Different problems will need different solutions so where you go to for help will need to be different for different people and even different at different times in your life. Basically, what's right for one person might not be right for someone else. So here I list the options with some pros and cons for each.
Your doctor
Pros:
rule out physical health problems
provide a diagnosis
prescribe medication
refer you to a psychiatrist
write up a Mental Health Plan for medicare funded psychology sessions
Cons:
have to wait for your appointment
Dr might not be good with mental health (try to find one that is interested in mental health)
Appointment might be short (ask for a longer appointment)
Helplines (lifeline ph 131114, mensline, 1800RESPECT, suicide call back service etc)
Pros:
available 24/7
who you talk to might not be a professional (usually a volunteer who has received minimal training)
who you talk to will probably be someone different every time you call
Public hospital or ringing 000
Pros:
paramedics, police or public hospital will keep you safe if your problem is acute/severe/crisis
mostly free
Cons:
you won't be admitted if you are not acutely ill
you can't plan your stay
you will be out as soon as possible
your treatment will generally not include group work and exercise
Private hospital
Pros:
will help you deal with chronic/longterm problems
will teach you skills through group work and exercise
will provide access to some therapies not available in the public system
will keep you as long as you need
can plan your stay
Cons:
need to have private insurance or will be very expensive
if you take out cover you will need to wait 2 months before you can go to hospital
Psychologists:
Pros:
can be covered by medicare
Cons:
limited sessions covered
Psychotherapists
Pros:
great for personality disorders, issues that stem from parenting patterns and childhood experiences
usually longterm
completely confidential, no records created
psychotherapist will have undergone their own therapy during training so have lived experience of being the patient and the empathy and insight that comes from that
Cons:
not covered by medicare
Psychiatrists
Pros:
can diagnose your problem
can recommend treatment based on your diagnosis
can prescribe medication
can admit you to a private hospital they are affiliated with
Cons:
can be expensive (first appointment is usually more than subsequent appointments)
Support groups
Pros:
meet people with similar problems
Cons:
might not be any in your area
Reach out to a friend
Pros:
can talk at the time that you need help
already have a friendship
Cons:
might be busy
not trained
Where have you found the most help or what service can you recommend?