Counsellor: ‘If you’re struggling we can help fast’

25 May

With mental health support waiting times at an all-time high a Nambour Registered Counsellor is urging people to consider her profession as a readily available bridging option.

“People need to be able to access mental health support sooner rather than later and I just want to highlight the important work registered counsellors do,” said Carolyn Rogers of Obsidian Counselling for Mental Health Well-Being Nambour.

“We are not psychologists or psychiatrists but we can offer a very effective buffer for people whose alternative may mean having to wait 3-6 months for assistance,” Carolyn said.

“Registered counsellors are the best kept secret in mental health support. If you are struggling with your mental health you don’t want to wait 3-6 months to speak with someone. Support is available sooner.

“Despite the Federal Government’s $2.3 billion budget announcement, things won’t improve any time soon without the inclusion of other already-skilled and trained professionals such as Registered Counsellors.”

Carolyn said hardly anyone knew there were alternatives to seeking help through your GP with a mental health care plan.

“Counsellors registered with a peak governing counselling body offer a quicker, more affordable alternative way to access support for many mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, and trauma just to name a few,” she said.

“There are many registered counsellors who are in private practice and located around the hinterland towns of the Coast, with minimal waiting times to see clients.

“Registered counsellors are university-educated, many of them locally at USC. They undertake continuing professional development and supervision yearly to maintain registration and use evidenced-based therapeutic techniques.”

Carolyn said many registered counsellors charged fees around the ‘gap’ you would pay if you were to wait to see other Allied Mental Health Professionals under Medicare.

• The Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP) lists all registered counsellors across Australia and the website is easy to use by just typing your suburb in at www.arcapregister.com.au.