Current location
You are here: help staying at home > what help is available? > what services are available? > counselling > counselling servicesHelp staying at home
Counselling services
There may be times when you or someone you know needs counselling services – whether for bereavement, depression, drug or alcohol-related problems, or the stress of being a carer. If you need counselling, you can contact :
- a doctor,
- a community health centre,
- a community mental health centre, or
- the National Carer Counselling Program (more information)
Lifeline
If you need to speak to someone for immediate counselling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.Lifeline provides 24-hour telephone counselling services for the cost of a local call. This is available through Lifeline centres across Australia. They also offer face-to-face counselling services in many Lifeline centres. Types of services and counselling service themes vary from one centre to another based on the specific needs of each regional or local area.
State and territory governments
You can also check your state or territory’s website for local contacts and counselling services, or try the state and territory government section in the Yellow Pages.Carer support groups
These groups can help you get through tough times and they’re also a safe place to talk about feelings such as a sense of guilt or frustration. Whatever your situation, there’s a support group you can join to meet other carers with similar experiences and to hear how they’ve coped with difficult situations.For information contact 1800 200 422.
National Carer Counselling Program (NCCP)
The National Carer Counselling Program provides short-term counselling and emotional and psychological support services for carers. This aims to help reduce carer stress, improve carer coping skills and facilitate, wherever possible, continuation of the caring role. The NCCP is delivered through the Network of Carer Associations in each state and territory. For information contact 1800 200 422.National Dementia Support Program
Counselling and support services for people with dementia, their carers, and families are available through Alzheimer's Australia. Contact them on 1800 100 500.Useful contacts
Good Grief can help people experiencing grief to cope with the effects of significant loss by building coping strategies, self-esteem and a sense of personal achievement.If you are a bereaved parent, sibling, or grand-parent, Compassionate Friends will provide you with information about where and when you may contact them and perhaps encourage you to come along to one of their Sharing Meetings.