The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Brisbane is a not-for-profit community owned health and human services organisation, delivering on the unique health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Brisbane and Logan.
Founded in 1973, we are the largest, most comprehensive Aboriginal medical health service in Queensland. We are determined to reinstate the wellbeing of our people, person by person, family by family, generation by generation.
We pride ourselves on providing health and human services, our way, supporting our people and community in our ongoing commitment to create a flourishing future and lasting legacy for them and their families.
We have five medical clinics, two dental clinics, a midwifery hub, child and family health services, youth services, social and emotional wellbeing programs and services, an aged cared facility (Jimbelunga), and a variety of family and child support services including child protection, housing services, a child and family centre at Waterford West, kindergarten programs and family wellbeing services.
No shame in talkin’ about it! If you’re not feeling as good as you know you should, you may need to yarn to someone. We’re here to help!
We all have good days and bad days. Our social health team are skilled and qualified to help you with a range of things. We can: -help you find information about your wellbeing -provide you with support and skills to get through the difficult times -support you to find a doctor who might give you medication that can help.
Our social health and wellbeing program is FREE.
When to seek counselling? You’re not alone. Most people struggle emotionally with problems at some stage in their life. This does not mean we are ‘weak’, ‘womba’ or ‘crazy’. Counsellors and psychologists help us ‘weather the storm’ of life when we start to feel as though the sun will never come out.
What happens in the first session? We will get an understanding of your story, your problems and the things you are doing well. This helps to set goals for further sessions.
How many times will I need to go to notice an improvement? Everyone is different. Some people may have positive effects from one session. Â Long-term change often requires commitment so many you may need up to 6 sessions to experience benefits.
How do I access the Social Health team? Talk with your GP. They can refer you to the Social Health team for counselling and support. Â Your information is confidential and kept private.
Our team is made up of a number of professionals including: -Psychologists. Trained professionals who can provide treatment for conditions diagnosed by your doctors and for a range of problems affecting your social and emotional wellbeing. -Care Coordinators, Case Managers, Intake. Trained professionals who help individuals and families cope better with problems. They work closely with clients and their families to identify their needs, goals, and the necessary resources to achieve these. They also support you to seek out and find practical solutions for daily/social concerns, i.e., housing and family conflict. -Counsellors. Are trained professionals who can provide help with a range of issues. They can provide emotional support and help you learn skills for a range of issues, e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, work stress, identity/cultural issues, family conflict and anger issues.Â
We run a number of men’s and women’s groups. Visit our Community Groups page for more information.
Fees and Payment
Counselling services are free of charge.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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.
