Mental Health Services
Counselling and Psychology
We believe you have the ability to make positive changes in your life, and our counsellors can assist you on your journey towards this change.
Counselling provides a safe and confidential space to explore a range of life topics.
To get started, we’ll discuss your current needs and circumstances. From here, an appointment for a more in-depth assessment will be made for you within two to four weeks. You’ll then go on the waitlist for a counsellor.
Please keep in mind that waiting times can be up to 12 weeks for generalist counselling or six to eight months for our psychologist.
To continue to provide this free service to the community, we are able to provide short-term counselling (up to six sessions), primarily focusing on current or presenting issues.
However, we treat each case with care and consideration and under special circumstances, this can be reviewed.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Services
We offer a range of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Services that cover a spectrum of issues facing people affected by substance use.
Services available to help and support you include
- advocacy
- personal support
- strategies for change
- someone to trust with the more complex issues
- hope for a more positive future.
We work in cooperation with other service providers to give you the best chance of recovery. Examples of other service providers might include:
- GPs
- withdrawal nurses
- community mental health services
Referrals can also be made to detox units and rehabilitation facilities.
Our AOD workers can also provide assessments and letters of support if you are facing court on AOD-related matters. Prior notice and attendance are required for this support.
Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP)
Our Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP) is a harm minimisation program that aims to prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B and C among people who inject drugs, as well as prevention amongst the wider community.
We have a range of needles and syringes on hand, as well as sterile water, swabs, filters and disposal units. We also offer a safe place to dispose of used syringes.
To access this free service, you can ask our team at Reception, or you can pick up an NSEP card and show it to the receptionist to indicate that you require this service. NB: There is a small fee for wheel filters and sterile water.
An after-hours disposal bin for syringe disposal is located near the main entrance to the Castlemaine Campus at 142 Cornish Street. The disposal bin is accessible seven days per week.
Drop-off parking spaces are available next to the disposal bin.
Psychological Therapy Services
We offer free counselling through our Psychological Therapy Service. This service is available for adults and children for a range of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Our Children’s Counsellor can see children between six and twelve.
To access the Psychologist and the Children’s Mental Health service, you’ll need a Mental Health Care Plan referral from your GP.
Generalist Counselling
Qualified and experienced professionals provide our generalist counselling program. This free service is available to anyone in the community who needs support to deal with personal, relationship or family matters. We can also provide information on other services available and refer you to a more suitable service when appropriate.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselling
If you are affected by substance abuse, we offer free Alcohol and Other Drugs counselling service. If you want to cut down, withdraw, or are affected by a loved one using alcohol or other drugs, our counsellors can assist you. To access this service, contact ACSO on 1300 022 760 to arrange an intake interview and request to be referred to us during the intake process.
Rural Withdrawal Service
The Rural Withdrawal Service supports people of any age needing information, support and supervision to withdraw from substance abuse.
Firstly, an assessment will be conducted where you will receive information on the right detox rehabilitation option for you. This may include withdrawal at home, in the hospital or a detox unit. You can also discuss the suitability of other services for detox rehabilitation that are available.
The Rural Withdrawal Service is a free service available to people of all ages. To access this service, contact us to make an appointment for assessment with the Withdrawal Nurse.
You can request to be referred to our service by the Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO Connect) – this can be a self-referral or a referral by a health professional. You can contact ACSO on 1300 022 760 or via the ACSO Connect website.
Suicide Prevention Counselling
1 in 6 Australians will have thoughts of suicide at some point during their lives. Our Suicide Prevention Counsellor can help you if you are experiencing these thoughts. While they are common and can pass, it’s important that you talk to someone.
To access our free Suicide Prevention Counsellor, you don’t need a Mental Health Care Plan; simply get in touch with us and make an appointment.
Please keep in mind that our phones are staffed during business hours. If you need urgent help, call LifeLine for 24/7 crisis support on 131114.
