Free text counselling services worldwide (A list)
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In this blog post, you will find the best free text counselling services in the UK, India, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, but also services of free text and free counselling available worldwide.
What is a free text counselling service?
Free text counselling is a service that provides support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for people who urgently need help with their mental health.
Anyone suffering from panic attacks, anxiety attacks, depression, suicidal ideation, but also other mental health issues can contact free text counselling for guidance and moral support.
Is the free text counselling service safe?
Yes, the free text counselling service is safe and also confidential.
Free text counselling services are usually provided by non-governmental organizations, which aim to provide help and support to those going through an emergency situation and do not have the opportunity at this time to contact a mental health professional or do not know how to react in a time of crisis.
The best free text counselling in the UK
- Mind helpline – Mind helpline is a mental health charity that offers two confidential mental health information services, the Mind Infoline and the Legal Line. You can text Mind helpline at 86463 to ask for advice regarding mental health problems, where to find further help and what treatment options are out there.
- The Samaritans – If you are living in the UK or Ireland you can contact a samaritan and talk about what bothers you most. Your phone call will be completely anonymous and you will speak with a trained volunteer that will not judge you or tell you what to do. You either call Samaritans at 116 123 or send them an email at jo@samaritans.uk
- Childline – offers support for young people, either by telephone, email or online chat support. Anyone under 19 can contact the Childline chat about anything that concerns them. Call 0800 1111 to receive support now.
The best free text counselling in India
- Fortis Exam Helpline – The Fortis Exam Helpline is a great place for students who feel that they cannot handle the pressure of the exams. The helpline is great for getting tips on how to manage stress during the exams period. Contact number: +918376804102
- At YourDost you can either choose to chat now or make an appointment with a mental health professional at a more convenient time. This service includes 24/7 round the clock support, no matter where you are in the world. Their website also has many useful articles and recommendations for your general wellbeing.
- iCALL – is a telephone and email-based counselling service run by School of Human Ecology, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). It offers free telephone and email-based counselling services, to individuals in emotional and psychological distress, across age, language, gender, sexual orientation and issues, through a team of qualified and trained mental health professionals. You can call them at 022-25521111 or send an email to ICALL@TISS.EDU
- Roshni – This helpline offers free and confidential service for the depressed and suicidal. Contact them at either number: +9140 – 6620 2000 / 6620 2001 / +914066202000
- Sumaitri – This centre offers support for anyone who is feeling suicidal and that needs support dealing with their mental health illness. Contact them at: 011-23389090 / FEELINGSUICIDAL@SUMAITRI.NET
- Samaritans Mumbai – Samaritans in Mumbai can be contacted at either of the following numbers: +91 84229 84528 / +91 84229 84529 / +84229 84530 or by email at: TALK2SAMARITANS@GMAIL.COM. Your phone call will be completely anonymous and you will speak with a trained volunteer that will not judge you or tell you what to do.
The best free text counselling in New Zealand
Free text counselling in New Zealand for suicidal thoughts:
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Free text counselling in New Zealand for depression and young people:
- Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
- YouthLine – lets you chat free with a counsellor online from 7 pm to 10 pm. This is a service available for any young person in New Zealand, or anyone who is supporting a young person. Free call 0800 376 633 | Free text 234
- Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kids line) for young people up to 18 years of age.
Free text counselling in New Zealand for parents and friends:
- EDANZ – specialized in eating disorders issues. Freephone 0800 2 EDANZ or 0800 233 269, or in Auckland 09 522 2679. Or email info@ed.org.nz.
- Skylight – 0800 299 100 for support through trauma, loss and grief for families.
Other free text counselling services in New Zealand :
- Alcohol and Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797; help and information on addiction recovery.
- Are You OK – 0800 456 450; offers support and first help for family violence.
- Anxiety phone line – 0800 269 4389 or text ANXIETY at 0800, support with panic and anxiety attacks.
- Seniorline – 0800 725 463 – A free text counselling service for older people
The best free text counselling in South Africa
- Suicide Crisis Helpline – for support and advice on managing suicidal thoughts, depression symptoms, treatment options. Free call at 0800 567 567.
- Substance Abuse Helpline – Call 0800 12 13 14 for advice on substance abuse treatment options, managing withdrawal symptoms and receiving unconditional support.
