Understanding mental health
Learn more about mental health and how it can affect you or the people you care about.
Make a complaint or get a second opinion
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.
Complaints about mental health treatment and care
If you have a concern about your treatment and care at an authorised mental health service (AMHS), you have a right to make a complaint and have your issue resolved.
You can make a complaint in person, by email or over the phone.
The quickest way to raise a concern is to talk to your doctor, treating team or a staff member at the authorised mental health service.
Watch our video to learn more.
Each mental health service has policies and procedures in place to receive and manage complaints. Find your local Hospital and Health Service contact information and find out how to make a complaint.
You can also ask an Independent Patient Rights Adviser for help and advice. An Independent Patient Rights Adviser can also help connect you with a community visitor.
Ryan's Rule
Ryan's Rule is a 3-step process you can use to raise concerns if a patient’s health condition is getting worse or not improving as well as expected.
What to do if your mental or physical health is getting worse - Mental Health Act 2016 (Qld)
Ask for a second opinion
If you can't resolve your complaint with your doctor or treating team you have a right to ask for a second opinion.
A second opinion is done by another health practitioner such as a psychiatrist or doctor. They'll look at and review your treatment and care. The health practitioner can't be part of your treating team.
Your support person such as a family member, carer or other support person can also ask for a second opinion.
If you want a second opinion, ask your doctor or treating team. You can also ask an Independent Patient Rights Adviser.
Your doctor and treating team will usually organise the second opinion within 7 days, but it may take longer in some cases.
Community visitors
A community visitor helps protect the interests of adults who have impaired capacity, including people who may be receiving treatment at an inpatient AMHS.
Community visitors can look into your issue and help you try to resolve your concerns. Find out more about what community visitors do on the Office of the Public Guardian website. You can also ask n Independent Patient Rights Adviser to connect you with a community visitor.
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How to get help
Get help and support by finding mental health services and treatment options that are available around Queensland.
Your rights and support
Understand your rights and the support services that can help when you're being treated for a mental illness.