Counselling and support
Last updated: 27/02/2025
Whether you are a new single parent, or have been a single parent for a while, you may find that things are getting on top of you and that it’s hard to cope.
This is natural.
But if feelings of sadness, anger or stress go on for a long time, it can affect your mental health and wellbeing.
This is when finding counselling and support by talking to a counsellor or a contacting a helpline can be useful.
Counselling gives you the chance to speak in confidence with someone who is trained to listen and who can help you work out what might help.
Children also find counselling helpful as it gives them the chance to talk about their feelings to someone outside the family.
There are many services that offer counselling online for free or at low cost. We’ve listed a few of these below.
Links to online counselling and support
Emergency helplines
If you are feeling suicidal, do not hesitate to ask for help immediately. If it is an emergency, dial 999.
You can also call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free, 24 hours a day or text Shout to 85258 to chat to a trained volunteer at any time of day.
If you or anyone you support is experiencing domestic abuse or forced marriage, call Scotland’s domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline on 0800 027 1234 for free, 24 hours a day.
Advice, support and counselling helplines
Health in Mind Resolve Counselling (fee charged)
Health in Mind Trauma Counselling Line (free)
Parenting, children and young people
Online support or self-help interventions
National services
Penumbra supporting mental health and wellbeing
Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Support in Mind Scotland action for people affected by mental illness
Useful guides