The NSW government has promised $1 million to teach 5000 pharmacists across the state how to talk to customers about their mental health and provide referrals to other support services.

President of the Pharmacy Guild's NSW Branch David Heffernan said regional pharmacists were well placed to talk to locals about mental health.

"It's as important educating the patient on what they can do themselves as it is just coming in and sitting down and having a chat," he said.

"This is broader, but higher level, training for pharmacists in the mental health space.

"It's designed for us to attack what is a problem ... but it's a problem that everyone's dealing with."

State Nationals MLC and minister for mental health Bronnie Taylor said pharmacists were often "at the front line" of a person's health care.

"Pharmacists know the people in the communities they serve and they can often be the first person to pick up if someone's not having a good day," she said.

"We know that 40 per cent of people who attempt to take their own life are not known to a health service."

Owner of Wagga's Northside Pharmacy Kellie Howard said the training would allow pharmacists to know "how and where to refer" customers.

"As a pharmacist I feel like we're in a really fortunate position where we get to know our customers and build relationships and really care for them," she said.

"So I feel like we can really tell when something's not quite right for that person."