People arrive at First Step with all of their life experiences – trauma, mental distress, poor physical health, legal issues, substance use, or housing insecurity.
Whatever it is that is going on, we are here to help.
We know that chronic addiction and mental distress is often a long-term, painful response to trauma, abuse and neglect. Our team works across mental health, substance use and legal services to share the journey, so clients don’t have to do it alone.
The path is rarely smooth, but together, we know we can make a difference.
First Step is a not-for-profit addiction, mental health and legal services hub in St Kilda, Melbourne.
We provide free services to thousands of vulnerable Victorians every year, with the firm belief that everybody deserves every chance to turn their lives around.
First Step provides a uniquely multi-disciplinary team of GPs, psychologists, nurse practitioners, lawyers, mental health nurses, care coordinators, counsellors, along with our outpatient program ResetLife.
All for free. All from one team. All at one site.
First Step’s General Practitioners (GPs) form the core of the support team, providing primary care, planning and referral. They may work with the client on:
• Replacement pharmacotherapy (methadone, buprenorphine, suboxone or...
The Work and Development Permit (WDP) scheme provides vulnerable and disadvantaged people with a non-financial way of paying off their fine debt, by participating in certain activities and treatment.
A person must...
ResetLife at First Step
A free, group-based program that supports people to make meaningful changes to their substance use and build a healthier, more connected life.
ResetLife is based on the evidence-informed...
First Step’s mental health services include flexible support for people with moderate to severe mental distress, and can include mental health nursing, psychological counselling, care coordination and psychiatry.
Mental Health Integrated Complex...
First Step Legal’s mission is to increase access to justice for particularly vulnerable people by bringing integrated legal help to them, wherever they present for support.
Visit our First Step Legal...
“I reached out to First Step in desperation when I needed to see a doctor. I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t able to help?
The First Step team treated me so well, they were so nice and friendly and welcoming and it makes a world of difference to be treated that way. And it wasn’t just me, I overheard them speaking on the phone to other people as well as saw them interact with other patients as they came and went and they treated everyone with the same amount of respect and it was just so nice to see.
I am sure you are already aware but you have a wonderful bunch of people working there. It makes a world of difference to be treated well and I just wanted to let you know.”
- First Step client
February 03, 2026
More and more, in the alcohol and other drug sector, in the mental health sector and beyond, we hear about the goal integrated care.
Read MoreFebruary 03, 2026
In December, after months of consultation and countless meetings with a range of stakeholder groups, City of Port Phillip councillors voted to change local laws relating to homelessness.
Read MoreFebruary 03, 2026
After an extraordinary 55 years as a general practitioner, the wonderful, passionate and tireless Dr John Sherman has retired.
Read More
