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Getting professional help

There are a number of ways to support your teen in getting help for mental health concerns. If you'd like to understand more about why getting help early is important and knowing when to get help, read our fact sheet on getting help for teenagers.

Otherwise, see below for information on the types of help available for your teenager’s mental health.

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Talking about mental health with your teen

Get professional advice early to learn about how to manage your teen's mental health and wellbeing.

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What if my teen doesn't want help with their mental health?

In this video we explore reasons young people refuse professional help even when they're feeling down, and what you can say in response.

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What is peer work and how can it help my teen?

Father of five Marty sits down with Emily, Peer Work Team Leader at ReachOut, to discuss some common questions parents and carers have about what peer work is and how it can help teens.

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Support options for parents beyond your GP

Sometimes you may need support that goes beyond what a GP or traditional health setting can provide. Use this guide to learn which support options are best for you.

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Does my teenager need professional help?

Psychologist Anna Sidis explains the difference between normal teenager behaviour and mental health conditions.

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4 steps to prepare your teen for professional help

If your teen is considering getting professional help, there are things you can do to help them get ready.

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How Lisa got help for her teenager

Hear Lisa's story on how she got professional help for her 14 year old daughter.

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My teen's professional help didn't work - what next?

Learn how to help your teen after an unhelpful experience with a mental health professional.

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Quiz: What type of help is the best fit for you?

A short quiz to help you connect with the right support from ReachOut Parents.

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Support services and helplines for parents of teens

If you want to talk things through with someone right now, find the hotline in your state.

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Seeing a GP for mental health concerns

Visiting your teenager’s GP is a good first step to find out whether they have a mental illness.

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Can teenagers access health services on their own?

Visiting a mental health professional alone allows teenagers to speak openly and honestly.

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What is parents coaching?

Find out about our free online coaching service and how we can help you be the parent you want to be.

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Self-help using technology

Self-help apps and tools can help your teenager identify or manage symptoms of mental illness.

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What to expect when you see a psychologist

Psychologist Clare Rowe explains why seeing a psychologist is helpful in improving mental health.

Related topics

How to be a supportive parent to your teenagerSupporting effective communication with your teen
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        We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

        We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

        ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              © ReachOut Australia 2024