HelpingMinds offers free support to the family and friends of people living with mental health challenges across WA.
We started over 40 years ago and we understand that having a loved one who is experiencing mental ill-health can be a difficult and isolating experience. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
We are here to listen and to provide you with emotional and practical supports that will help you and your family cope during stressful times.
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Take a simple guided quiz and let us know your preferences. Get matched to an online therapist right for you. Convenient and affordable online therapy from your phone, tablet or computer.
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Services Offered
Individual and group counselling for carers, family and children of people suffering from mental illness.
All services are free and can be provided across metropolitan and regional WA in person or by phone.
Fees and Payment
Free
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.