About Generalist Counselling
We can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to explore your concerns and identify strategies and resources to help you alongside our team of dedicated and highly trained counsellors.
A variety of evidence-based techniques and therapeutic approaches can be provided by our counsellors based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Counselors may specialise in particular approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Trauma Therapy and Mindfulness & A.C.T, and as needed, BHN counsellors can refer clients to other services.
The following are some of the issues people bring to counselling:
- Anxiety and depression management
- Loss-related grief
- Chronic health conditions
- Parenting
- Difficulties in family and relationships
- Relationship issues
- Issues related to school or work
- Stress
- Feelings of anger
- Abuse and violence
- Drug and alcohol use
Children, young people, families, and adults can also receive counselling from our specialists. For more information, please visit Family Counselling.
Accessing Counselling services
In Prahran, St Kilda, Parkdale, Bentleigh East and South Melbourne, generalist counselling is available to adults over 18 years of age Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Cost
For more information, please refer to BHN’s fee policy.
Accessible Psychological Interventions
Who can access the service:
Individuals must:
- be a resident or work within the City of Port Phillip, Glen Eira, Kingston or Stonnington
- be diagnosed with a mild to moderate mental illness* like mild depression or anxiety (except for people at risk of suicide or children under 12)
- have a health care card
- have the capacity to engage in therapy at the current time and be expected to benefit from counselling
*If a person does not have a confirmed diagnosis, an assessment will be conducted and a clinical diagnosis determined by the API provider confirming eligibility for the service.
Who might be ineligible for API services?
- Someone with severe mental illness that significantly impacts their life or risk of mental health decline (a more appropriate service may by Mental Health Integrated Complex Care (MHICC))
- Suicidality requiring emergency services or CATT
- Assessment showing the importance of case management at that time, for instance homelessness, substance abuse, criminal justice system involvement
Referring to API services
Self-referrals, GP referrals, and community referrals are all accepted.
Fax referrals can be submitted by GPs including: GP Mental Health Treatment Plan
To refer to SEMPHN Mental Health Intake, contact:
- Phone (business hours only): 1800 862 363
- Fax: 1300 354 053
On the SEMPHN Mental Health Intake page, referral forms (including medical software templates) are available.
If the referral form contains the required information, it will be accepted. To receive services, the client must consent.
We do not provide mental health support or advice after hours or for emergencies. In these cases, call 000.
Through funding provided by the Australian Government under the South Eastern Melbourne PHN, this service has been made possible.