10 Best Free Counselling Services in Adelaide That Actually Listen
I won’t lie—there was a time when my mental health fell apart. I lost my job and hit rock bottom. But it got better when I found a counsellor who truly listened and gave me the advice I needed. From that moment on, I made my mental health a priority.
If you’re struggling but can’t afford professional help, there are free counselling services in Adelaide that will listen to and support you. Reach out. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Regional Access
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Phone: +61 300 032 186
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 Hours
Website: https://saregionalaccess.org.au/
Need someone to talk to who’ll actually listen? Regional Access is worth a go. It’s a telehealth charity that offers 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention for Aussies going through a tough time. Qualified counsellors chat over the phone or online so you can open up straight away without leaving home.
They can help with stress, anxiety, anger, money worries, relationship struggles, and more. Sessions run for up to 30 minutes, using a practical approach to help you feel heard and connected to other support services if needed. Their main goal is to make sure you’re safe and not facing things alone.
I gave them a call when I was at my lowest, and my counsellor actually listened—no judgment, just support. By the end of the chat, I felt lighter. It wasn’t a magic fix, but it was exactly what I needed at that moment.
Tip: You’ll need to be an Australian resident. Their service is only available to those living or working in regional South Australia.
Lifeline Adelaide
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Address: Level 3/43 Franklin St
Phone: +61 882 025 820
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 Hours
Website: https://www.lifelineadelaide.org/
Lifeline Adelaide is a solid option if you’re looking for counselling and crisis support. With over 50 years of experience, it’s a registered training organisation that focuses on suicide prevention and mental health support. They also run workshops and programs to help build awareness and skills in the community.
You can call their free crisis support line for help with addiction, domestic violence, mental health struggles, and more. There’s no need for a referral. Anyone who needs support can reach out.
If you’re keen to get involved, they also train volunteers in suicide intervention and depression awareness, giving you the tools to help others.
I signed up as a crisis supporter and learned how to provide short-term support to people in distress, including those with thoughts of suicide. The training gave me the confidence to be there for someone in their darkest moments. It’s not always easy, but knowing I now have the ability to make a difference is worth it.
Tip: You can support Lifeline Adelaide by setting up a fundraiser through their website.
Urgent Mental Health Care Centre
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Address: 215 Grenfell St
Phone: +61 884 489 100
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 Hours
Website: https://www.umhcc.org.au/
If you need urgent mental health support that actually helps, the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre is worth checking out. This non-profit offers evidence-based recovery support in a welcoming, “lounge room-like” space. They take the time to understand your situation and connect you with the right help.
Instead of heading to the emergency department, you can visit the centre for immediate support in managing distress. The team works with you to ease the crisis, understand your needs, and set up a care plan for ongoing support. It’s a practical alternative for those needing urgent help without the stress of a hospital visit.
I took a mate here after she had a rough panic attack, and they knew exactly how to calm her down. The staff acted fast, helped her manage the moment, and even suggested practical workshops to handle future episodes. She left feeling more in control, which made all the difference.
Tip: You can support someone by downloading and printing their free mental health resources from their website.
Uniting Communities
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Address: 43 Franklin St
Phone: +61 800 615 677
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://www.unitingcommunities.org/
A support network that’s been around since 1901, Uniting Communities is worth a look. This inclusive not-for-profit helps over 80,000 South Australians every year. They’re also linked with Lifeline Australia and the South Australian Premier’s Suicide Prevention Council, so you know you’re in good hands when reaching out for support.
They also offer help with housing crises, disability services, and aged care support. There’s also a program called ROADS (Rehabilitation, Outreach, and Alcohol and Drug Services). This program helps individuals and families dealing with substance abuse issues through rehabilitation, counselling, and community support.
I once volunteered in their Streetlink Youth Health Service, helping young people be aware of the harsh effects of abusing alcohol and drugs. I still kept in touch with some of those I counselled and was glad that they steered from these harmful habits and built healthier lifestyles.
Tip: If you’re keen to volunteer, you’ll need to provide a Criminal History Check and complete other pre-engagement screenings before getting started.
Baptist Care SA – Westcare Centre
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Address: 11-13 Millers Ct
Phone: +61 881 185 200
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Website: https://baptistcaresa.org.au/westcare-centre
Baptist Care SA at Westcare Centre is a solid option for vulnerable people needing support. For over 110 years, they’ve provided a safe and welcoming space for people from all walks of life. As a faith-based, not-for-profit community organisation, its focus is on meeting people’s needs, not just fixing problems.
