Student Counselling | Melbourne Language Centre

Student Counselling

Melbourne Language Centre  > Student Services > Student Counselling

At Acknowledge Education, we are here to support you when you face difficult situations. This webpage provides important information about getting help in Australia.

The first thing to know is that if you are in immediate danger you need to call emergency services right away. 

The number is 000.

You might not be in immediate danger but still feeling sad, scared, or unsafe. If so, you are not alone, and there are lots of services that you can call. You can watch a short video called Emergency Services 000 1 to learn more about services in Australia that can help you.

These services are available to call anytime, day or night (24/7):

  • Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week, chat online or email.
  • Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free 24/7 confidential and private counseling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800.
  • Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
  • MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 days a week, chat online or organise a video chat.
  • Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.
  • 1800RESPECT (National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service): Call 1800 737 732
  • Headspace: Call 1800 650 890 Headspace is a mental health organization that provides support and resources for young people aged 12 to 25 in Australia. It offers a range of services to help with mental health concerns, including counseling, information, and access to online tools and resources.

These services are open 7 days a week between certain hours:

  • QLife provides nationwide telephone and web-based services for lesbian peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Call 1800 184 527, 3pm – 12am (midnight) AEST/7 days a week
  • Blue Knot Foundation Helpline is the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. It provides support, education and resources for the families and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380, Monday – Sunday between 9am – 5pm AEST or via email helpline@blueknot.org.au.
  • Butterfly Foundation’s National Helpline is a free, confidential service that provides information, counselling and treatment referral for people with eating disorders, and body image and related issues. Call 1800 33 4673, 8am-midnight AEST / 7 days a week, chat online or email.
  • eheadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends. Call 1800 650 890, 9am – 1am AEST / 7 days a week, chat online or email.

These services operate Monday to Friday:

  • MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.
  • FriendLine supports anyone who’s feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them Monday to Friday 6pm–8pm AEST on 1800 424 287, or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.
  • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. Call 1300 726 306, 9am – 7:30pm AEST (Mon-Fri).
  • SANE Australia provides support to anyone in Australia affected by complex mental health issues, as well as their friends, family members and health professionals. Call 1800 18 7263, 10am – 10pm AEST (Mon – Fri), or chat online.

If you have legal problems, there are services that can help you understand your rights and get advice:

  • National Legal Aid: Call 1800 551 589
  • International Student Legal Service: Call +61 7 3735 6400

Remember, you are not alone. There are student groups and organisations that can help you feel connected and supported.

Counselling Services Provided just for you by Acknowledge Education.

If you are not in immediate danger but still finding things hard, feeling sad, or scared, Acknowledge Education offers free counselling sessions through the Australian Counselling Service. As an Acknowledge Education student, you can book your online session by visiting this link, calling 1300 374 033, or emailing info@acscounselling.com.au. Learn more about these free counselling sessions provided by the Australian Counselling Service (ACS) by clicking here.

There are many reasons why someone might want to speak to a counsellor. For example, if you are experiencing:

  • Mental health issues like anxiety, stress, or depression
  • Cultural shock and homesickness
  • Trauma, loss, or abuse
  • Bullying, harassment, or discrimination
  • Challenges with study, work, or life balance

If you are facing difficulties with assessments or need help preparing them, you can also speak with your academic support officer on campus. Your student service officer can guide you on how to get in touch with them.

Remember, we care about you and want you to be safe and supported during your time in Australia. Together, we can overcome tough times.