First Light Care Association is a non-profit community organisation established in 1997, founded and managed by a group of Australian-Chinese Christian community leaders and professionals (in counselling, pastoral care, management, law, accounting and others) who care deeply about the well-being of Australian and Chinese families.
Our Sydney City Counselling Centre opened in Sydney Chinatown in 1998 and our Sydney West Counselling and Education Centre opened in Harris Park in 2006, relocating to West Ryde in 2016.
Our services are provided by professional counsellors who speak both English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) and understand the cultural issues of the Australian Chinese Communities. All counsellors have professional qualifications in psychology, family therapy or counselling.
First Light Care is able to help you or your family to deal with many different issues that may otherwise lead to tension or relationship breakdown. Our counsellors are experienced professionals who will listen to your concerns and assist you to work things out.
Fees and Payment
In order to help low income people and families, subsidised low fee counselling services are provided to needy individuals and families. If you have difficulty paying the standard fee, you may apply for subsidy by honestly declaring your family financial capability. The level of subsidy will be based on the combined incomes of all family members of the applicant.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples
Languages: English Cantonese Mandarin
Payment: Sliding Scale
Online Counseling: Yes
Were You Able To Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
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.
