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Mental health services

We provide programs and services to support your mental health and wellbeing.

Many people experience mental health issues. Almost half of Australians aged 16-85 years will experience a mental health issue at some time in their life. People with mental health challenges can experience intense stress, anxiety, depression, vicarious trauma, loneliness, and trouble sleeping, amongst other issues.

Mental health can affect and be affected by many different areas and experiences of life. This includes relationships, family violence, family law conflicts, disability, disadvantage and natural disasters. We know, however, that the right support can help to improve mental health and wellbeing.

We work to support people of all ages, at many different stages with their mental health. As well as providing support for mental health concerns through our general services, we offer specialised mental health services. Our full range of services is listed below.

We also provide professional training offerings including scheduled workshops and webinars, and on-demand customised training on topics such as managing mental health in the workplace, being a casual counsellor, and vicarious trauma.

Please note: We are not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 000 (triple zero).

For 24/7 crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, SuicideLine Victoria on 1300 651 251 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

Our mental health services

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Free programs to support parents and children in specific areas of Ballarat and Sunshine to manage family changes and developmental transitions that may negatively impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

Family Advocacy and Support Services - Mental Health Support

Free mental health support for people with matters in the family law court.

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A confidential service that provides a safe and supportive space to talk about difficulties or challenges. It can help to improve wellbeing, relieve distress and strengthen relationships. For individuals, couples and families.

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A free family mental health support service for children and young people in East Gippsland at risk of or affected by mental illness.

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Bushfire counselling and support

Free and confidential counselling for individuals, families, emergency service workers and children and young people affected by the East Gippsland bushfires.

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Free counselling and support for 4-11-year-old children in Gippsland experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, distress and trouble sleeping.

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headspace Bairnsdale

Free and low-cost support for young people in Bairnsdale who need help with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drugs or work and study support.

A teenager laying down on the ground resting his head on a yellow skateboard as he holds a phone in front of his face.

Free and low-cost support for young people in the Wellington Shire area who need help with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drugs or work and study support.

A group of young teenagers standing next to each other outside.

headspace Wonthaggi

Free and low-cost support for young people in Bass Coast and South Gippsland who need help with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drugs or work and study.

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A free group program supporting men to discuss life challenges, learn from each other about mental health and wellbeing, and focus on healthy relationships.

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I like, like you

Programs for primary and secondary schools that promote the connection between healthy relationships, and emotional health and wellbeing.

Mental health-related professional training

Training workshops

Online & in Person

Express your interest in future workshops

Vicarious Trauma

Learn about different types of trauma, their impacts and strategies you can use to maintain your wellbeing at work.

Webinar program

This 1.5-hour pre-recorded webinar can be accessed at any time.

Mental Health Impacts of Loneliness and Isolation

In this pre-recorded webinar, Lilia Szarski explores the post-COVID-19 mental health impacts of loneliness and isolation.

Webinar program

This 1.5 hour pre-recorded webinar can be accessed at any time.

Aboriginal Mental Health

This webinar explores both risk factors and protective behaviours for Aboriginal peoples experiencing mental health issues by addressing the critical issues outlined below. These include grief about the loss of culture, land, connection; and many more areas; often connected to Australia’s history of invasion.

Training workshops

Online & in Person

Express your interest in future workshops.

The Tree of Life: An Approach to Working with Vulnerable Children, Young People and Adults

This workshop offers counsellors practical online skills-training in art, play, drama and storytelling therapies to engage children and others.

Training workshops

Online & in Person

Express your interest in future workshops.

Revolutionising Trauma Treatment: 3-part workshop series

Learn neurophysical and psychophysical theory and principles and apply them to update the mind, brain, and nervous system to recognise when trauma is over.

Training workshops

Online & in Person

Express your interest in future workshops.

Advanced Family Therapy Program: 5-part workshop series

Ideal for for experienced family therapists and professionals in related roles who want to enhance their skills for working with diverse client groups.

Training workshops

Online & in Person

Express your interest in future workshops.

Single Session Contact in Online Therapeutic Practice

Engage with valuable strategies and tools that can be integrated into your practice.

Webinar program

This 1.5-hour pre-recorded webinar will be available to purchase soon.

Narrative e-Writing Intervention (NeW-I)

This webinar will explore the theoretical underpinnings and applied practice of NeW-I, highlighting its clinical efficacy in reducing parent-caregivers’ burden while enhancing their perceived social support, spiritual wellbeing, sense of meaning, peace, hope and quality of life in the midst of grief adversity.

Mental health-related resources

External resources & links

View all mental health resources

External resources & links

Other mental health services

View all resources

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