CAREinMIND is an initiative funded by the Australian Government. It provides free mental health services for people in north western Melbourne and is administered by the Primary Health Network of the region.
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Services Offered
CAREinMIND can provide free mental health services for people of all ages who: -cannot afford (or are ineligible for) other local services -are experiencing mental health stress from mild to severe -live, work or study in the north western Melbourne area.
To access this service you will need a referral from a Doctor of health professional. Please direct your health professional to our website if they are unfamiliar with the service.
GPs, psychiatrists or paediatricians can refer children and teenagers to CAREinMIND services. School principals, school counsellors, maternal child health nurses and early childhood staff can also refer under a ‘provisional referral’. A provisional referral means a young client can get two sessions until a GP issues a full referral.
Referrals are assessed and triaged, based on a person’s clinical needs, then allocated to an appropriate, experienced mental health practitioner.
Fees and Payment
Counselling services are provided free of charge.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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.