Adelaide

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Mental Health Support

Access to mental health services, including counselors, therapists, and support hotlines in Adelaide.

Sections

1. Public Mental Health Services in Adelaide

Public mental health services in Adelaide are primarily funded by the South Australian Government and are accessible to residents through the public healthcare system, Medicare. These services are often free or low-cost.

Key Public Services:

  • SA Health Mental Health Services

    • SA Health provides a range of mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and older people. Services include crisis intervention, inpatient care, and community-based support.
    • Website: SA Health Mental Health Services
    • Contact: 13 14 65 (Mental Health Triage Service - 24/7)

  • Community Mental Health Services

    • These services are available across Adelaide and include outpatient clinics, case management, and therapy for individuals with moderate to severe mental health conditions.
    • Referral: A referral from a GP (General Practitioner) is often required.

  • Headspace (Youth Mental Health)

    • Headspace provides free or low-cost mental health support for young people aged 12โ€“25.
    • Location: Headspace Adelaide, 173 Wakefield Street, Adelaide SA 5000
    • Website: Headspace Adelaide
    • Contact: (08) 8212 0233

2. Private Mental Health Services in Adelaide

Private mental health services are widely available in Adelaide and include psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors. These services are typically faster to access but may involve out-of-pocket costs.

Key Private Services:

  • Psychologists

    • Psychologists provide therapy for a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems.
    • Cost: $150โ€“$250 per session (Medicare rebates of up to $89.65 per session are available with a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP).
    • Find a psychologist: Australian Psychological Society

  • Psychiatrists

    • Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, often involving medication.
    • Cost: $200โ€“$500 per consultation (Medicare rebates available; private health insurance may cover additional costs).
    • Referral: A GP referral is required to see a psychiatrist.

  • Private Clinics

    • Examples include Ramsay Health Careโ€™s Adelaide Clinic and Fullarton Private Hospital, which offer inpatient and outpatient mental health services.
    • Website: Ramsay Health Care

3. Crisis Hotlines and Immediate Support

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the following hotlines provide immediate support:

  • Lifeline Australia (24/7)

  • Beyond Blue (24/7)

  • Suicide Call Back Service (24/7)

  • Kids Helpline (for children and young people aged 5โ€“25)

  • Mental Health Emergency (SA Health)

    • Phone: 13 14 65 (24/7)

4. Costs of Consultations and Treatments

  • Public Services: Free or low-cost (covered by Medicare).
  • Private Services:
    • Psychologists: $150โ€“$250 per session (Medicare rebate available with a Mental Health Care Plan).
    • Psychiatrists: $200โ€“$500 per consultation (Medicare rebate available).
    • Private Clinics: Costs vary; private health insurance may cover some expenses.

Medicare Rebates:

  • To access Medicare rebates for mental health services, you need a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP. This plan allows you to claim rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a psychologist or other allied mental health professional.

5. Referral Procedures

  • GP Referral: A GP is often the first point of contact for mental health concerns. They can assess your needs, provide a Mental Health Care Plan, and refer you to appropriate services.
  • Self-Referral: Some services, such as Headspace and private counselors, allow self-referral without needing a GP.

6. Counseling and Therapy Services

Adelaide offers a wide range of counseling and therapy services, including:

  • Relationships Australia SA

    • Provides counseling for individuals, couples, and families.
    • Location: 49a Orsmond Street, Hindmarsh SA 5007
    • Website: Relationships Australia SA
    • Contact: 1300 364 277

  • AnglicareSA

    • Offers counseling and mental health support for individuals and families.
    • Website: AnglicareSA
    • Contact: 1300 111 243

  • University Counseling Services

    • Universities such as the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and UniSA provide free or low-cost counseling for students.

7. Cultural Considerations

Adelaide is a multicultural city, and many mental health services are sensitive to the needs of diverse cultural backgrounds. Some services cater specifically to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities:

  • Multicultural Mental Health Services

    • SA Health provides culturally appropriate mental health services for CALD communities.
    • Contact: 13 14 65 (Mental Health Triage Service)

  • Australian Refugee Association (ARA)

    • Offers mental health support for refugees and asylum seekers.
    • Website: ARA
    • Contact: (08) 8354 2951

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services

    • Nunkuwarrin Yunti provides culturally appropriate mental health and wellbeing services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
    • Location: 182โ€“190 Wakefield Street, Adelaide SA 5000
    • Website: Nunkuwarrin Yunti
    • Contact: (08) 8406 1600

8. Local In-Person Support

  • Adelaide Central Community Mental Health Service

    • Location: 275 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
    • Contact: (08) 8226 8777

  • The Adelaide Clinic (Private)

    • Location: 33 Park Terrace, Gilberton SA 5081
    • Website: The Adelaide Clinic
    • Contact: (08) 8269 8100

  • Fullarton Private Hospital

9. Online and Telehealth Services

  • Better Access Initiative

    • Many psychologists and counselors offer telehealth services under Medicare.

  • eHeadspace

    • Free online and phone support for young people aged 12โ€“25.
    • Website: eHeadspace

  • MindSpot

    • Free online mental health assessment and therapy courses.
    • Website: MindSpot

10. Additional Resources

  • Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA)

    • Provides resources, workshops, and support groups.
    • Website: MHFA

  • Carers SA

    • Support for carers of individuals with mental health conditions.
    • Website: Carers SA

This guide provides a detailed overview of mental health support in Adelaide. If you need further assistance or have specific questions, feel free to ask!