QuIHN is a statewide, not for profit, and non-government health service which provides a variety of health services to illicit drug users throughout Queensland.
QuIHN, through its members, board of management, staff and volunteers promote the health and well-being of people who currently use illicit drugs, those who have used illicit drugs in the past, and members of the community touched or affected by illicit drug use.
QuIHN provides medical services, needle syringe programs, counselling, support services, distribution of information, education and training, workforce development initiatives, life skills programs and services that relate to illicit drug use, blood borne viruses, sexual health and other psychological and physical health issues.
In particular, QuIHN provides the following types of primary care and population health programs: -Access to medical practitioners -Harm reduction services (needle and syringe programs) -Workforce development and training for external health professionals and human service workers -Education and information provision to clients and community groups -Brief interventions, health promotion interventions and information and referrals. -Outreach and community partnership collaboration initiatives -Social support programs and non-clinical counselling -Clinical counselling, dual diagnosis counselling and relapse prevention programs -Programs targeting parents and families experiencing issues associated with substance use and/or mental health.
Services Offered
QuIHN offers individual clinical counselling for people whose lives are affected by substance use and related mental health and/or parenting and family issues that may be present. Clinical counselling and support is provided to individuals who wish to address their drug use and any co-occurring mental health concerns (dual diagnosis).
Counselling and support can also be provided to significant others and/or carers of someone with substance use and/or mental health concerns.
We also have a Parent, Child and Family Support Team that provides counselling, support and advocacy for individuals and couples.
QuIHN’s Treatment team consists of trained and professional counsellors, social workers and psychologists who utilise a range of evidence based therapies and approaches designed to support clients through a process of change. Counselling approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focussed Therapy, Schema Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Attachment based therapies. The particular type of counselling used will depend on the assessed needs, and preferences, of the client.Â
Following an initial assessment, the client and counsellor will work in collaboration to establish an agreed upon direction for future sessions. Counselling staff members are client focused in their approach and will support clients in formulating and addressing their own chosen goals for change.Â
Therapeutic and psychosocial education and support groups are also available to complement the individual counselling.
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.
