What is Distress Brief Support?

Distress Brief Support (DBS) is a community-based service for adults experiencing stress or distress. Our team provides non-judgemental support, helps you identify practical next steps, and, if you choose, connects you with other services in your local community.
DBS offers up to three weeks of one-to-one, focused support to help you stabilise, problem-solve, and link with the services best suited to your needs.

Accessing Distress Brief Support

From 1 February 2026, the Distress Brief Support (DBS) service can be accessed by contacting us on 1800 759 865. and requesting an appointment. This provides a simple and direct way for adults experiencing stress or distress to connect with short-term, compassionate support.

Connecting Through the Community

As the Distress Brief Support (DBS) service continues to grow, access to support will become available through local Distress Brief Support Connection Points across the community.

DBS Connection Points are local groups and organisations that have partnered with Centacare and have received training and support, to help people connect with support in a safe, familiar environment. These locations will be clearly identifiable by a DBS Connection Point sticker, making it easy for someone to know that support is available there.

By visiting a DBS Connection Point, people can receive information about the DBS service and be supported to connect with the DBS support team. This approach removes barriers to help-seeking by offering access to support in places people already know and trust.

DBS Connection Points create a simple, visible pathway to support for people who may be feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn. Having DBS connections embedded within the community helps ensure support is accessible, timely, and offered close to where people live, gather, and feel comfortable.

Eligibility

DBS is designed to support adults whose needs can be safely and effectively met within a short-term, community-based counselling and support model.

The service is not intended to replace urgent mental health or hospital-based care, or to duplicate support for individuals who are already actively engaged with other community services. In these situations, people are encouraged to continue working with their existing key workers and participate in coordinated care and case conferencing where appropriate.

DBS is also not suitable for people under the age of 18, or for individuals experiencing acute suicidal ideation or suicidal behaviours that require a higher level of clinical intervention.

Where a person’s needs fall outside the scope of DBS, Centacare will work with them to identify and connect them to the most appropriate services through clear referral and escalation pathways.

Become a Distress Brief Support Connection Point

As the service grows, we will invite expressions of interest from local business and community that wish to be recognised as DBS Connection Point. These roles are voluntary and unpaid; however, participating groups will be provided with training, resources, and ongoing support.

Distress Brief Support Connection Points may include social clubs, service organisations, public-facing workplaces, family playgroups, Men’s Sheds, mother’s groups, and other community-based settings.

FAQs

What is distress?

Distress can present in many different ways and may affect people physically, emotionally, or mentally. It can be experienced as difficult emotions, unhelpful thoughts, changes in behaviour, or a general sense that something is not quite right.

Emotional distress may involve feelings or experiences that are uncomfortable or overwhelming and can arise in response to specific events or ongoing life circumstances.

Situational distress can occur when life events or changes create pressure or disruption. This may involve a combination of thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, or behaviours linked to experiences such as grief or loss, changes in health, relationship difficulties, financial stress, or challenges at work or with employment.

How quickly can I speak with someone?

Often on the same day in person at Centacare’s Whyalla office or by visiting a DBS Connection Point, or within 1–2 business days by phone.

Can I use DBS more than once?

Yes. You can access the Distress Brief Support service more than once if you need support at different times. Each time you seek support, it is considered separately and is designed to respond to your current situation and needs.

Is this a crisis service?

No. Distress Brief Support is not a crisis service. It provides short-term, supportive assistance for people experiencing stress or distress who are not in immediate danger.

If you or someone else is in crisis or at risk of harm, please contact emergency services on 000, or reach out to a crisis support service such as Mental Health Triage on 13 14 65.