Sydney Women’s Counselling Centre (SWCC) is a specialist counselling service that works within a Social Determinants of Health, and Trauma Informed Care framework, providing counselling to women who are marginalised and socioeconomically disadvantaged.
The services provided support the psychological and emotional well-being of women, while recognising the social, environmental, economic, physical and cultural factors which affect women’s health.
Sydney Women’s Counselling Centre offers free counselling through programs funded by NSW Health, The Responsible Gambling Fund (Office of Liquor Racing and Gaming), Family and Community Services and South Eastern and Northern Sydney Family Referral Service Barnardos Australia.
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Services Offered
The centre offers individual counselling for women 18 years & over, whom are predominantly from low socioeconomic status, disadvantaged and vulnerable women, including women from CALD backgrounds and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders who couldn’t otherwise afford counselling.
It doesn’t directly provide counselling for children, couples or families, however SWCC has strong partnerships with other organisations whom clients & their families can be referred to & worked with collaboratively (whilst the woman can still attend counselling at SWCC).
The format for counselling at SWCC is on weekly basis for one hour, on a regular day & time for a negotiated period. Clients have the option of short, medium & long term counselling depending on a number of factors including their counselling issues & goals, physical health, availability & commitment.
Fees and Payment
No out of pocket cost, but some counselling services require a GP referral and mental health care plan.
Services Offered To: Adults
Languages: English Mandarin Cantonese
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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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.