A Mental Health Resource for Young Women

Based in Perth, WA

Digital Psychological Strategies…

What is the TalkToAmy Service?

  • A 2011 study surveyed 275 young Australian’s with psychological disorders, examining factors relating to help-seeking behaviours. Participants sought help from family and close friends, more so than general practitioners (Reavley et al., 2011). These statistics are a result of young people’s reluctance to seek professional help, experiencing boundaries like lack of accessibility and financial struggles (Simmons et al., 2023).

    Strong peer support provides a protective factor, that promotes long-term psychological well-being and cognitive resilience despite adversities experienced (Camara et al., 2017, Lauridsen et al., 2022). Research suggests that young women are more receptive to seeking help from peers (Leaner & Steinberg., 2009) and are more likely to take action on the advice given to them by their peers (King & Simmons., 2018). Peer bonding is crucial for adolescent cognitive health (Glickman et al., 2021, Zhen et al., 2018). The link between social relationships and health is as strong as the data linking smoking and poor health (Burton et al., 2019).  

OTHER RESOURCES

OTHER RESOURCES

University Psychology Clinics

REACHOUT

  • FOR STUDENTS ONLY

    UWA: Students have access to a free appointment with a registered psychologist and counsellors.

    Curtin: Access to registered psychologist and counsellors for 4 sessions, not billed (With a valid Medicare card).

    Murdoch: Professional Psychological Service: For a cost of $30 per session ($15 for concession card holders).

    Notre Dame: Provides 12 free, confidential counselling and psychological sessions in a safe, professional environment for all their students / per annum. The Location of the office is ND50/113 Customs House, 2 Henry Street.

    ECU: The ECU Psychological Services Centre is an affordable service, where fees for therapy sessions are only $10.00 for students (This does NOT include cognitive assessments).

  • UWA: https://www.uwa.edu.au/students/Support-services/Mental-health-and-wellbeing

    Curtin: Phone Numbers +61 8 9266 7850 or 1800 651 878. Or visit reception Building 109 level 2, 1 Kent St, Bentley WA 6102

    Murdoch: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/explore/facilities/health-wellbeing/caladenia-counselling/request-an-appointment

    Notre Dame: Appointments can be made at reception on (08) 9433 0580 or fremantle.counselling@nd.edu.au

    ECU: Phone No. 08 6304 7200, Email: psychologicalservices@ecu.edu.au, Location: ECU Psychological Services Centre, Level 2, ECU Health Centre: 30 Dundebar Road Wanneroo WA 6065.

  • Reachout is an online chatting service for Australians aged 15 to 25. You can speak with individuals who have personal experience with mental health challenges and use their experience to support others. This service has a very low wait time (you can book sessions the next day) and is free of charge.

  • https://au.reachout.com/peerchat

Yorgum (For Indigenous Youth)

Mood Gym (Free Online CBT)

  • This service provides an alternative and cultural approach to healing for Indigenous Australians who have been affected by family violence, sexual abuse and the underlying causes associated. This service works in a manner that is holistic and within the Indigenous Australian’s Terms of Reference. Yorgum gives children, adolescents and adults access to clinical psychologists in WA.

  • Website: https://yorgum.org.au/services/

    Call - 9221 0487 or 1800 469 371

  • Teaches CBT skills to individuals prone to depression and anxiety for free. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the most researched and used psychological treatment for individuals suffering from depression and anxiety, helping mitigate symptoms. This service was created by researchers, to help struggling individuals during COVID-19. A meta-analysis of 12 studies showed that MoodGym was statistically effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as overall psychological distress.

  • Get Started Here: https://moodgym.com.au

QLIFE (LGBTIQ+ Peer Support)

Black Swan Health (GP4YP)

  • This service provides online Queer- Specific Peer Support (3 pm to midnight). More specifically it’s free and anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

  • Website: https://qlife.org.au

    Phone No. 1800 184 527

  • This service is a youth-friendly, free, confidential medical practice. The practice specialises in health issues specific to young people with complex mental health struggles - Black Swan Health. GP4YP is aimed at individuals aged 12-25.

  • GP4YP is a self-referred service. To book an appointment call: 9432 0480 or email: GP4YP@blackswanhealth.com.au

Other Emergency + Support for Your Mental Health

  • 1. Urgent Mental Health Telephone Support for under 18’s - They will help you develop an action plan and get you in contact with the right services.

    2. Crisis Care Line - This service is for crisis counselling, emergency accommodation and food.

    3. GP Helpline - People who require medical advice after hours can speak to a GP over the phone, when necessary. The GP Helpline operates 24/7.

    4. Sexual Assault Resource Centre - This service provides 24/7 crisis support for unwanted sexual experiences (medical services, forensic evidence collection advice, crisis counselling services related to sexual assault).

    5. Suicide Call Back Service - This service provides crisis counselling to people at risk of suicide, and carers of someone who is suicidal, across Australia.

    6. Headspace - Provides online and telephone support and counselling to young people aged 12 to 25 years.

    7. Perth Inner City Youth Service - This service provides medium to long-term accommodation; family mediation and informal counselling for youth aged 16 - 25 years.

    8. Youth Focus - A service that provides friendly, confidential and professional counselling and support for young people. Aims to help individuals and their families to overcome issues associated with suicide, depression and self-harm.

    9. Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL) - Clinicians at MHERL provide assessment, specialist intervention, and support for people experiencing a mental health emergency.

    10. Nyoongar Patrol Outreach Service - A service that provides counselling, assistance in short-term and long-term accommodation and welfare and social issues to local and remote Indigenous Youth.

    11. Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline - A free domestic violence 24/7 helpline service for women with or without children.

    12. Mental Illness Fellowship of Western Australia - Has a whole range of support services. One is their youth assistance program for individuals who are diagnosed with a serious mental illness. They help individuals aged between 16 to 30 with employment, coping strategies, help with stress management, budgeting, applying for accommodation, support around drug use and alcohol, etc.

  • Phone Numbers for associated services:

    1. 1800 048 636

    2. 9223 1111

    3. 1800 022 222

    4. 1800 1999 888

    5. 1300 659 467

    6. 1800 650 890

    7. (08) 9388 2792

    8. (08) 6266 4333

    9. 1300 555 788 (mentor) or 1800 676 822 (regional)

    10. http://www.nyoongaroutreach.com.au/client-services

    11. 1800 007 339

    12. (08) 9237 8900