Mental health problems affect 1 in 4 people in Australia at any given time. As a legal professional you are bound to encounter clients who are experiencing mental health problems. Mental health problems can compound legal problems and can sometimes undermine legal solutions. Dealing with a legal problem can be very stressful and may either lead to or exacerbate a mental health problem.

The following pages provide a roadmap to accessing services for clients who may be experiencing mental health problems. They also contain information that may assist you in your legal practice.

It is recognised that lawyers may face significant challenges in their professional and personal lives. The For Lawyers page provides links to confidential services for lawyers. If you have a client who you think needs some help or support then the information on the Referrals page will be of use for you.

A person who is severely ill and in crisis (e.g. they are hallucinating, delusional or harming themselves or others) may be placed in care for their own protection under the Mental Health Act 2007. In an emergency, contact your local mental health service on 1800 011 511. Other important numbers for people experiencing a crisis can be found on the Crisis Contacts page.

There are significant resources available that address issues related to the justice system and mental health. If you have clients whose mental health and legal problems are connected then the Resources page will be of use. This page contains links to relevant legislation, tool kits and manuals, recent conference papers, journal articles and leading decisions.