How to find free online counselling and mental health support in Australia [2022 Guide]
When it comes to seeking help for mental health issues, many people feel like they have to break the bank. This simply isn't true, as there are a number of free online counselling services available in Australia. In this article, we'll provide you with overview of the types of services that might be available to you, as well as a few tips on how to find these services and get the most out of them.
Imagine that you're struggling with mental health issues and you can't afford to pay for counselling or mental health support. What are some of the options you have for finding free or low-cost counselling and mental health support in Australia?
You might be asking yourself, "Are there any mental health support services that won't cost me an arm and a leg?"
Whilst we at Strong Space Counselling don't offer free counselling (yet), we strongly believe in the importance of accessible mental health support for everyone. When people understand what services are available to them, they make more informed decisions about which services are appropriate for them and their situation.
Challenges of Finding the Right Type of Mental Health Care
One of the main challenges people face when looking for free online counselling and mental health support in Australia is finding reputable services. It can be difficult to know which services are trustworthy and which ones aren't.
Additionally, some people may feel like the only option available to them is to see a counsellor or mental health professional in person, and so they might not be aware that there are free online counselling services available.
Another challenge is that not everyone knows about the free services that are available to them. So, it's important to do your research and ask around to see what's available in your area.
It can be difficult to find free or low-cost counselling and mental health support in Australia, especially if you're struggling with mental health issues. In this article, we'll describe the differences in service payment options, and provide you with a few tips on how to find these services, as well as how to get the most out of them.
Types of Subsidised Mental Health Support in Australia
Community Based Counselling
Community-based counselling is a form of subsidised mental health support that is offered in local communities. This type of counselling is usually provided by local organisations or community groups, such as charities or not-for-profit organisations.
Community-based counselling is usually offered on a sliding scale, which means that people can choose to pay what they can afford. This type of counselling is typically short-term, and it's aim is to provide support during difficult times or periods of transition.
Some community organisations receive funding from local, state and federal government bodies to provide specific services to a specific population of people (ie women's services, men's organisations, domestic violence survivors, LGBTQIA+ community, the indigenous population etc).
One of the advantages of community-based free counselling is that it's easily accessible, as it's usually offered in local communities. Additionally, this type of counselling can be flexible and tailored to meet the needs of the community.
The disadvantage of this type of counselling is that, depending on the size of the organisation and community, the amount of funding that it receives and the highly accessible nature of the support, there may be significant waitlists before you'll be seen. In some cases, under funded and staffed organsiations can see clients wait up to 6-12 months before receiving the support they need.
Low-Cost Online Counselling
Another option for finding free or low-cost counselling and mental health support in Australia is to look for online counselling services. Online counselling is a type of therapy that is provided via the internet, and it can be a great option for people who are unable to access traditional face-to-face counselling services.
Online counselling can be a more affordable option than traditional counselling, as it doesn't require you to pay for things like travel costs or childcare. Additionally, online counselling can be more convenient, as you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection.
A word of advice: be wary of these big tech companies making money from the mental health industry. Whilst they are significantly cheaper and more accessible options to traditional counselling and therapy practices, it has been argued that the high volume of clients that counsellors are required to see each day coupled with the politics that come with being a technology company (think shareholders, profit margins, personal data storage, huge marketing teams and exploitation of industry professionals - all things community orgs and private practices don't really have to worry about) can make this option ethically challenging for some seeking appropriate support.
Subsidised Psychology Services (Medicare/Mental Health Care Plan)
If you're looking for a more long-term and comprehensive form of mental health support, you may want to consider seeking out subsidised psychology services. In Australia, people who have a diagnosed mental health condition can access subsidised psychological services through Medicare.
To be eligible for subsidised psychology services, you will need to talk to a GP and get a Mental Health Care Plan. Once you have that, you will be able to see a psychologist or social worker for up to 10 sessions per calendar year, either for free or at a reduced price.
One of the challenges with subsidised psychology services is that the practices and organisations that are free have long waitlists, sometimes for months or up to a year. And of the services that aren't completely free, the out of pocket costs can still be upwards of $100+ per session anyway.
Psychologists are also typically trained in mainstream models like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). These modalities are incredibly helpful and I encourage you to learn more about them (especially ACT), but like everything in life, they're not for everyone. They've been described by some as feeling scientific, routinised and impersonal.
If you find the right person, or have the patience to try a few different providers, than this is definitely a good option for you.
Private health insurance
You may also be able to access mental health support through your private health insurance. Although this isn't a free option, it can be a more affordable way to access counselling and therapy services, as you will only have to pay a fraction of the cost.
To see if you are covered, you will need to check with your private health insurer. You can do this by giving them a call or looking at their website.
If you're looking for a list of potential service providers, you can also check out the Australian Psychology Society's website.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
If you're employed, your workplace may also offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This is a confidential counselling service that is provided to employees and their families.
EAPs can offer support for a range of issues, including mental health, stress, relationship problems, alcohol and drug use, and financial difficulties.
To access an EAP, you will need to talk to your employer or human resources department. They will be able to provide you with more information about the services that are offered and how to access them.
Sliding Scale Subsidies in Private Practices
Some private practitioners offer counselling and therapy services on a sliding scale basis. This means that they will charge you based on your income, so that the services are more affordable.
If you're interested in this option, you can search for sliding scale practitioners on Google or directories like Psychology Today.
It's important to note that not all practitioners who say they offer sliding scale actually do. Be sure to ask about it when you're making an appointment, as some may only offer it to certain clients or under certain circumstances.
6 Ways to Find Online Mental Health Support Available To You
There are a number of ways that you can find online mental health support, and in this article we will outline six of them.
1. Check out your state based government website
Every state should have a list of government funded counselling and mental health support options available to their relevant jurisdictions.
Usually you’ll find them in your state’s “Health” directorate website under the category ‘Mental Health’.
2. Use Google (and use it right)
There are a tonne of alternative community organisations and businesses that are funded externally to provide mental health support that don’t get listed on the big websites, and for them you need to know what you are googling.
Obviously (maybe), start by searching for "free online counselling australia" or "free mental health support australia" and find reputable websites that offer these services.
At the very least, you’ll find heaps of articles with super relevant information about practical ways to support yourself until you can find the right help for you.
Move onto more specific searches for your exact problem like “free men’s counselling australia”, “free anxiety support australia” or “free dads group near me”.
The more specific you get, the more refined your search results will be, which means that you’ll be
3. Contact your local council or community centre
Inquire about free or low-cost counselling and mental health support services in your area .
4. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider
They may be able to refer you to a service that is right for you.
5. Ask family and friends
If you know someone who has accessed counselling or mental health support services, they may be able to recommend a service to you.
6. Use social media
Connect with others who may be able to provide recommendations for free or low-cost counselling and mental health support services in your area.
There are a number of ways that you can find online mental health support, and in this article we have outlined six of them. If you're looking for affordable counselling and therapy services, your private health insurance may be the best option for you. You can also check out your workplace's Employee Assistance Program, or look for sliding scale practitioners who offer their