Counselling Online is a free and confidential service that provides 24/7 support to people across Australia affected by alcohol or drug use.
We support people at all stages of help-seeking, whether you are: -seeking support for the first time -waiting to access treatment, receiving treatment but require additional support, particularly after hours -in recovery and wanting to connect with others -managing lapse and relapse -wanting to share your experience and support others -being impacted by or supporting someone with an alcohol or substance problem
Counselling Online is a Turning Point service funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health. We assist Australian residents concerned about alcohol and other drugs and have been providing support since 2006.
Counselling Online services are provided by counselling staff with professional qualifications and experience in alcohol and drug counselling and treatment.Â
They are here to help you at any time when you need it. Whether you need a chat to get you through a moment, a longer conversation to work through a greater difficulty or if you have an immediate need, they are here and able to support you.
Our counsellors will listen, reflect and help you with where you are at and what you can do next. If you wish they will connect you to the appropriate supports that will help you take the next steps towards change and recovery. Â The best way to connect with one of our counsellors is directly through our website.
Fees and Payment
Counselling online is a free service.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
Online Counseling: Yes
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.