Whether you are experiencing mental health problems or going through a difficult time in your life, we can help. Our aim is to help you live the best life you can, whatever challenges you face. We do this by offering informal one to one support, groups and counselling.
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Services Offered
Anyone over 16 years old can receive counselling if they are registered with their local doctor in the Gateshead area. We see men and women, people from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and people from within the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community. All are welcome.
Sessions are only available on a referral basis from your GP or another member of the primary care team.
Common reasons why people seek help through counselling include: Experiencing relationship difficulties, such as a break up or difficulties with family - Feeling stressed e.g. problems at work - Bereavement - Needing to come to terms with difficult or painful feelings - Low self esteem - Coping with injury or illness - Childhood trauma - Self image and identity issues - Feeling low, depressed or anxious
Counselling aims to support individuals who: - Are willing to look at their problems thoughtfully and honestly - Are open to change and to finding better ways of coping - Can commit to attending counselling for a regular period of time
Fees and Payment
This is a registered charity
Services Offered To: Adults Teens
Special Groups: LGBTQ
Payment: 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.