, tell me your suburb or postcode and I’ll search nearby services and availability.)