This service does not offer emergency mental health assistance. If you need urgent help, please contact your local emergency number, Lifeline: 13 11 14 or 13 YARN: 13 92 76
Our approach to drug and alcohol withdrawal support
St John of God South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service (SWCADS) makes it easier for people to understand, reduce and address harmful alcohol and other drug use providing free support across WA’s South West.
We understand that alcohol and drug use can affect every part of life: health, relationships, work, family and community. We provide holistic, non-judgemental treatment and support for those concerned about their own, or their loved one's alcohol and/or other drug use through a lens of compassion, hope and recovery.
Our care is evidence-based, community-focused and person-centred. We work closely with mental health services, GPs, hospitals, justice services, schools, local governments and community organisations to ensure people receive the right support, at the right time.
SWCADS is built with the understanding that recovery can be difficult. People seeking support or treatment often face complex and changing life situations such as unstable housing, justice engagement or limited access to social supports. That is why flexibility, inclusion and accessibility are central to our approach. We also provide culturally secure services and work in partnership with Aboriginal health services and community groups.
Our Community Services Charter outlines your rights and responsibilities and explains what you can expect when engaging with St John of God South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service (SWCADS).
This service is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Mental Health Commission, the Murray PHN Program and commissioned by WA Primary Health Alliance.
Treatment and services
- Counselling, treatment and recovery support: Free assessment, counselling, treatment and referrals for people aged 12 years and over. Support is tailored to individual needs and may include harm minimisation, recovery programs and referrals to specialist services.
- Youth alcohol and drug support: Specialist support is available for young people aged 12 and over.
- SMART Recovery groups: Recovery grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy, co-facilitated by Lived Experience workers and trained counsellors that supports people with substance dependencies or problem behaviours to lead a balanced life.
- Medication-assisted treatment and psychosocial care: We offer medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence, combined with counselling and psychosocial support to reduce withdrawal and cravings, and support long-term wellbeing and recovery.
- Prevention, education and community wellbeing: We work with the WA Mental Health Commission, local governments, schools and community partners to reduce alcohol and other drug-related harm. This includes prevention initiatives, community education, school-based programs and support for local drug action groups across the South West.
- Diversion programs: We offer diversion treatment programs for people referred through police or justice services, supporting individuals to address alcohol or drug use whilst working through legal matters including those experiencing contact with adult or juvenile justice teams.
- Suicide prevention: We deliver suicide prevention coordination across the South West, including intervention, prevention, postvention and community training.
Support for people caring for others
Caring for others can take a toll on your own wellbeing. It’s important to look after yourself and seek support if things start to feel overwhelming. Help is available, and you don’t have to manage it alone.
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Accessing support
SWCADS can be access through a self-referral or referral by a family member or friend, GP or other community or government services, including mental health services and other government agencies such as Justice, Housing, Education and Communities).
Once a referral is received, a member of our team will make contact to discuss needs and determine the most appropriate support options.
Treatment services can be face to face or delivered via Telehealth (phone or video).
Referrals
To make a referral to SWCADS, please complete the referral form and email it to [email protected]
Contact St John of God South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service (SWCADS)
Phone: 08 9729 6700
Fax: 08 9271 8375
Email (drug and alcohol services): [email protected]
Email (suicide prevention services): [email protected]
Our feedback form allows you to send compliments or complaints regarding South West Community Alcohol and Drug Services.
Locations
Western Australia
This is a home and community-based service available to those living in the South-West area.
Our main office is located at 109 Beach Road, South Bunbury WA 6230.
Face to face outreach counselling services to the following locations:
- Manjimup
- Bridgetown
- Collie
- Busselton
- Margaret River
- Harvey
Blogs and news
Read articles written by our trusted clinicians and experts to learn more about the support we offer, along with the latest news from our services.
Frequently asked questions
Accreditation
This service is accredited against the QIC Health and Community Services Standards demonstrating our commitment to providing the best quality services for everyone we serve.
Learn more