Who to talk to

In this section you will find services you can talk to in you are looking for counselling for pregnancy options (including abortion), contraception or sexual health, or if you are experiencing a crisis situation.

Contraception – Who to talk to

There are many contraceptive options available in Victoria. You can talk to your GP or local health service about what options might suit you. You can read more about different types of contraceptive options here. If you know which contraceptive option you want, you can search for healthcare services or call 1800 My Options 1800 696 784.

Considering Abortion – Who to talk to

Many women have made a clear decision about whether or not to continue their pregnancy. Others may need more information before they are confident to make a decision. Pregnancy options counselling is a good way of working through the information and feelings that might impact on this decision.

What is non-directive pregnancy counselling?

This is a form of counselling based on the understanding that, in many situations, people can resolve their own problems. The counsellor will:

• Provide a safe and confidential space for you to talk about any pregnancy concerns.
• Talk to you about your options and available services.
• Provide unbiased, evidence-based information.

It is ok to see a counsellor alone, or in some cases you may prefer your partner or a friend to attend counselling with you.

Medicare information

Rebates are available for up to three (3) sessions of non-directive pregnancy options counselling per patient, per pregnancy.

• This is only available to women who are pregnant or have been pregnant in the last 12 months.
• GP’s and health practitioners (such as social workers, psychologists, and counsellors) must be registered with Medicare Australia as having completed non-directive pregnancy options counselling training to offer this service.

Referral process

• A GP can refer you to any health practitioner who offers this service, with a signed and dated letter.
• You can be referred to more than one counsellor, if you do not wish to continue with the first service.
• If you wish to change your counselling service, you will need a new referral from your GP.

For more information

Non-directive pregnancy support counselling fact sheet from the Australian Government Department of Health

Non-directive pregnancy support counselling fact sheet from the Australian Psychological Society

Decision making resources from The Royal Women's Hospital

If you are going to continue your pregnancy here is some information that you may find useful:

• Better Health Channel information about pregnancy care options
• Victorian Department of Health list of maternity services
• Department of Justice and Community Safety information about adoption

Emergencies and crisis support – Who to talk to

If you are in an emergency, call 000.

Here is a list of some crisis support services in Victoria.

Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL)

After hours phone service for crisis counselling support, information and advocacy for people living in Victoria. From 5pm through to 9am the following day, all day, every day.

Ph: 1800 806 292

1800 Respect

A 24 hour national sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling support service.
Chat online or over the phone

Ph: 1800 737 732

Safe Steps

A 24 hour family violence response phone line for women and children. You can speak to a family violence support worker toll free.

Ph: 1800 015 188  

Lifeline Australia

Access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services
Chat online or over the phone

Ph: 13 11 14

inTouch – The Multicultural Centre against Family Violence

Provides support, advice and advocacy in response to issues of family violence in migrant and refugee communities.

Ph 03 9413 6500

Toll free: 1800 755 988

Djirra (formerly Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria)

Provides Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service, prevention of family violence, support services, cultural and wellbeing workshops for Aboriginal women.

Ph 1800 105 303

Other support services

Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation

Early intervention mental health services for 12-25 year old’s to promote and support the mental and physical wellbeing of young people.

Chat online or over the phone

Ph: 1800 650 890

Kids Help Line

Free, private and confidential phone counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 years.

Ph: 1800 55 1800

Nurse On Call

Nurse-On-Call puts you in touch with a registered nurse for caring, professional health advice. Call from anywhere in Victoria for free health advice, 24 hours a day.

Ph: 1300 60 60 24

Switchboard

Peer based support online or by phone for LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex) people and their friends, families and allies. From 3:00pm to midnight seven days a week.

Chat online at qlife.org.au or over the phone

Ph: 1800 184 527

Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE)

Information and support about legal advice, relationships and violence against women, money, housing and employment.

Ph: 1300 134 130

Directline

24 hour confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral in Victoria

Ph: 1800 888 236

If you can’t work out who to talk to, call 1800 My Options 1800 696 784.