Indigenous crisis support service 13YARN is set to expand with a new text message crisis support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The service is the first national crisis support line designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.

Lifeline Australia delivers the 24/7 phone service on 13YARN (13 92 76) and will develop the new text option in partnership with Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia under joint governance and leadership.

Its expansion is supported by a $13.9 million Federal Government funding commitment, and follows gaps identified in the Productivity Commission's review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

Yuin woman and Gayaa Dhuwi chief executive, Rachel Fishlock, said the investment responds directly to those concerns.

"The review highlighted ongoing gaps in access to coordinated, appropriate mental health and crisis supports, and the need to strengthen services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," Ms Fishlock said.

"Expanding 13YARN to include text-based support will remove barriers and improve accessibility, particularly for mob who prefer to reach out in different ways."

Ms Fishlock pointed to rising suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

"Suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues to rise, with an 8 per cent increase in 2024 compared to 2023," she said.

"This underscores the urgent need to strengthen and expand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led crisis services like 13YARN, which are essential to ensuring mob can access support that is safe, culturally responsive, and truly meets their needs."

Lifeline Australia Head of Indigenous Affairs, Aunty Marj Anderson, said a text service would help reach people less likely to call.

"Young Indigenous people, people experiencing domestic and family violence, and people with disabilities are more likely to use a culturally safe, non-judgemental and anonymous text service," Mrs Anderson said.

"It's what the community have been asking for."

The demand for 13YARN continues to grow as the service answered its 100,000th call on Christmas Day last year, almost a year earlier than expected.

Mrs Anderson said the increase reflects both need and trust.

"Rising call numbers show that more and more, 13YARN is being recognised as the trusted place people can turn to when they need support without judgement or shame," she said.

"People are carrying a lot at the moment.

"The high number of calls reflects a combination of factors, including ongoing cost-of-living pressures, political uncertainty and recent national events contributing to increased distress."

Ms Anderson said culturally safe services can play a protective role.

"When pressures stack up, access to culturally safe support is fundamental to whether someone feels able to reach out," she said.

"It can be a critical protective factor."

13YARN has operated since March 2022 and is designed, led and delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through three Lifeline Member Centres.

Mrs Anderson added its growth had been intentional.

"It's about expanding in a way that remains culturally strong and community-led, while building the capacity needed to meet rising demand," she said.

"It shows that when services are designed and run by community, mob are more likely to seek help early and stay connected."

Indigenous people seeking support can contact 13YARN on 13 92 76 at any time to speak with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter.