All GPs practising in the Canning Division are eligible to refer their patients for focused psychological sessions through the Infocus Counselling Program. 

Referrals: To access the Infocus Counselling Program an official referral form is required to be completed.  In most cases this needs to be signed by the patient’s GP, however, if the client is requiring counselling for Perinatal Depression a Midwife, Obstetrician or Community or Child Health Nurse may provisionally refer the patient who will then need to obtain a referral from their regular GP.  It is expected that a Mental Health Treatment Plan will be completed by the referring GP for all clients.  All sections on the referral form are required to be completed to comply with the program's funding requirements.  The completed forms may be faxed to our confidential fax number: 08 9458 0555.  Referral forms are available on this website.

Patient Eligibility
The patient:

• Resides within the Canning Division and/or their GP’s practice is located within the boundaries of the Division
• Has an ongoing relationship with the referring GP
• Is aged 13 years or over
• Fits into the ICD-10 categories as per the Referral Form
• Would benefit from receiving psychotherapy and appears motivated to attend
• Does not require urgent or crisis care management or have not been diagnosed with an enduring psychiatric illness
• Is not part of a Workers’ Compensation or Motor Vehicle Insurance claim
• Is not requiring counselling or assessment as part of any court proceedings
• Is not receiving mental health counselling at another service.

Patients are entitled to 6 initial sessions with the option for the GP to request an additional 6 sessions when required.  In addition to these 12 sessions, a further 6 sessions may be requested in extenuating circumstances, therefore providing a maximum of 18 sessions a year for your patients.  As our service only provides short-term interventions you may wish to refer patients with complex mental health issues to services that can provide long term assistance.

Operating Hours
The service is available 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday and operates from several locations in the region. Saturday appointments are available but only at Bentley.
All appointments are made from a central location and not at the individual sites.  

To make an Appointment
Please call 9458 0505 to arrange an appointment or to find out more about the service.  Enquiries may be directed to Carolyn Green, Program Manager, by phone or via email at carolyn.green@canningdivision.com.au

Costs
This is a government subsidised service and patients are requested to make a co-payment as indicated below:

• $10 per session - concession card holders
• $30 per session - waged/salaried

Please note:
Patients experiencing financial difficulties may discuss their individual circumstances with their Counsellor who will negotiate a suitable fee.  The fee may be waived in some instances.  


Suicide Intervention Program
Infocus Counselling also runs a free Suicide Intervention Program for patients at risk of suicide and self harm.

For information on the Suicide Intervention Program, click here

Contact Details for Crisis Support Services, click here

GP Psych Support is a free patient management advice service for GPs from a psychiatrist within 24 hours. This service also provides 24/7 crisis counselling and traumatic incident support for GPs and practice teams. GPs can access this service by Tel: 1800 200 588, Fax: 1800 012 422, online: www.psychsupport.com.au


Links to Local Community Counselling Services

Australian Psychological Society - if looking for a private psychologist
www.psychology.org.au Click on "Find a Psychologist" on the right of the home page

Centre for Clinical Interventions - clinical service for adult suffering from anxiety, mood and eating disorders
www.cci.health.wa.gov.au
ph: 9227 4399

Relationships Australia - for relationship counselling
www.wa.relationships.com.au
LocalCall 1300 364 277

Kinway (Gosnells) - for relationship counselling
Ph: 9394 9200

Gosnells Womens Health Service Counselling - for general counselling and perinatal depression counselling and support
www.gwhs.com.au
ph: 9490 2258

Curtin University
Psychology Clinic - for adults and children
www.psych.curtin.edu.au/clinical_services/
ph: 9266 3436

Health Service Counselling - for Curtin University staff and students
www.counselling.curtin.edu.au
ph: 9266 7850 or FreeCall 1800 651 878

Communicare Counselling Services (Cannington)
http://www.communicare.org.au/Family_Services/Counselling_Services
Ph: Cannington - 9451 1100 or Gosnells - 9398 6177

Centrecare Counselling and Support Services
http://www.centrecare.com.au/counselling-support-services/
Ph: 9399 1022

Therapeutic Family Services (Armadale) - for children and youth)
https://www.parkerville.org.au/Therapeutic-Family-Services/therapeutic-family-services.html
Ph: 9399 1022

ARAFMI Mental health Carers and Friends Association - for friends and relatives of mentally ill people
www.arafmi.asn.au or ph: 9228 0577 (Perth)