Counselling
Our mental health and Counselling services offer an integrated whole of person approach to better mental health and wellbeing.
We recognise that health is more than physical, and that emotional and mental wellbeing are key to quality of life. Our generalist Counselling service addresses emotional, social and mental wellbeing, giving you the tools and guidance to navigate life’s stressors.
Counselling is more than a chat – it helps you to break down an issue or problem, explore your emotional needs, and develop strategies and approaches to address it.
Who we can help As a generalist Counselling service, we see people who are dealing with (not limited to):
- Life stage issues
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Effects of trauma
- Self-esteem and confidence issues
- Lifestyle changes related to illness
- Grief and loss
- Stress management issues
- Relationship or personal issues
- Adjustment to life events (e.g. relocation, unemployment).
LGBTIQA+ counsellor We also have a dedicated LGBTIQA+ counsellor (with lived and living experience), offering a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for members of the rainbow community.
Fees This service is free for people with a Healthcare Card or a low income.
A fee may apply if you are on a higher income and have Counselling as part of an NDIS Plan (NDIS Pricing Guide).
Our services
Our Counselling services provide:
- A focus on collaborative goals during counselling
- Information and links to other appropriate community agencies
- Access to therapeutic groups including:
- Managing Chronic Pain: multi-disciplinary group with Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy)
- Women Standing Strong: a therapeutic group for women who want to address the trauma after leaving abusive intimate partner relationships
- Creative Connections: an art therapy program to enhance connection with our emotions and healthy interactions with others
- Access to individual psycho-education sessions including:
- Sleep
- Managing our moods
- Interaction between physical and emotional wellbeing
Secondary consultation to service providers
Community education sessions.
Who we support
Services are available individually, for families or as part of a group. We use flexible and creative approaches to working with you to address social or emotional issues of concern. The service is provided at our offices or through telehealth via phone or video calls, depending on your needs.
Counselling is available to anyone in northern Melbourne however, as a community health funded service, priority will be given to healthcare card holders, people affected by family violence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, refugees and asylum seekers and people on a low income.
We can therefore offer counselling service to individuals who are not able to locally access an inclusive and safe service either in person or via telehealth. For all referrals, income level needs to be assessed. If you are here on a Working Holiday visa, please note you need to be able to attend during business hours and there is a fee per appointment that will not be rebatable on your insurance.
Your Community Health is a member of the Northern Integrated Family Violence Service (NIFVS) Counselling Service Alliance (CSA) with other community health services, community agencies and The Orange Door, providing Family Violence Counselling specifically for Victim Survivors (affected family members).
Booking an appointment
You do not need a Mental Health Plan to book a Counselling appointment, but if you have a referral from a GP or other health professional, please share it with us via fax 03 8470 1107 or counselling@yourch.org.au.
Otherwise, please make a referral by completing our referral form. If you prefer to talk to our intake worker, please call 03 8470 1111 (Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday).
If this is an emergency
Counselling at Your Community Health is not a crisis service. If this is an emergency (Fire, Police, Ambulance), please call 000.
For other supports please contact:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 free counselling service)
- QLife: 1800 184 527 (3pm – midnight, LGBTIQA+ support and referral)
- Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367 (10am – 5pm, daily)
- Suicide Helpline: 1300 651 251 (24/7 phone assistance)
- Directline: 1800 888 236 (24/7 substance and gaming information and counselling service)
- Suicide Call Back: 1300 659 467 (24/7 free counselling service)
- 1800 Respect: 1800 737 732 (24/7 info, counselling and support for sexual assault and family violence)
- Safe Steps: 1800 015 188 (24/7 info, counselling and support for family violence)
- Child Protection: 13 12 78
- Nurse on Call: 1300 60 60 (24/7 nursing advice and support)
Call now to learn more or book your appointment!
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