Hospital treatment for mental illness
People most severely impacted by mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis may need treatment and care at a hospital.
If you're struggling with your mental health, help is available.
Whether you’re looking for mental health support for yourself, someone you care about, or just trying to improve your wellbeing , Head to Health is a good place to start.
1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) is a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to Queensland Health mental health services.
You can also call the following crisis and support helplines, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
- 13YARN: 13 92 76 to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter
If you or someone you know needs immediate help call Triple Zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.
Being treated under the Mental Health Act 2016
Learn about your rights when receiving involuntary treatment, the 'less restrictive way' and supported decision making.
Independent patient rights advisers and support persons
Get free help, advice and support from an adviser about your rights under the Mental Health Act 2016 and learn about the rights and roles of support persons and nominated support persons.
Make a complaint or get a second opinion
If you have a concern about your treatment or care, you have a right to complain and get a second opinion. Learn more and find out how to get a second opinion.
Mental health rights guides and fact sheets
Find brochures and videos about your rights in treatment and care under the Mental Health Act 2016 including the patient statement of rights and brochures about the rights of support persons. There are also translated resources available in different languages.
Legal options and support
The following legal support services may be able to help you with legal advice for a mental health matter if you're eligible.
Lawright and Community & Health Justice Partnerships
Lawright may provide free legal advice and assistance to people with mental illness, their families and anyone dealing with an issue relating to mental health law. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, refugees, and people experiencing domestic violence, mental illness or homelessness.
Legal Aid Queensland
Legal Aid Queensland may be able to provide legal advice if you've been charged with an offence and are diagnosed with a mental illness. If you're eligible, they may assist with matters before the Mental Health Court or Mental Health Review Tribunal.
Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion Mental Health Legal Service
If you're subject to involuntary treatment or have possible legal matters under the Mental Health Act 2016 the Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion may be able to help. They can provide referrals, advice and advocacy to eligible people for matters about forensic and treatment support orders or issues before the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
Youth Advocacy Centre
The Youth Advocacy Centre provides free confidential legal and social support to people under 17 who live in and around Brisbane. It can also provide support for bail matters for eligible young people charged with an offence.
The Advocacy and Support Centre (TASC)
The Advocacy and Support Centre can provide legal information, representation, advice and support to eligible people in south-west Queensland who have a mental illness, intellectual disability or acquired brain injury.
Queensland Law Society
If you need legal advice and representation, the Queensland Law Society website can help you find a lawyer or solicitor who specialises in mental health law.
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Understanding mental health
Learn more about mental health and how it can affect you or the people you care about.
How to get help
Get help and support by finding mental health services and treatment options that are available around Queensland.