headspace
Cairns

picture of waiting room intirm

Hours

  • Monday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday: 8:30am - 7:30pm
  • Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

About

headspace Cairns is a free and welcoming safe space for young people aged between 12 and 25 providing access, support and information for a broad range of concerns, including mental health, physical/sexual health, drug and alcohol, employment and education and support for families and carers.

Connecting with us is easy, drop into the centre, give us a call or send an email to talk to one of our friendly team members about accessing the support. 

We are on the corner of Grafton Street and Spence Street on the 2nd floor via the stairs (Spence Street) or the wheelchair accessible lift (Grafton Street). There is free 3 hour middle parking and paid 3 hour parking on both streets and the nearest bus stop is Grafton Street (50 metres).

Hours

  • Monday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday: 8:30am - 7:30pm
  • Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

headspace Cairns is operated by Royal Flying Doctor Service (QLD) Services Limited. All headspace services are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Administration of funding is carried out by the headspace centre’s local Primary Health Network, in this case, Northern Queensland .

Services

Mental health workers – which may include psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors and other workers – that can help if you're just not feeling yourself.

Workers either on site or linked to the centre who can assist you with any alcohol or other drug concern.

Centres have a range of programs and activities for young people. Just ask your centre what they have on. 

GPs can help with any physical health issues as well as issues related to sexual health, drug or alcohol use, relationship problems or feeling down or upset. Your centre may have a GP on site or links to one locally. 

A group of young people who help with events and some decision making at a centre. Ask your centre about getting involved.

“As soon as I sought help, I suddenly realised that my anxiety was very treatable and that I wasn’t alone.”
- Charlie

Jobs and volunteering

Positions currently available at headspace Cairns

Are you passionate about working with young people and their families and friends?

Perhaps you are interested in starting a private practice, but worried about the risks?

Are you fully registered with AHPRA?

Why not consider joining headspace?

headspace Cairns is seeking motivated and experienced private Allied Health Providers to join our growing and dynamic team which includes General Practitioners, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses and engagement staff on site.

headspace Cairns provides a range of evidence based, early intervention services to young people aged 12-25 years, including primary health, mental health, substance use counselling, & social recovery programs.

Availability of clinic rooms means that your hours of work can be flexible and Thursday night sessions are available. We offer administrative support, including billing and appointment bookings, the support of a friendly multi-disciplinary team, comfortable rooms located in Cairns CBD, a paperless practice, and an ongoing referral base. Case management, support & professional development opportunities are available.

Successful applicants will be require a current 'Working with Children Blue Card'.

For more information contact:

Name: Gabrielle Gill, Manager headspace Cairns
Phone: (07) 4041 3780
Email: ggill@headspacecairns.org.au

headspace Cairns is seeking motivated and experienced General Practitioners with an interest in youth mental health to work on a full time, part time or sessional basis in our Cairns headspace centre.

headspace Cairns provides a range of evidence based, early intervention services to young people aged 12-25 years, including primary health, mental health, substance use counselling, & social recovery programs.

Working in our bulk billing centres, General Practitioners provide:  

  • An opportunity for young people to access help earlier through GP appointments.
  • Early identification, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental health problems, ensuring better pathways to health.
  • Youth friendly medical services and mental health treatment planning and follow-up.
  • Integrated health care that is youth-friendly and responsive to families.
  • Services that are respectful, non-judgemental and respect diversity.

What we offer

  • Appointment management, bulk billing and practice management support enable the GP to focus on delivering high quality medical services to young people.
  • Multi-disciplinary team who are passionate and knowledgeable about youth mental health
  • Regular peer support opportunities.
  • Access to onsite clinicians who provide comprehensive onsite psychosocial assessments
  • Smooth referral pathways into mental health, drug and alcohol, early intervention and sexual health services.
  • Continuing Professional Development in field of youth mental health.
  • Secondary consultation opportunities (Clinical Services Manager and Consultant Psychiatrist).
  • Flexibility with hours and days worked (including possibility of after-hours work)
  • Support from the headspace National Office GP Advisor.

