Low-cost, no referral mental health counselling available at BPCC

A LOCAL counselling service for people aged seventeen and over that requires no Mental Health Care Plan or general practitioner referral, and is thought to be the only of its type in the state, is now seeing up to five clients a day.

Co-located at the Bendigo Primary Care Centre (BPCC), the Lifeline Loddon Mallee (LLM) Counselling Service is currently offered Monday to Wednesday, with LLM planning to expand to after-hours sessions in line with the operating hours of BPCC’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

Clients commonly present with anxiety, depression, grief, pain management challenges and major life transitions such as separation, retirement, or a health diagnosis.

“To our knowledge, no other service in Victoria offers this kind of low-cost, short-term therapeutic support embedded in a primary care setting,” lead Counsellor and accredited mental health practitioner Christine Adelwohrer said.

“We work therapeutically with people who may not meet the threshold for a crisis service but who are nonetheless experiencing significant distress.”

LLM CEO Lisa Renato added that the service is making a real difference to the mental health of the region.

“We know that access to mental health support can be a huge barrier, particularly in regional areas,” she said.

“This service bridges that gap by being local, affordable, and immediate.

“It’s designed for people who need help now, not in weeks or months, and it’s working.”

Sessions are priced at $75. For bookings or enquiries contact Lifeline Loddon Mallee via 0473 22 1662 or [email protected].