Support services for psychotic disorders

ReachOut Content Team
Published 05 September 2023

The symptoms of psychotic disorders can be managed and treated – but it’s important to get help as early as possible. There are steps you should take if you need help urgently. Find out where to get help and support, including online information, chat and self-help programs.

This can help if:

  • you're experiencing psychosis and looking for support

  • you need urgent help with psychotic symptoms

  • you're interested in support groups.

Boy talking to a doctor

Getting help for psychosis and psychotic disorders

Psychosis is a temporary state of experiencing an ‘altered reality’ – also known as a ‘psychotic episode’. This is where a person has difficulty knowing what’s real. Psychosis isn’t a mental illness in itself; rather, it’s a symptom of some mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia. It’s possible to have a single psychotic episode and to have a complete recovery.

Psychotic disorders are when psychotic episodes, and other symptoms, start to happen more frequently or don’t go away. If you think you’re experiencing psychotic symptoms, see your GP immediately. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction and make sure you get the support you need.

If you need help urgently

If you need urgent help with psychotic symptoms, visit the nearest emergency department or see our urgent help page for services that can help. Alternatively, check out the mental health crisis number in your state.

If you need to talk to someone

If you’re looking for information, or just want to talk to someone, get in touch with one of these services:

  • eheadspace: This online chat counselling service is available 7 days a week, 9 am – 1 am AEST.

  • Kids Helpline: This web-based and email counselling service is available 24/7 for young people up to 25 years.

  • Lifeline: Online chat counselling service is available 7 days a week, 7 pm – 12 am AEST.

Visit our urgent help page for telephone counselling services.

Online information about schizophrenia, psychosis and psychotic disorders

  • SANE Australia provides information and resources for schizophrenia and psychosis.

  • headspace provides information and resources about psychosis.

  • Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) is based in Victoria. Their website provides information about psychotic disorders.

Online programs and support groups

What can I do now?

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              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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