For more information contact:

Name: Gabrielle Gill, Manager headspace Cairns
Phone: (07) 4041 3780
Email: ggill@headspacecairns.org.au

Salary: none

headspace Cairns believes in providing young people with the opportunity to be heard, and actively involved in addressing the issues that are important to them.

As a member of the headspace Cairns Youth Reference Group (YRG)  you can do just this, by;

 

  • Working with at risk youth in the community
  • Planning and organising events
  • Developing and facilitating programs
  • Community Engagement
  • Youth & Community Development
  • Health Promotion

 

By getting involved you will get the opportunity to

 

  • Receive training about headspace and Mental Health & wellbeing.
  • Have your say on important issues and influence how headspace Cairns operates.
  • Meet and work with other young people who are passionate about youth and our community.
  • Learn and develop leadership and organizational skills.

 

 

For more information contact:

Name: Andrew Piccone, Community Engagement Officer
Phone: (07) 4041 3780
Email: apiccone@headspacecairns.org.au

Apply now

Deadline: 12 Apr 2024, 12:00 pm

headspace Cairns is currently seeking a Mental Health Clinician who is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of young people. This position focuses on Access and Care Coordination (ACCO), ensuring that young people have easy access to appropriate care. Your duties will include screening, assessing, providing evidence-based brief interventions, therapy, referring, and coordinating care for young people who contact or are referred to headspace Cairns.
  
In this role, you will determine the most appropriate service provision pathway to ensure that young people receive seamless, coordinated, high-quality, and youth-friendly services.  This opportunity will also see you:

  • Contribute to a high-performing culture by supporting strategic and commercial objectives
  • Act as a cooperative team member, working positively with cross-functional team members
  • Use the headspace assessment protocol to conduct bio-psycho-social assessments of young people and document the results
  • Conduct risk assessments including suicide risk and other risks to self or others and identify and make appropriate follow-up referrals and appointments


This role is full-time on a maximum term contract until June 30, 2025 (with the opportunity of extension).
  
Who are we looking for?
  
In addition to formal qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Nursing (Mental Health), you will have demonstrated experience and clinical skills in mental health service settings. You will be focused on helping us do things ‘the headspace way’, living our values of Inclusion, Collaboration, Agility and Excellence. In addition, you will have:

  • Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA) or the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
  • Current paid employee Blue Card (Social Workers Only)
  • Experience in mental health assessment and coordination 
  • Experience in the provision of mental health services to young people and their families
  • Knowledge of contemporary evidence-based therapeutic interventions
  • Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills
  • Skills in engaging with young people and advocating on their behalf
  • Current Queensland Drivers Licence


headspace Cairns
  
headspace Cairns is a welcoming safe space for young people aged between 12 and 25 providing access, support and information for a broad range of concerns, including mental health, physical/sexual health, drug and alcohol, employment and education and support for families and carers. headspace Cairns (under the direction of RFDS (Queensland) Services Limited) has been making a difference in the lives of young Australians since 2006.
  
About our offering

We value our people, and we are passionate about making a difference for young people. The team at headspace Cairns has a great workplace culture, works collaboratively to achieve excellent results, and maintains wonderful relationships with service providers. By joining headspace and the RFDS (Queensland Section), you will:

  • Become part of a highly skilled professional team driven by best practice
  • Receive a generous base + superannuation
  • Have access to generous not-for-profit tax-free benefits of up to $18,550
  • Be provided professional development opportunities– including leadership programs, regular line management support, and tailored skills development
  • Work with a focus on well-being– headspace Social and Wellbeing Committee, Employee Assistance Program, and other initiatives to support a holistic approach to wellbeing
  • Be committed to diversity– we welcome all people, irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity. Designed in collaboration with our employees, the headspace Reconciliation Action Plan formalises our commitment to reconciliation and to strengthening the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities.
  • Have private health insurance discounts
  • Receive novated leasing options

  
Interested?

This role will close on the 12th of April 2024 however; shortlisting will commence before the end date so don’t delay in applying!

