Getting access to treatment can seem like a daunting task especially if you are already dealing with a mental health problem. Here are some ways you can access help or encourage a friend to.

There are many ways to access help, ideally an appointment with a GP sould be the first point so they can check your health as well.

Steps

1. Make a long appointment with your GP and let them know you would like to talk about a Mental Health Plan. During the appointment you will need to be very explicit about the problems including the duration and symptoms. The GP can then refer you to a psychologist at a heavily discounted rate.

2. The ANU Psychology Clinic can offer discounted rates for treatment. Their Aim : To provide the highest standards in psychological assessment and treatment in a professional, responsive and caring environment.

The ANU Psychology Clinic is a research, training and treatment centre offering specialized psychological services to the community. The clinic provides assessment, counselling and therapy for adults who may be experiencing emotional or behavioural problems including anxiety, fears and phobias, depression, grief and stress related health conditions. The clinic also provides a specialist treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. Therapy is provided individually or within groups, is time limited and centered around evidence based best practices.

The clinic is staffed by Clinical Psychologists and Intern Psychologists. Interns have already completed four years training in psychology and are now undertaking specialist training in Clinical Psychology. Interns are skilled in assessment and counseling and are supervised by a Clinical Psychologist. All therapists are registered with the Psychologists Board of the ACT. Clinical consultants within the Research School of Psychology specializing in health psychology, child, adolescent and family health, drug and alcohol and mood disorders further support the clinic therapists.

The clinic is staffed by Clinical Psychologists and Intern Psychologists. Interns have already completed four years training in psychology and are now undertaking specialist training in Clinical Psychology. Interns are skilled in assessment and counseling and are supervised by a Clinical Psychologist. All therapists are registered with the Psychologists Board of the ACT. Clinical consultants within the Research School of Psychology specializing in health psychology, child, adolescent and family health, drug and alcohol and mood disorders further support the clinic therapists.” (ANU)

3. Belconnen Mental Health Team can be contacted directly or you can be referred there by a GP.  They have a range of staff including counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. All you need to do is call them to discuss your situation. You will have a decision the following day as to how and when you can receive treatment.

4. The Mental Health Foundation provides a range of services including consumer and carer respite, hospital exit program, peer assisted support and recovery, and much more. Contact them directly for assistance and referral.

5. Woden Community Service “offers a range of supports to people living with  mental health issues. Their key programs are Transition to Recovery (TRec) and Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs). WCS is also a provider of the Housing and Recovery Initiative (HARI): a partnership between Housing ACT, Mental Health and WCS which provides housing linked to community and clinical support for people with a range of psychiatric disability and complex needs.” (WCS).

6. Headspace ” headspace ACT provides support, information and assistance for young people aged 12 to 25 years who are experiencing emotional or mental health issues and/or a substance use issue. headspace ACT has a variety of workers and services that young people can see, including:

• Youth Mental Health Workers
• Alcohol and Drug Workers
• Psychologists
• Private Practitioners

Self referral – If you want to refer yourself just phone 6201 5343 or email headspaceACT@canberra.edu.au and we will contact you to make an appointment.  Please be aware that this email account is only checked during business hours so if you need urgent help call the Crisis, Assessment and Treatment Team on 1800 629 354 or Lifeline 13 1114.

Family referral -Families, carers or friends can refer a young person to headspace ACT.  The young person needs to be aware of the referral and be willing to meet with aheadspace ACT Youth Worker.  To make a referral on behalf of a young person please phone 6201 5343 or email headspaceACT@canberra.edu.auand we will contact the young person to make an appointment.

Agency or school referral – Young people can be referred to headspace ACT by schools, health or community workers.  Referrals must be received in writing on the headspaceACT referral form and can be hand delivered or posted to Room 12B40, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, faxed to 6201 2345 or emailed toheadspaceACT@canberra.edu.au Referrals should include as much information as possible and be undertaken with the consent of the young person.

Click the links below to download the referral forms:

• General referral form word version
• General referral form PDF version

General Practitioner referral – General Practitioners should include a mental health care plan for the young person and attach this to the GP referral form. The referral form and mental health care plan can be hand delivered or posted to Room 12B40, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, faxed to 6201 2345 or emailed toheadspaceACT@canberra.edu.au. Referrals should include as much information as possible and be undertaken with the consent of the young person.

Click the links below to download the referral forms:

• GP referral form word version
• GP referral form PDF version

7. Eating Disorders Program

A specialist, community-based, multidisciplinary team providing assessment and treatment programs for eating disorders. Team includes: psychiatrist, psychologists and allied health professionals. Outpatient and day programs are available to residents of both the ACT and surrounding NSW regions. Consultation/liaison is also available to health professionals.

Hours: 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.
Contact:
For an appointment phone 6205 1519 or fax: 6205 1152
Phillip Health Centre
Cnr Keltie and Corinna Streets
WODEN ACT 2606

8. The Junction

The Junction Youth Health Service is a free primary health care service that provides support to young people in all aspects of their health and wellbeing. The Junction can be accessed by young people aged 12 to 25 years old and their children, living in the ACT and surrounding areas. The Junction has a particular focus on working with young people who are homeless or otherwise at risk.

Contact us:
junctioninfo@
anglicare.com.au
Ph: (02) 6232 2423
Fax: (02) 6232 2424