For more than 25 years, ReachOut has been helping young people access support as they experience mental health challenges
We were first to identify the opportunity that exists to use technology and reimagine how people in need can get help.
Since our launch in 1998, ReachOut has been connecting and supporting young people, and their parent, carer and teacher networks to a range of mental health services that are available when and where they need it. We make it easy for young people to connect on their terms, at any time, from anywhere.
As the pioneer of an online model of mental health support for young people all over Australia, we have continued to evolve. Today, we are recognised as one of the leading providers of specialist support for young people on the journey towards better mental health. We are helping to change the lives of young people for the better.
PeerChat is a free, text-based service where young people (16–25) can chat one-on-one with trained peer workers who use their own lived experience to provide relatable, judgement-free support. Read more about ReachOut’s services for young people.
Parent Coaching provides parents and carers of teenagers (12–18) with up to four free, one-on-one sessions with professional coaches to develop personalised action plans and practical strategies. Read more about ReachOut’s services for parents.
ReachOut Schools delivers evidence-based, expert-developed resources and classroom activities that empower students to manage their wellbeing and provide teachers with self-care tools. Read more about ReachOut’s services for schools.
Impact Study
As shown in our Impact Study, young people using ReachOut experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and in their suicide risk. There was also an increase in help-seeking behaviour. With 70 per cent of young people not seeking help for a mental health issue, ReachOut’s online service addresses many of the barriers to help-seeking, including stigma, embarrassment and a preference for self-reliance.
Services We've Delivered in the Past
For more than two decades, ReachOut has developed and delivered pioneering digital services. While these programs are no longer active, they've each contributed to our understanding of what works in digital mental health support for young people.
ReachOut Online Community (closed June 2025)
The ReachOut Online Community was a peer-support forum where young people could share experiences in a safe, moderated environment. Over its 18 years of operation, more than 2 million people across Australia accessed the forum. Read the Online Community closure announcement.
ReachOut Central (2007–discontinued)
ReachOut Central was an interactive game designed to help young people explore how thinking, behaviour and feelings interact. Through real-life scenarios, users could discover how thought patterns and emotions influence behaviour and outcomes. ReachOut Central won the Changemakers.net Why Games Matter Competition in 2007 and was runner-up in the Health Category of the Stockholm Challenge Awards 2008.
ReachOut Teachers' Network (2007–discontinued)
Launched in April 2007, the ReachOut Teachers' Network connected secondary school teachers with ReachOut by providing classroom lessons on mental health issues within school curricula. The educator community is now served through ReachOut Schools.
ReachOut Pro (discontinued)
ReachOut Pro provided online information and resources to professionals working with young people and mental health, supporting practitioners to engage young people in treatment and wellbeing outcomes.