For further information regarding this role please contact the Manager of headspace Cairns; Gabby Gill at ggill@headspacecairns.org.au or 07 4041 3780. For a copy of the PD please contact recruitment@rfdsqld.com.au

Successful candidates will be subject to a Police Check and may be required to undergo a medical assessment.  You will also be required to complete the headspace and RFDS immunisation program where you will need to provide evidence of immunity or vaccination against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD). Clinicians will be required to undergo the RFDS credentialing process.

headspace and the Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the Traditional Custodians of the land. The RFDS and headspace are committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of healthcare. We embrace diversity and welcome all people irrespective of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.

For more information contact:

Name: Gabrielle Gill
Phone: (07) 4041 3780
Email: ggill@headspacecairns.org.au

Apply now

More information

There are always groups and activities happening at headspace for the 12 to 25 age group! 
You can keep up to date with any events or activities that we are involved with by liking our Facebook page :)


Current social groups on offer at headspace Cairns
All groups are held and initiated by our amazing volunteers in our Youth Reference Group! 

SafeSpace
Do you identify as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community? This is a safe social space for you!

When: Mondays 3.45PM - 4.45PM

 ArtSpace

Are you interested in trying new styles of art? Come along to headspace where you can try it out for free! 

When: Tuesdays 3.30pm-4.45pm 

Board Gamers

Come in and meet some new friends and challenge them at new or old board games! We will host a number of different games here so come along!

When: Every Wednesday 3.45PM - 4.45PM

Dungeons & Dragons

Every Thursday night we host our biggest social group: Dungeons & Dragons! If you'd like to join, please get in touch via: info@headspacecairns.org.au

When: Every Thursday 5.30PM - 7.15PM

 

All groups are held at headspace Cairns centre, Level 2, 42 Grafton Street (corner of Spence and Grafton Sts). 

While we will try and keep everything running smoothly, sometimes things can happen which mean we need to change or sometimes cancel a group.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates and check the website.

 


  
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with any unexpected changes. We also have an Instagram @headspace_cairns.

 If you have any further inquiries please call our office on 4041 3780

headspace Cairns referral form

There are a number of ways for young people to access headspace Cairns services:

Family/Friend:  If you are concerned about a friend or family member and would like to discuss the possibility of booking an appointment at headspace Cairns  please call us on 4041 3780, or email info@headspacecairns.org.au  You can also visit us at Level 2, 42 Grafton Street (Cnr Spence & Grafton Sts)

Self: If you are a young person between the ages of 12-25, you can come in to the headspace centre by yourself or bring a friend with you. You can also give us a call on 4041 3780, or email info@headspacecairns.org.au

Agency: If you wish to refer a client between the ages of 12-25 please complete the referral form and fax it to the headspace centre on 4041 6340

GP's :   If you wish to refer a client between the ages of 12-25 please fax a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan to the headspace centre on 4041 6340.

headspace is a youth friendly service.  All young people referred to or attending headspace need to be willing to engage with headspace and be able to attend appointments.

Note that GP services and some counseling services may require a current medicare card. 

If you don't have a Medicare card and think you may be eligible, you can apply for one on the Service Australia website.

 

DBT: If you are wanting to refer a client to our DBT program complete the referral form and fax through to our reception.

What kind of things can you help me with?

headspace Cairns can help with concerns or questions related to general health, mental health and well-being, physical health, sexual health, employment, education and training, and alcohol and other drug concerns. If you are not sure if we can help or not then just give us a call.

How old do I have to be?

headspace provides services to young people between the ages of 12 and 25, as well as their family, friends and carers.

Do my parents need to come with me?

Although we feel it's great if parents can come and support you, we also understand this may be difficult sometimes for many reasons. Therefore your parents don't have to attend headspace with you. You may want to bring someone else that you feel comfortable with, or you can also attend by yourself if you chose to. If you’re 16 or under we will require consent from a family member or guardian.

How much does it cost?

All headspace Cairns services are free of charge, and we bill Medicare for our GP and counselling services so please bring your Medicare card or number with you. If you don't have a Medicare card, contact us for information on how to obtain one or for alternative ways that we might be able to assist you. Where we need to refer you to another service, we will always talk with you about their costs and try to find you no or low cost service to best suit your needs.

When are you open?

headspace Cairns is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm with late opening to 7.30pm on Thursdays.

Do I need a referral to come?

