Free mental health support at Southern Cross University Health and Wellbeing Clinic

FREE mental health and wellbeing services are available to the community at Southern Cross University (SCU) Health Clinics until 5 December.

With no fee or referral required, community members can access mental health and wellbeing services delivered by student practitioners, under the supervision of senior, highly experienced health professionals.

Clients can self-refer to the SCU Clinic.

Once contact details are received, a psychology, counselling, or social work student from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team will contact them to gather brief information about their needs.

Experienced professional supervisors will then work with the student team to determine the most appropriate discipline and allocate the client accordingly.

Once matched, the SCU Clinic will contact the client to schedule an appointment with the assigned student practitioner who is typically in the final stages of their health professional training.

Sessions may be conducted one-on-one or with an experienced supervisor present to support the student’s learning.

Clients will always be informed if a supervisor will be present.

“The SCU Clinic provides real world experience under the supervision of experienced qualified practitioners, offering real time guidance and structured feedback,” said Academic Lead Dr Carrie Thomson-Casey.

“Students develop discipline specific competencies such as assessment and treatment planning, while building confidence and professional identity.”

A distinctive feature of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team is its strong focus on interprofessional collaboration within its multidisciplinary team, as well as being able to refer to other disciplines also in the SCU Clinic including naturopathy, osteopathy, and exercise physiology.

Dr Thomson-Casey said the program addresses a critical need, with many people waiting months to see a mental health professional.

“We’re committed to offering free, accessible, and multidisciplinary support services to our community.

“With no wait times and a compassionate team of supervised student practitioners, we’re here to help people take the first step toward better mental health and wellbeing.”

Operating online via Telehealth from Coffs Harbour, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Clinic offers appointments for up to four months of regular sessions, providing reliable, ongoing care.

This service is not suitable for acute mental health disorders, people in acute crisis, or those requiring intensive drug and alcohol support.

Bookings can be made by contacting the Coffs Harbour clinic on (02) 6626 9131, or by emailing clinic@scu.edu.au.

By Andrea FERRARI