No, you don’t need a referral to book an appointment with one of our Counsellors or Educational Therapists. You can self-refer by simply contacting us to schedule a session. When you call we will ask you about your circumstances so that we can get a better understanding of what you are experiencing and place you with the appropriate practitioner. Information shared in intake calls is handled with the utmost respect and care. We do welcome referrals from GP's, Paediatricians, schools, organisations such as Anglicare, VACCA, DFFH and NDIS providers.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP). We are a team of Counsellors and Educational Therapists and unlike psychologists are not eligible to claim through Medicare. Our fee is on par with the Medicare rebate to see a psychologist with a MHCP

Yes, we do! At The Village Health, we’re proud to support clients who have NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) funding. We understand how important it is to have access to the right support, and we’re here to ensure that individuals with NDIS plans receive the care they need. Our team is experienced in working within the NDIS framework, offering person-centered, compassionate care that aligns with your goals and supports your overall wellbeing. Whether you’re seeking support for mental health, emotional support, or developmental needs, we’re here to help you make the most of your NDIS plan and provide the care that helps you thrive.

At The Village Health, we proudly support individuals of all ages, from as young as 3 years old through to older adults. Our passion is helping people from all walks of life, whether it’s guiding a child through developmental challenges, supporting a teen struggling with anxiety, or helping an adult navigate life transitions, grief, or mental health concerns. We believe in a whole-person, whole-family approach to care. That means we don’t just focus on the individual, but also on how the family unit can support and grow together through life’s challenges. Our skilled team has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, tailoring our support to meet each person’s unique needs. Whether you’re a parent looking for help for your child, an adult seeking personal growth, or an elderly individual coping with loss or change, we’re here to walk alongside you. Everyone’s story is different, and we are dedicated to offering care that is compassionate, inclusive, and designed to support every stage of life.

Yes, you can request a specific Counsellor or Educational Therapist if you have a preference. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request, depending on availability and your needs.

Appointments typically last between 50 to 55 minutes. The length may vary depending on the type of therapy or your specific needs.

Yes, everything discussed in your sessions is confidential. However, there are some legal exceptions, such as if we believe there’s a risk of harm to you or others. Your practitioner will explain confidentiality in detail during your first session. If we believe there is an element of risk in what you are experiencing we will speak with you about this before involving external supports.

The number of sessions varies from person to person, depending on your individual needs and the complexity of the issues you're dealing with. Your practitioner will be able to discuss this with you after your initial session.

Yes, we offer online appointments via secure video conferencing platforms. This allows you to access our services from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Australia.

At The Village Health, our counsellors are trained in a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to best support your mental health. This includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on helping individuals accept their emotions and commit to meaningful action, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which teaches skills for managing difficulties and improving relationships, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps clients identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour. We also incorporate Mindfulness practices to help you stay grounded in the present moment and reduce stress. Our team is committed to staying up to date with the latest research and techniques in the field of mental health. We regularly engage in professional development to ensure that we are providing the most effective, compassionate care possible. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or navigating life’s transitions, we’re here to support you with proven, personalised approaches that promote long-term growth and wellbeing.

Yes, absolutely. At The Village Health, we offer specialised support for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Our counsellors are deeply experienced and trained in various evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed care. We understand that each person’s journey is unique, and we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalised care that meets you exactly where you are. Whether you're navigating anxiety, healing from trauma, or managing other mental health challenges, we’re here to support you with care, understanding, and proven approaches that truly make a difference.

If you need to cancel an appointment please let us know as soon as possible via email or call 03 5632 0017, or replying to your reminder text. We understand that things come up that are unplanned or unavoidable, and we appreciate you getting in touch as soon as you are able. Cancellations requested more than 48 hours ahead of your appointment will not incur any penalty. Cancellations within 48 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee Cancellations within 24 Hours, and no shows will incur the full fee for the appointment.

While we provide ongoing support for mental health issues, we are not an emergency service. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please contact: Emergency services 000 West Gippsland Community Mental Health: 24 hrs Triage Service 1300 363 322 Lifeline: suicide prevention and mental health support services 13 11 14 SANE: people affected by complex mental health issues 1800 187 263 Kids Helpline: Young people aged 5 – 25 1800 55 1800 Headspace: Young people aged 12 – 25 1800 650 890 Suicide Call Back: 24-hour crisis support and counselling1300 659 467 PANDA: Post or ante natal depression 1300 726 306