Counselling
We can all experience challenges in our lives including our relationships, families, workplace and health. These challenges can be ongoing or arise from time to time. Difficulties can occur for many reasons and we can deal with these by talking to friends or family, or trying to manage things ourselves. There are, however, times when issues may be too much for us to manage on our own, and seeking support from a counsellor can be helpful.
About Generalist Counselling
Our team of dedicated and highly trained counsellors can offer you a safe and supportive space to explore your concerns, options, and identify strategies and resources to assist you. Our counsellors can provide a wide variety of evidence-based techniques and therapeutic approaches tailored to meet your specific needs and circumstances.
Counsellors may have specific training and interest in particular approaches such as Mindfulness & A.C.T., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Trauma Therapy.
Star Health counsellors are also able to provide referrals to other services, as required.
Some of the issues people bring to counselling are:
- Management of anxiety and depression
- Grief following a loss
- Chronic health conditions
- Parenting
- Family and relationship difficulties
- Couple issues
- School or work related issues
- Stress
- Anger
- Violence and abuse
- Alcohol and drug use
We also have specialist counsellors who work with children, young people, families and adults. Please see Family Counselling for more information.
How do I access Counselling Services?
Generalist counselling is available to adults over 18 years at the Prahran, St Kilda and South Melbourne locations. The service is available from Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
How much will it cost?
Please see Star Health’s fee policy for further information.
Accessible Psychological Interventions
Who can access the service:
Individuals must:
- live or work in the City of Port Phillip or Stonnington.
- be diagnosed with mild to moderate mental illness* (except for children under 12 or people at risk of suicide), such as mild depression or anxiety.
- have a health care card or unable to access counselling.
- be expected to benefit from counselling and has the capacity to engage in therapy at this point in time.
*If a person does not have a confirmed diagnosis, an assessment will be conducted and a clinical diagnosis determined by the API provider confirming eligibility for the service.
Who may be ineligible for API services?
- A person with severe mental illness which significantly impacts their life or at risk of mental health decline (Mental Health Integrated Complex Care (MHICC) may be a more appropriate service).
- Acute suicidality requiring CATT or emergency service response.
- Assessment that case management is a priority at that point in time e.g. significant competing needs like homelessness, substance use, involvement in the criminal justice system.
How to refer to API services
Referrals can be made by anyone including self-referrals, GPs, and community organisations.
GPs can fax referrals including: GP Mental Health Treatment Plan
Referrals can be made to SEMPHN Mental Health Intake:
- phone (business hours only): 1800 862 363
- Fax: 1300 354 053
Referral forms (including medical software templates) are available on the SEMPHN Mental Health Intake page.
Other referral forms are accepted if they contain the required information. Client consent is needed to receive services.
API services do not provide after-hours or emergency mental health advice or support. In case of emergency, call 000.
This service has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the South Eastern Melbourne PHN.
Make a referral
To find out more about Generalist Counselling or make a referral, please contact the Intake and Referral Service.
(03) 9684 4281