Carers WA is a not for profit organization that provides free information, education and training, resources and referrals to support carers throughout NSW via the Carer Gateway program.
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Services Offered
Carer Gateway is the national network of support services for carers which commenced in April 2020.
Carer Gateway services are free to access for anyone caring for a family member or friend who is living with a disability, a long term medical condition, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency or someone who is frail due to age.
Services for carers through Carer Gateway include: -Individual counselling: To help carers maintain health and wellbeing in their caring role, and to assist in times of stress and overwhelm. Sessions can be delivered either in person or online. Carer Gateway counsellors are experienced with carer specific issues. -Peer support: Helping carers connect with people in similar situations. Delivered in a group setting with a Carer Gateway facilitator, either face to face or online. -Carer directed support packages: Financial assistance available for carers to access carer support services and for one off purchase to aid in the caring role. -Planned and emergency respite: Temporary care for the person being looked after while the carer takes a break, or in case of an emergency. -Carer coaching: Assist carers in acquiring the skills needed in their caring role, and help them setting and meeting their own goals. Available in person or online. -Group counselling: Helps carers to recognise common issues, feel understood by each other and experience a greater sense of belonging and reduced isolation. Sessions are in person and facilitated by a Carer Gateway counsellor.
Fees and Payment
All services are free of charge.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
Online Counseling: Yes
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
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.