Essential Guide: What Every Parent and Carer in the ACT Needs to Know About Youth Mental Health
If you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, or simply someone who cares for a young person under 25 in Canberra, stop scrolling. This is something you need to know.
Because when a young person in your life starts to struggle, whether it's with anxiety, stress, depression, or something they can't even name yet, the difference between feeling helpless and taking action could be as simple as knowing one word:
MindMap. www.mindmap.act.gov.au
What is MindMap ACT?
MindMap is a free digital mental health navigation tool designed specifically for young people aged 0–25, their families, and carers in the ACT. It helps you find the right support fast, based on what’s going on in your child’s life, whether they’re experiencing big feelings, going through a tough time at school, or showing signs of mental health challenges.
This is not just another resource list. MindMap combines real-time human support, tailored guidance, and evidence-informed resources to help you confidently support the young person in your care.
In short? It’s the roadmap we’ve all needed and it’s here free and available to you.
Why Parents & Carers Need This
Mental health services do exist in Canberra. But knowing what’s out there, what’s age-appropriate, and how to access it is often a confusing maze.
We hear it all the time:
“Should I call Headspace or the GP?”
“Do we need a referral?”
“What if it’s not serious enough?”
“We’ve been on a waitlist for months and still nothing.”
MindMap helps cut through the noise. Whether you're worried about your 10-year-old’s sleep patterns, a teen who’s suddenly withdrawn, or a uni student under enormous pressure, this platform helps you take the next step, quickly, clearly, and with confidence.
Where Did MindMap Come From?
This is one of the best parts.
MindMap was developed from an idea pitched by young people themselves.
At the 2019 ACT Youth Assembly, students voiced their frustration with how confusing it was to find help when things got tough. They imagined a one-stop-shop, something simple, digital, and actually useful. The ACT Government listened.
What began as a bold youth-led pitch is now a real, award-winning tool. That’s what happens when we trust young people to lead.
So How Does It Work?
MindMap is built to work for you in the moment you need help, not after hours of research or paperwork.
Here’s what you can do on www.mindmap.act.gov.au:
1. Use the Interactive Guide
Answer a few quick questions based on what you or your young person are going through. The system then recommends the most relevant support services, whether that’s in-person counselling, peer support, digital self-help tools, or crisis care.
2. Speak to a Real Human
From 12:00pm to 11:00pm daily, trained Youth Navigators are available via webchat, phone, or email. They’re not bots, they’re real people who can:
Talk you through your situation.
Explain service options and eligibility.
Make referrals and follow-ups on your behalf.
This is particularly powerful for parents who need help navigating the system on behalf of their child or teen, or for young people who prefer to reach out anonymously and at their own pace.
3. Join the ‘Active Hold’ Program
If a service has a waitlist, MindMap won’t just leave you hanging. Through Active Hold, families receive:
Ongoing updates about referrals and appointments.
Free interim support from registered counsellors or psychologists while you wait.
This means your child doesn’t have to go without support just because the system is full, too busy or under-resourced.
4. Access 300+ Mental Health Resources
MindMap also includes a curated library of over 300 resources about youth wellbeing, identity, managing stress, understanding mental illness, and finding help for friends.
It’s all written in plain English and regularly updated to make sure it stays relevant.
#IRL: What It Means for Families
Let’s paint the picture.
Your 14-year-old starts having panic attacks before school. You don’t know whether to call a psychologist, see the GP, or wait it out. MindMap gives you a pathway.
Your 21-year-old at university is overwhelmed and not coping. They don’t want you to “make a big deal out of it.” You send them the MindMap link and they can explore support options on their terms. You become part of the solution, not more pressure.
Your child is on a waitlist for therapy, but you’re worried they’re slipping. MindMap gives you access to interim counselling and someone to talk to today.
Designed With Parents, Not Just for Them
MindMap wasn’t only built with young people in mind. Parents and carers were part of the co-design process too.
Because when your child’s mental health is on the line, you need:
Simple language, not clinical jargon.
Clarity, not a 20-tab research project.
Options, not just a dead-end phone number.
Reassurance, that someone is listening.
The Youth Navigators are trained to support parents just as much as young people—and that matters. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need to know where to start.
Common Concerns from Parents (And How MindMap Helps)
“What if I’m overreacting?”
You’re not. MindMap offers low-barrier support, meaning you don’t have to wait until it’s a crisis. Early intervention is the goal.
“I don’t know what’s available or what’s free.”
The tool guides you through ACT-based options, highlighting costs, wait times, and referral requirements.
“They don’t want to talk to me about it.”
That’s okay. Share the site with them. It’s built for independent use too and they can choose how and when to reach out.
“I’ve tried everything and nothing’s worked.”
Sometimes, having someone in your corner, like a Youth Navigator, can help problem-solve creatively, re-approach services, and find alternatives you may not know existed.
The Big Picture: Why This Matters
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:
1 in 4 young Australians experiences a mental health condition in any given year.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15–24.
Young people are the least likely age group to seek help early.
These numbers aren’t just statistics, they’re lived realities in Canberra schools, homes, and communities.
Tools like MindMap don’t fix the system overnight. But they help people navigate it with more support, clarity, and dignity. And they’re proof that when young people, parents, and government come together—we can build things that work.
Final Word: Share This Like It’s a Lifeline
Because it is.
📍 Whether your child is thriving, struggling, or somewhere in between, knowing about MindMap is part of being prepared as a parent or carer in 2025.
Don’t wait until you need it. Save it. Share it. Talk about it at school pick-up. Email it to a teacher. Text it to a friend. Let’s make this part of every household’s toolkit.
🖥️ Visit: www.mindmap.act.gov.au
📞 Talk to a Youth Navigator: 12pm – 11pm, 7 days a week
