Counsellors
Counsellors
A counsellor can work with you to address issues both in the short-term (stopping or reducing drug and alcohol use) and in the long-term (the large range of issues that drug and alcohol use can raise).
Going to see a counsellor can be a big step and it’s okay to feel nervous. A counsellor is there to help you make decisions about your life and issues you may be facing – not make the decisions for you.
Counsellors often work at schools, community health centres, youth health centres, TAFEs, universities or family planning clinics. Some may also work privately.
Alternatively, headspace centres offer health advice, support and information for young people aged 12-25. Visit a centre or headspace.org.au.
The cost can vary widely, with many, such as those at unis or health centres being free or very low cost.
Not all counsellors are the same; each counsellor has their own personality and different styles of counselling. Finding someone to suit you is important and the first counsellor you see may not be the right one for you.
Try not to give up. If you do not feel comfortable with the first person you see, or if you think they are not listening to you, it is a good idea to go and see someone different.
Check out the Face to face professional help on Reach Out for more info on counsellors.
If you’ve made an appointment but you want to talk to someone now, you can call Lifeline on 131 114 (cost of a local call) or Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 (free call, for people 25 and under). Alternatively, ring the ADIS in your state.
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