Counselling
Counselling is available for all age groups and includes Aboriginal health, men’s health, drug & alcohol, child & adolescent health, chronic, complex & older adults, violence abuse & neglect prevention. As these services are free to eligible clients waiting lists sometimes develop.
Aboriginal Health
Aboriginal people, particularly those effected by the abuse of Australian Integration policies (ie the stolen generation) have health needs that are not fully recognised by most Australians. Counselling for a variety of issues is available to Aboriginal people of the Hawkesbury, with guidance from our Aboriginal Community Liaiison Officer.
Adult Counselling
The Adult Counselling Team (ACT) provides counselling to people over 18 and who live, work or study in the Hawkesbury. We provide counselling for issues such as depression, anxiety, post-natal depression, grief and loss or bereavement, relationship and family issues, effects of trauma and sexual assault, stress management, work place issues, anger management and issues of self-esteem. We also offer a variety of workshops and group work sometimes in collaboration with other agencies around particular issues or needs. We offer a free and confidential service and we are sensitive to the needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) clients and clients from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. The Adult Counselling Team is staffed by qualified and experienced psychologists.
Drug & Alcohol
Alcohol & Other Drug Services Offers assessment, counselling, referral, prevention and education for alcohol and other drug problems. In addition to substance addiction, our Drug and Alcohol Team have been trained to assist 'dually diagnosed' clients and are happy to offer advice to other clinicians. A Dual Diagnosis occurs when an individual is affected by both chemical dependency and an emotional or psychiatric illness.
Child & Adolescent Health
The Child and Adolescent Counselling Team provides a service for children, adolescents (0-18 years) and their caregivers. Our role is to provide prevention, intervention, and treatment services in areas such as behaviour management, anxiety, emotional concerns, grief and loss, family relationship difficulties and divorce and separation issues. We offer individual counselling sessions as well as groups addressing a range of common issues.
Chronic, Complex & Older Adults
Eligible clients are:
Those with Chronic Medical conditions- these are any medical condition which is likely to occur for 6 months or longer and which has a significant impact upon the person life. Examples are diabetes, Arthritis, heart disease, permanent physical disabilities.
Those experiencing challenges associated with ageing- these can include role changes, changes in physical abilities, grief and loss, changes in living situation including moving in to care.
Carers for the above two groups
Men’s Health
Men require counselling for a variety of reasons. These may include physical health, relationships, family breakdowns, stress management, and many others related to physical, emotion and mental health.
Men's Health education and health promotion (ie prevention) information are also available. For more on Men's Health at HDHS click here
