We provide life-changing community mental health
& psychosocial disability support services

There are several pathways you can take depending on your needs, location, and whether you are eligible for certain programs or funding options. Here’s how to access each:
1. Counselling Services
• Private Counsellors: You can find a registered private counsellor through online directories or by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or your general practitioner (GP). Counsellors provide support for mental health issues like stress, anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges.
• Community Health Services: Many local health services offer free or low-cost counselling sessions, often on a sliding scale based on your income. You can contact local community health centres for information.
• Online Counselling: Some services offer counselling via video calls, phone, or chat. This can be a good option if you prefer remote support or have trouble accessing in-person services.

2. Psychological Services
• Referral from a GP: If you need psychological services (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or other forms of therapy), you typically need a referral from your GP. A GP can provide you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which gives you access to Medicare rebates for up to 20 sessions per year with a registered psychologist.
• Private Psychologists: You can also directly contact private psychologists, though if you want to access rebates from Medicare, you’ll need a referral from your GP.
• NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme): If you are eligible for the NDIS, you may also be able to access psychological services as part of your NDIS plan.

3. Psychiatry (Medical and Medication Support)
• Referral from a GP: To see a psychiatrist, you generally need a referral from your GP. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health, and they can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, often prescribing medications when necessary.
• Medicare Rebates: Like psychologists, psychiatrists offer Medicare rebates when referred by a GP. The number of visits covered by Medicare may be limited, but additional sessions may be available if required for treatment.
• Private or Public Hospitals: Psychiatrists are also available in public hospitals, although the waiting times can be long. You may be able to see a psychiatrist through outpatient services in some public mental health services if you meet specific criteria.

4. Access Through Health Insurance or Programs
• Private Health Insurance: If you have private health insurance, check with your provider to see if they cover counselling, psychology, or psychiatry services. Health funds may cover some or all of the cost of consultations depending on your policy.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Some workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs, which may include access to free counselling services.

5. Online and Telehealth Options
• Telehealth Services: Many psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists now offer telehealth consultations, which you can access from home. You may still need a GP referral for psychological or psychiatric services to access Medicare rebates.
• Online Therapy Platforms: Some services offer access to licensed therapists and psychologists via apps and websites, with options for text, video, or phone sessions.

Getting financial support can depend on your specific situation, including factors like employment status, health, age, and personal circumstances. Here are some common ways to access financial assistance:
1. Government Support Programs
• Centrelink Payments (Australia): If you’re in Australia, Centrelink provides various types of financial assistance, including:
o JobSeeker Payment: For individuals who are looking for work or in-between jobs.
o Disability Support Pension (DSP): For individuals with a permanent physical or mental condition that limits their ability to work.
o Youth Allowance: For students, apprentices, and young people looking for work.
o Carer Payment: For people who are providing full-time care to someone with a disability.
o Family Tax Benefit: For families with dependent children, providing financial assistance based on income and number of children.
o Pensioner Concession Cards: For low-income individuals, which provide discounts on certain services and utilities.

You can apply for Centrelink support online or visit a local Centrelink office to get more information on what you’re eligible for.

2. Financial Assistance for People with Disabilities
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): If you have a disability, the NDIS can provide funding for supports and services that improve your independence, such as therapy, personal care, and assistive devices. To access NDIS support, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria and create a plan with the help of a coordinator or planner.
• State and Territory-Based Disability Support: Depending on where you live, there may be additional state-based disability support services, including financial assistance programs, grants, and services for people with disabilities.

3. Emergency or Crisis Support
• Crisis Payment: If you’re in immediate financial hardship (e.g., due to an emergency, such as a domestic violence situation or sudden loss of income), you may be eligible for an emergency payment from Centrelink or local charities.
• Charitable Organizations: Many charities and non-profit organizations offer emergency financial aid, including food vouchers, bill assistance, and crisis accommodation. Examples include:
o Salvation Army
o St Vincent de Paul Society
o Lifeline

Contact these organizations for support or visit their websites to see what programs are available in your area.

4. Student Financial Assistance
• Youth Allowance and Austudy: If you’re a student, you may be eligible for financial support through Youth Allowance (for younger students) or Austudy (for mature-age students). These payments help cover living costs while you’re studying.
• Scholarships and Grants: Many universities, institutions, and organizations offer scholarships or grants that provide financial assistance to students, especially those facing financial hardship or from underrepresented groups.

5. Financial Assistance from Employers
• Paid Leave: If you are employed, you may be eligible for paid leave (e.g., sick leave, annual leave) depending on your job contract and employment type. If you are unable to work due to illness or other personal reasons, check with your employer or HR department about your entitlements.
• Workplace Assistance Programs (EAP): Some workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), which might include financial counseling or advice on managing personal finances.

6. Community and Local Government Programs
• Local Government Support: Many local councils offer financial support or assistance with bills, housing, or food for low-income individuals or families. This support is often designed for specific needs or emergencies, such as utility bill payments, housing assistance, or community grants.
• Food Banks: Many communities have food banks or community meal programs to help those facing financial difficulties. Examples include Foodbank Australia and local community centers.

To get on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you need to follow a specific process to determine your eligibility and apply for support. Here are the steps to get started:

1. Check Your Eligibility
To be eligible for the NDIS, you must meet the following criteria:
• Be under 65 years of age when you apply.
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen who holds a Protected Special Category Visa.
• Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to participate in everyday activities.

You must also show that your disability is likely to be permanent (lasting for more than 6 months) and significantly impacts your daily life.

2. Make an Access Request
Once you’ve determined you meet the eligibility requirements, you can request to access the NDIS. You can do this by:
• Calling the NDIS Helpline at 1800 800 110.
• Completing an Access Request Form online or on paper.
• Alternatively, you can visit an NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS partner to help guide you through the process.

3. Provide Supporting Evidence
As part of your application, you’ll need to provide medical evidence or documentation that shows your disability and its impact. This might include:
• A letter from your doctor or specialist.
• Reports or assessments from health professionals.
• Any other documents that show the nature of your disability.

The NDIS team will use this evidence to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.

4. NDIS Decision
After you submit your application and supporting documents, the NDIS will assess your eligibility. You’ll receive a decision in writing about whether you’re eligible for the NDIS. If approved, you’ll be invited to create an NDIS plan.

5. Develop Your NDIS Plan
If you’re eligible, you’ll meet with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss your goals, needs, and the supports you require. Your NDIS plan will outline:
• Your goals (e.g., independence, work, education).
• The funding you’ll receive for services and support.
• Service providers that you can work with to meet your goals.

6. Implement Your Plan
Once your NDIS plan is approved, you can begin accessing the services and support outlined in your plan. You will have control over how to manage and use your funding, whether through direct payments, a plan manager, or by choosing your service providers.

If you need help throughout the process, you can contact the NDIS Helpline or work with an NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or other support services to guide you through the application and planning stages.