No, you don't need a referral, if you are between the ages of 12 and 25 just give us a call and talk to one of the team to see how we can help. You can also ask a friend, teacher, parent, other family member, health worker or community agency to contact headspace for you; however we will need to speak with you to get your consent.

Do you tell people what I say?

At headspace we take your privacy very seriously and anything you say to us is confidential. If your information needs to be given to other people or organisations we will ask you for your permission. The only time we would talk to someone else without your permission is if you tell us that you are going to hurt yourself or someone else, or if we are required to by law. Keeping you and other people safe is our main concern.

How do I make an appointment?

First step is to give us a call on (07) 4041 3780 or email us at info@headspacecairns.org.au and talk to one of our Intake Officers who will:

  • Chat with you about what you are wanting help with
  • Explain to you the services we are able to provide; and
  • Work with you to develop a plan for how your needs can best be met

We will then use this information to match you up with a worker who will contact you to book a face to face appointment. You can also ask a friend, teacher, parent, other family member, health worker or community agency to contact headspace for you; however we will need to speak with you to get your consent.

What if I'm not ready to speak to someone face-to-face?

It's not unusual to feel nervous about getting help for the first time. If you're going through a tough time and you're not ready to chat to someone face-to-face, eheadspace provides confidential online web-chat and telephone mental health support 7 days a week. To access eheadspace for the first time all you need to do is register at Online & Phone Support or phone 1800 650 890.

Do you have a waiting list?

We try and see people as quickly as possible but in busy times sometimes you might have to wait a couple of weeks for an appointment.

How do I find the centre?

We are located on Level 2 at 42 Grafton Street, on the corner of Spence and Grafton Streets (above Helga's Pancakes). We have two entrance doors, one on Grafton Street with a lift and one on Spence Street with stairs. There is metered parking in Grafton Street and 3 hour free in the median strip.

We are only a short distance away from the Lake Street bus station.

You can always call us, and we'll give you specific instructions as well :)

headspace Cairns is staffed by a dedicated team of health professionals who are passionate about making sure the support we provide is youth friendly.

headspace Cairns Staff:

Gabrielle  - Centre Manager

Tahni - Centre Coordinator

Tyler - Medical Receptionist

Elyse - Medical Receptionist

Andrew - Community Engagement Officer

Meg - Clinical Educator, Senior Mental Health Clinician (Social Worker)

Michael - Senior Mental Health Clinician (Mental Health Nurse)

Ethan - Mental Health Clinician (Provisional Psychologist)

Soobin - Mental Health Clinician (Social Worker)

Tracey - DBT Coordinator (Mental Health Social Worker)

Kaycee - DBT Clinician (Mental Health Social Worker)

 -  SSRS Clinician (Mental Health Nurse)

Sara - SSRS Clinician & Mental Health Social Worker

Tamikah - Senior Mental Health Clinician (Mental Health Social Worker) - Outreach

Toby - Senior Mental Health Clinician (Mental Health Nurse) - Outreach

Morgan - Youth Vocational Specialist

Kadeisha - Youth Vocational Specialist

 

Private Practitioners:

Barry - Clinical Psychologist

Jodi - Clinical Psychologist

Sara - Mental Health Social Worker

 

 

If this is something you might be interested in, Click here to take the first step to joining the headspace Cairns Youth Reference Group.

If you have any questions about the Youth Reference Group please call our office on 4041 3780 or email apiccone@headspace.org.au 

headspace Cairns have a range of presentations across youth mental health topics that can be delivered to students at your school or to staff at your organisation by members of our team.

From general presentations on what is mental health and tips for a health headspace to more specific talks on things like bullying or anxiety we work with you to understand your needs and the audience to ensure we provide the right sort of information.

We can also come along with our "pop up info booth" at recess or lunchtime to informally hand out information and chat with students or younger team members who may have questions about our services and their own mental health.

We also have resources including fact sheets and brochures that we can bring along.

If you would like headspace Cairns to attend your school or organisation to present, or would like resources please click here to submit a request.

Once we receive your completed form, one of our team will make contact with you to discuss your request.

If you're between 15-24 years old and struggling with taking the next step on your work or study journey check out headspace Work & Study Online. It's completely free of charge and you can access it online or over the phone.

Check out this video for more information or have a look at the webpage.