- Childline SA – this is a non-profit organization that has a purpose to protect children from South Africa from all forms of violence. On their website, you can find free ways of contacting them in order to get help ASAP. You may call Childline SA 24X7 on 08 000 55 555
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) – The SADAG offers support for depression, bipolar, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma, substance abuse and other issues you may be facing. SADAG Mental Health Line: 011 234 4837
The best free text counselling in Australia
- Lifeline – offers free online counselling 24/7 to help people deal with issues they face before they become a crisis. They also give people the tools they need to better handle stress and improve their emotional health. Contact them at 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – Call 1300 22 4636; free support and tips for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health issues.
- Kids Helpline – Call 1800 55 1800, Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
- MensLine Australia – offers online and phone counselling to help men manage their mental health issues and worries regarding relationships, being a dad or dealing with depression or substance abuse. Call 1300 78 99 78
Other text counselling services
- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to US and Canada: text 741741; UK: text 85258 | Ireland: text 086 1800 280 – to connect to a crisis counsellor.
- 7 Cups – 7 Cups is an on-demand emotional health service and online therapy provider. They offer a free 24/7 Chat where you can talk with volunteer listeners or chat with others who are going through similar issues in a chat room.
- BetterHelp – is the largest online counselling platform that can be accessed worldwide. BetterHelp makes professional counselling available anytime, anywhere, through a computer, tablet or smartphone. The cost of counselling through BetterHelp ranges from $40 to $70 per week and it’s billed monthly.
- TalkSpace – is yet another platform for online counselling that lets you connect with a licensed therapist, no matter where in the world you are. Talkspace online therapy is typically 80% less expensive than face-to-face therapy and there are several payment options to choose from.
- HeadFirst – Redirects you to online chat rooms such as LifeLine, Depression hotline, Anxiety hotline, YouthLine, The Lowdown, or Auntie Dee. This is a great website if you don’t know where exactly to look for free online or telephone counselling services.
- Faithful counselling – lets you connect with a fellow believer online within their network of licensed, professional therapists. You can connect either by phone, video or text.
- Kooth – Is an online service for people aged between 10 and 25 years old in the UK. You can contact them Monday to Friday from 12pm to 10 pm, or Saturday to Sunday from 6 pm to 10 pm.
- The Mix – anyone under 25 can access the free online counselling chat from The Mix. They offer 1-to-1 chat, a crisis messenger or a free telephone number. They deal with the following concerns: sex and relationships, mental health, your body, money, work and study, safety and lifestyle.
- YourDoctors Online – This is a 24/7 free online doctor chat, who lets you connect with a board-certified physician, no matter your concern.
Conclusions
In this blog post, you will find the best free text counselling services in the UK, India, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, but also services of free text and free counselling available worldwide.
If you need support in managing a mental health crisis, do not hesitate to contact the appropriate free text counselling service. Get the help that you deserve.
Please feel free to leave any comments or questions in the comments section below.
FAQ about free text counselling
Can I talk to a counsellor online for free?
Yes, you can talk to a counsellor online for free.
There are many options for attending free counselling online.
Services like 7Cups or BetterHelp.com offer online sessions with a licensed professional counsellor.
Can you get Counselling for free?
Yes, you can get free counselling for a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, anger management, couples therapy and more.
Is 7 cups free?
Yes, 7 Cups is free and appropriate for both teens and adults.
While trained therapists do cost money to access, there is a 3-Day free trial available.
Is Online Therapy Effective?
Online Therapy can be as effective as traditional face to face therapy sessions.
Research shows that cognitive-behavioural therapy is as good on the telephone or over Skype as it is face-to-face.
How much does BetterHelp cost?
BetterHelp membership plans cost $35/week, with one free 20-minute call per month and extra calls at $29 per 20 minutes.
Therefore you would pay $87 per hour for a phone call, which is the typical length of a traditional therapy session.
Why is therapy so expensive?
Therapy is expensive since to receive a license, therapists have to go through years of training before they can actually work.
As well, the therapist has to pay rent and utilities for their private practice office, state licensure annual fees, and more
Further Reading
- The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook (A New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook), by Matthew McKay PhD
- Principles and Practice of Stress Management, Third Edition 3rd Edition, by Paul M. Lehrer
- The Anger Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anger and Frustration, by Raychelle Cassada Lohmann
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