Beyond counselling, they offer drug and alcohol support, as well as dental, physio, eye care, and GP clinics. They also run Aboriginal-specific homelessness services in Eastern Adelaide and youth homelessness support in the south, helping people find and maintain stable housing.
I regularly donate to them because they’re committed to providing free, culturally safe, and trauma-informed care. I believe in their mission to give people opportunities to build better lives.
Tips:
- During extreme weather, they offer overnight accommodation.
- Their Community Food Hub provides affordable and free groceries for concession card holders.
PsychMed
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Address: Bagot House, 198 North Terrace
Phone: +61 882 322 424
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.psychmed.com.au/
Price:
- $45 for concession cardholder
- $85 for non-concession holder
For subsidised counselling, PsychMed is a solid choice. This independent centre specialises in suicide prevention, trauma, gambling, and drug and alcohol services, with over 20 years of experience.
They’re also linked with the Wellbeing and Recovery Research Institute (WARRI), providing free, evidence-based, and culturally appropriate psychological care for those in need.
They use evidence-based treatments like Exposure Therapy to help people overcome challenges, cope with difficulties, and navigate major life changes.
What I appreciate about them is that they actually listen and take the time to clarify each patient’s needs. They work with you to create a realistic treatment plan and stick with you until you see positive change.
Tip: Due to recent government funding changes, free psychological services are now limited to drug and alcohol treatment.
Centacare
Media From: centacare_adelaide
Address: 45 Wakefield St
Phone: +61 882 156 700
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.centacare.org.au/
Centacare is a great option for displaced individuals looking for guidance and support. Since 1976, they’ve offered small classes with individualised training tailored to student needs. Their educational programs focus on empowerment, providing personalised support to help people get back on track.
Alongside supporting marginalised communities, they specialise in youth mental health counselling. While most services come with a fee, 12- to 25-year-olds can access them for free.
They also run the Alternative Education Program (AEP), giving students in Years 10–12 a safe and supportive learning environment to re-engage with education.
I went through their AEP after dropping out in Year 12, and at first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But they welcomed me without judgment and gave me a second chance at education.
Tip: They have locations across the city, including Seaton, Port Adelaide, Noarlunga, Murray Bridge, and Mount Barker.
Head to Health
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Address: Kaurna Country, 23 Gillingham Rd, Elizabeth
Phone: +61 800 565 774
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday to Sunday – 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.sonder.net.au/headtohealth
Head to Health is an Australian Government service that’s been connecting people with mental health support for over 30 years. They offer immediate support, service navigation, phone counselling, and suicide prevention. You can reach them online, over the phone, or in person, making it easier to get help when you need it.
What makes them stand out is that many of their staff have lived experience with mental health struggles, so they truly understand what you’re going through.
They also run headspace centres, which help young people needing support with mental health, physical health, alcohol and drug issues, or work and study challenges.
I worked as a senior peer practitioner here because I’ve battled mental health struggles myself. It felt good to help others who shared my challenges.
Tip: Want to make a difference? Join their team! Check their website for job openings and see how you can help.
UniSA Counselling Service
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Address: 10 St Bernards Rd, Magill
Phone: +61 883 024 875
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/community-clinics/psychology-clinic/
Price:
- Therapy – $30 per hr
- Cognitive/Learning Assessments – $450
If you’re struggling with uni life, UniSA’s Counselling Service is there to help. They offer free support for students dealing with career worries, study stress, or personal challenges that might be affecting their academic success.
Plus, with online appointments available, it’s easy to book a session when you need it.
Their resources cover everything from career planning and study strategies to handling tough situations like grief, relationship troubles, and general life stress. They understand that students do better when they feel good, so they encourage students who are feeling overwhelmed, lost, or just in need of a chat to reach out.
Back when I was studying, UniSA’s support made a huge difference for me. Kate Blencowe helped me through some really personal struggles. With her guidance, I managed to push through and complete my studies.
Tip: Wait times can range from 4 weeks to 12 months, depending on demand and the type of service.
Relationships Australia SA
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Address: 151 South Tce
Phone: +61 300 364 277
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday to Thursday – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.rasa.org.au/
Need support with relationships? Relationships Australia SA is a great option for individuals, couples, and families looking for counselling. Their programs focus on improving relationship health, helping people recover from tough experiences, and building stronger, more connected communities.
Beyond counselling, they offer support for gambling issues, post-separation challenges, and family or domestic violence. Most services are free, and if there are any fees, they’re based on income, with flexible options to ensure everyone can access support.
When my wife and I were struggling and on a tight budget, this was where we turned for help. They listened with respect and took our experiences seriously.
Tip: If you have a disability, their team can arrange to meet you at a more accessible location.
