Our approach

While one in five people in Australia will experience mental health issues, accessing mental health support is often difficult for a number of reasons - availability of services in your area, cost or being able to book an appointment when you really need it.  

Moreover, there’s still sometimes stigma attached to seeking emotional support, even for such common, everyday life issues as:

• Relationship problems or family conflict stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dealing with grief, loss or trauma
• Feelings of sadness, remorse, anger, guilt, loneliness, hopelessness, or being overwhelmed
• Panic attacks, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorders

Our goal through our community mental health services is to change this paradigm by providing personalised care and support where it can really change people’s lives, and to do this in a way that is affordable for every person.

Our community mental health services are part of St John of God Social Outreach, the not-for-profit arm of St John of God Health Care. As such, we are able to provide these services either at no cost or minimal cost to the client, depending on their circumstances.

Caring in the community, with the community

Our caregivers come from clinical, health and social welfare backgrounds and, together, we offer a broad range of evidenced-based counselling, psychotherapy and mental health support and education services.

What’s more, because all of our support staff live and work in the local communities they serve, our services are designed for – and with – the individuals and families that need them, in partnership with general practitioners and other local healthcare providers.

Understanding this local context, we’re able to develop highly personalised support solutions that enable our clients to progress on their recovery journey.

Helping people reset their lives and thrive

By using an inclusive partnership model that involves carers, clients and connections with other healthcare providers and mental health services, we’re able to provide self-determined, whole-wellbeing solutions designed around each person’s unique situation and goals.

It isn’t about fixing people when they are at their most vulnerable. It isn’t about prescribing a solution.

It’s about walking with people on a highly personal journey of recovery. It’s about providing a way forward, step by step, with integrated pathways to other health, wellbeing and community programs that enable people to move on and thrive.

And ultimately, it’s about encouraging and empowering people to understand, nurture and sustain their mental and physical wellbeing so they can thrive as a connected member of their community.

Our Community Services Charter explains your rights and responsibilities, and what you can expect, when engaging with our services.

Ready to get in contact?

Find out how to access St John of God Community Mental Health Services.