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We value the emotional support that volunteers can provide, but understand that sometimes there is a need to offer additional professional psychological support.

Thanks to Altius Group and PeopleSense, CEF is offering a modified version of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist students in addressing personal or study-related difficulties through professional counselling. CEF recipients will have access to one free counselling session. If they need further assistance the psychologist will help connect them to additional professional services.

  • Assistance is available to current CEF students

  • CEF will cover one session per student per twelve-month period

  • Session booking is via self-referral on 1300 307 912 or Online

  • If further sessions are required, the Altius Group psychologist will facilitate referral to a GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan with the same psychologist, or one of the student’s choice.

Booking: 1300 307 912 or Online

24 hours a day, 7 days per week

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • How many free sessions can a student access?
    Each student can access one free session in a twelve-month period.
  • Is this service only available to current students?
    Yes, students need to be supported by, and receiving funds from CEF to access the service.
  • Do students need a referral?
    No, they can use this service to access the session without a referral. To continue beyond this session and claim medicare rebates students will need a referral from a GP through a General Practitioner Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).
  • What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
    A Mental Health Treatment Plan (previously known as a ‘mental health care plan’) is a plan for people with a mental health disorder. The plan can include Medicare rebates for up to 10 counselling sessions per calendar year. The plan identifies what type of health care you need and spells out what you and your doctor have agreed you are aiming to achieve. It may also refer you to local mental health services. You can read more about Mental Health Treatment Plans on the Health Direct website.
  • Does the Medicare rebate cover the entire cost of sessions under a MHTP care plan?
    No, Medicare will not cover the full cost, students will need to pay any gap.
  • Can students use their CEF grant money to pay for more appointments?
    They will need to discuss your circumstances with their committee.
Other Mental Health resources

Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation for young people aged 12–25 years. Call 1800 650 890.

Beyond Blue provides information and support for those affected by depression and anxiety. You can call them 24 hours a day on 1300 22 4636.

The Black Dog Institute provides an interactive self-help website that allow users to track their moods and access tips for managing mild to moderate stress, anxiety, and depression.

Smiling Mind App is designed for minds of all ages and stages, and  helps you learn the skills that promote mental wellbeing and create the habits to thrive.
Download the app via Google Play or the Apple App Store

Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services to all Australians. They provide confidential crisis support via phone, text or online chat.
Call them on 13 11 14.