Counselling
It's OK to take time to talk to someone.
What is it?
A safe and supportive space for carers to share their thoughts and feelings when they need support the most. You can choose to meet with a counsellor in person, or chat with them over the phone.
Who can use these services?
All carers can access Carer Gateway services.
You are a carer if you are looking after someone with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age.
You don't need to be a new carer to use Carer Gateway services – any carer can use the services at any time in their caring journey.
Location
Varies – in Victoria, Carer Gateway services are provided at many sites and locations including metropolitan and regional areas. To find out more, get in touch with our team.
Get in touch
Call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time or request a call back here. Carer Gateway counselling services can be accessed at https://counselling.carergateway.gov.au/s/
More information
Who are carers?
You are a carer if you are looking after someone with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age.
How can counselling help me?
The demands of the caring role are different for everyone. If you find that you’re feeling anxious or experiencing ongoing low mood, it can be useful talking with a counsellor.
Counselling is a safe, non-judgmental space where your feelings, thoughts and mental well-being is the focus.
What is the difference between phone and in-person counselling?
Phone counselling
You can choose the convenience of receiving counselling over the phone. This might be a great option if travel is difficult or alternative care options are limited.
In-person counselling
You can meet with a counsellor in a face-to-face setting, organised through your local Carer Gateway service provider. Please note that physical-distancing measures implemented due to COVID-19 have impacted in-person counselling. Call us to discuss the available alternatives.
What other Carer Gateway services are available?
- Connect with other carers – you might like to meet with people like you who care for someone and share stories, knowledge and experience. You can do this with people in your area or you can join the carer forum online.
- Respite Care – if you get sick or hurt and you cannot look after someone, emergency respite services can help you. Service providers will find ways to look after the person you care for while you have a break. Planned respite care can also help you plan for regular breaks to rest and recharge.
- Self-guided coaching – you can work through interactive online coaching sessions at your own pace. You can find a range of topics to help you in your caring role.
- Skills courses – you can use these short online courses to help you to learn new skills in caring for someone and yourself.
- Practical help and advice or information about financial support on the Carer Gateway web pages.
You don't have to know exactly what to ask for – you can just talk through any problems you are having, and Carer Gateway staff will try to match you with services that can help.
Who will deliver these services?
Each region in Australia has a Carer Gateway service provider. This means that the person you talk to knows what support and services are available in the area.
In Victoria, Carer Gateway services are provided by a group of seven health and social support providers. Led by Merri Health, the group includes Alfred Health, Ballarat Health Services, Barwon Health, Bendigo Health Care Group, FamilyCare, Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Ltd.
Collectively, we have more than 100 years of experience supporting carers in Victoria.
I already receive carer support through another provider. What happens now?
If you are currently receiving carer support from another provider, you will transition to Carer Gateway. Your current service provider will support you in this transition.
You can also ask about other services you might need by calling Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Where can I find out more?
Everything you need to know about carer support is available by visiting the Carer Gateway website or calling 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time. You can also request a call back here.
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative.
