Vision practice manager Katie Larkin with co-ordinator Gillian Law and counsellor Lauren Tassell.
Camera IconVision practice manager Katie Larkin with co-ordinator Gillian Law and counsellor Lauren Tassell. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Free counselling support available

Staff ReporterEastern Reporter

The program, according to business and practice manager Katie Larkin, is set to deliver counselling services to residents who are unable to or having difficulty accessing counselling services privately.

‘They may be low-income earners, pensioners or in great need of counselling services due to a crisis situation,’ she said.

‘Members of the Vision Counselling and Psychology Support Team, who have graduated as qualified counsellors or psychologists, will deliver the program.

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Psychologists will be registered with the Australia Psychological Society and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

‘Counsellors must also be registered with either the Australia Counselling Association or the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Association of Western Australia.’

Therapists will be fully supervised according to their member association requirements and partake in Vision’s group and peer supervision. Ms Larkin said she hoped the program would deliver around 200 appointments within the first 12 months.

‘We are hoping to connect Stirling residents with appropriate mental health service providers, while the program provides short-term support in the interim,’ she said.

‘Residents will be able to access counselling quickly if they are in crisis and will be supported while appropriate referral for long-term supports are put in place with the assistance of our practice.’

The program will be delivered at the Vision counselling and psychology office in the Stirling Leisure Centre. Call 1300 184 746.