At your local headspace you can get help for
any type of health problem. You might be concerned about your
physical health, or your mental health, or perhaps about using
alcohol or other drugs.
headspace helps you to access the right type of
health worker for your needs. This could be a doctor, psychologist,
social worker, counsellor, occupational therapist, youth worker,
alcohol and drug worker, or Aboriginal health worker.
People at headspace can also help you find an
education or employment program that suits your needs.
headspace offers services for people who are
aged between 12 and 25 and…
- need some help with any type of health issue
- are having difficulty with something in their lives
- are feeling sad, anxious or worried
- are concerned about the use of alcohol or drugs
- are worried about a friend or a family member
- need advice about education and/or finding work
- wish to discuss their sexual health or want information
about conception
Finding a headspace centre
To find out if there is a headspace near you
visit 'headspace
centres'.
If there's not a headspace nearby, check out 'find services' for information on other
services and support.
Making an appointment
Making an appointment is simple, just phone
headspace to find a time that suits you. You can
also ask a teacher, parent, other family member, health worker or
community agency to contact headspace for you.
Your local headspace might also have a 'drop
in' service where you can visit anytime in their visiting hours.
Call your local headspace to find out more about
what services they offer.
What to expect when you visit headspace
It's not unusual to feel nervous about getting help for the
first time, and talking to a stranger about what's on your mind can
take awhile to get used to. It sometimes helps to bring along a
friend or a family member for support.
The first appointment is usually the hardest because you don't
know what to expect. Over time it gets easier to talk, as you get
to know and trust your headspace worker.
You can also listen to other young people's experiences with getting help on
the headspace website.
Services at a headspace centre are
either free, or have a low cost. You can ask if there is a cost
when you make your appointment.
Your first appointment
Appointments with a headspace worker usually
last 50 minutes to an hour. Sessions with a GP might be
shorter.
You'll probably be asked a lot of questions at your first visit.
This is to make sure that all the important issues are covered, and
to help develop the best solution for you.
Depending on the reason for your visit you might discuss how you
are feeling, and how things are at work, school or study. You might
also talk about how you are sleeping, how you are eating, and how
you are getting on with your family and friends.
The appointment is your time. Feel free to ask questions about
anything that's on your mind so that the headspace worker
understands what is worrying you. They can then help you find the
best solution, or find the information that you need.
What happens next?
You can visit headspace to talk about your
problems just once, or you can come back for more visits. The
headspace worker might suggest you come back every
week, or every few weeks, or just when you feel the need.
The headspace worker might also suggest that
there are other people who could help you, such as employment
workers, and they will help you to contact these other
supports.
Getting the help that's right for you
When you see a headspace worker it's important
that you feel safe and comfortable. Some people prefer to speak to
a male, others want to talk to a female. Some prefer to speak to
someone who understands your cultural background. headspace will do
its best to make sure you see someone you are comfortable with.
If you do not think your headspace visits are
working out, it is important to ask yourself why; there could be a
few reasons. It might be because it is hard to talk about what's on
your mind, or it might be that you and your worker are not the
right fit. Either way, don't give up. Talk to your worker about how
you are feeling and together you can find a way forward.
Confidentiality
When you talk to a headspace worker nothing you
say can be passed on to anyone else without your permission but
there are a few exceptions. If safety is an issue, and in some
circumstances as required by law.
If a headspace worker is seriously worried
about your safety, or the safety of someone else they must - by law
- try to keep everyone safe. This means they might have to share
their concerns with someone else.
Talk to your headspace worker about your
confidentiality to ensure you understand how it works.