Allied Health Services

Employment Plus counselling services

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a happy, purposeful life, and that employment is an important part of that. Not only is a job necessary for balance, there are also strong links between mental health and ongoing employment.

Our team of dedicated Allied Health Professionals draw on countless years of collective experience, to help employers and employees across a wide range of industries, to achieve a better quality of life through targeted mental health support.

About Allied Health Telehealth

Most people find unemployment to be a really difficult time. Your mental health is important, particularly coping with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like support with your mental health, or just need someone to talk to, you can speak with our Allied Health team.

• Access to Allied Health Services during COVID-19

  The Employment Plus Allied Health Telephone Counselling Service provides you with the opportunity to access support from a professional counsellor, when and where it suits you.

  Free and confidential counselling is now available for individuals engaged with Employment Plus via phone, Skype, or Facetime.

  At an agreed appointment time, one of our experienced counsellors will be available to speak with you. The counsellor will be totally and exclusively available to you during your hour-long appointment. Our counsellors have helped many people through difficult times and they will be able to offer you support, guidance and advice. At the end of the session, you will be able to book another appointment with the same counsellor if you wish.

• What is telehealth?

  Telehealth connects people during times of isolation, making access to mental health support easier.

  Telehealth counselling is a counselling session where you and your Allied Health team member are not in the same room as each other and use technology, like a phone or video conference to see and hear one another.

• How does it work?

  You can contact our National Service Centre on 136 123. They will help you make an appointment for a telephone appointment at a time that suits you, and then one of Allied Health professionals will give you a call at an agreed time. You will need to find a private and quiet space where you won’t be interrupted (or request those you live with not to disturb you). All consultations done via telehealth are secure and will not be recorded.

  Within each session, your health professional typically invites you to share what’s been going on in your life, what’s bothering you, and any goals you’d like to discuss, including employment. You won’t be criticised, interrupted or judged as you talk.

• How long does it last?

  Telehealth sessions are usually 50-60 minutes in length. How many times you use the service is up to you and will depend on your situation.

• How much does it cost?

  This service is fully government-funded for participants engaged with Employment Plus so it won't cost you a cent!

About the different programs we offer

• Psychological Techniques (PST) Programs

  Psychological Skills Techniques (PST) Programs are a structured series of sessions and activities designed to help participants return to work, and achieve personal and work-related goals.
  

  PST Programs integrate practical life and job search skills, taking a holistic approach to increasing employability.

  Tailored to meet individual needs, PST Programs are practical and collaborative, and feature a range of activities and discussions, exploring areas such as:

  • Identifying and making plans to address unique personal barriers.
  • Building a more positive, solution-focused mind-set.
  • Exploration of personal goals.
  • Developing action plans to improve your wellbeing and facilitate increased employability.

  PST Programs are available at most Employment Plus sites*, and can be delivered individually, or with a group, helping participants to build positive support networks with other job seekers.

  *PST Programs are not available at all Employment Plus sites. Please speak to your consultant or Allied Health professionals about what programs are available at your site.

• PST Groups (one session only)

  In addition to PST Programs, we also offer a range of short group education programs.
  

  These programs are aimed at building psychologically-minded skills and strategies to address your life challenges, including topics such as:

  • Learning to better manage stress.
  • Learning to improve your communication skills.
  • Increasing your ability to address conflict.
  • Maintaining motivation and wellbeing over time.
• Individual counselling

  Counselling is a large component of the support we offer.

  Individual counselling is a popular option that involves a one-on-one session with one of our caring Allied Health Services Psychologist or Social Worker, at your local Employment Plus office.
  

  Our counselling services can help you address and work through a range of personal and professional challenges, including:

  • Depression.
  • Anxiety.
  • Stress management.
  • Anger management.
  • Personal or family concerns.
  • Drug and alcohol barriers.

  All of our counselling sessions are private and confidential, and available at no cost to you.

  However, please note that if you have missed three scheduled counselling sessions in a financial year, we will be unable to continue making counselling appointments for you, due to government restrictions.

PLEASE NOTE: Employment Plus Allied Health Services is not a crisis service and you will not be able to contact your health professional outside of normal business hours. Your health professional will help you develop a plan of what supports you have in place for between sessions, and if you do find yourself in crisis you should call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or consult our Crisis Support Page.