Y Counselling
Free, confidential youth counselling service in Leederville for young people aged 12 to 25.
Y Counselling
Program Overview
Y Counselling is a free, confidential counselling service for young people aged 12 to 25 living in the Leederville area, funded by the WA Department of Communities. Through one-to-one sessions, counsellors support young people to work through whatever’s on their mind, at their own pace based on their goals and preferences.
Support is shaped around each young person’s needs and can include working through anxiety, low mood, family conflict, relationships, anger, grief and loss, the impact of difficult experiences, confidence, and school or work stress.
If things feel urgent and you can’t wait for a referral, you don’t have to manage that alone:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7, ages 5-25)
Y Counselling is delivered from the Y HQ Leederville, and in local schools across the Perth metropolitan area.
Program Details
Everything you need to know about this program.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We make it easy for young people to access professional counselling support. Our simple, step-by-step process ensures you know what to expect from your first referral through to your final session.
1. Referral
A young person can refer themselves by completing the Y Counselling Referral Form, or they can be referred by a parent or carer, school, GP, or another support service.
2. Intake review and allocation
Our Y Counselling Coordinator reviews each referral to confirm consent and contact details, ensure the service is the right fit, and match the young person with the counsellor best suited to their needs.
3. Initial assessment
The young person meets with their counsellor to discuss what is happening in their life, identify their goals, and develop a personalised counselling plan.
4. Counselling sessions
Support is typically provided over 3 to 6 months, with weekly or fortnightly sessions depending on the individual. Throughout this time, the counsellor supports the young person to work towards their goals, develop practical coping strategies, and build confidence, while regularly reviewing progress together.
5. Progress Review
Towards the end of the initial counselling period, progress is reviewed together. Where additional support would be beneficial, counselling may continue for up to a further 12 weeks.
6. Closure and ongoing support
The final session provides an opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and plan for the future. Where appropriate, the counsellor will discuss ongoing supports or referrals. Young people are welcome to return to Y Counselling if they need support again in the future.
WHERE IS IT AVAILABLE
Y Counselling is available at the Y HQ Leederville – 60a Frame Court, Leederville, and in local partner schools across the surrounding Leederville area, making it easier for young people to access support in a familiar and convenient environment.
PREREQUISITES
- There are no prerequisites to get started with Y Counselling
- Y Counselling is here to support young people with everyday life challenges and mild-to-moderate wellbeing concerns. It isn’t set up to provide specialised treatment for complex mental health needs or to support someone experiencing current suicidal ideation
- If you or someone you know needs help right now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (both 24/7)
HOW TO GET STARTED
Getting started is simple:
- To begin, simply complete the Y Counselling Referral Form or contact us by phone on (08) 9233 9221.
- Once your referral is received, you’ll be matched with a suitable counsellor
- Together, you’ll arrange a time and place that works for your first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no topic too big or small. Young people come to Y Counselling to talk through things like anxiety and stress, low mood, family conflict, relationships and friendships, anger, grief and loss, the impact of difficult or traumatic experiences, confidence, and school or work pressure.
Y Counselling is delivered from the Y HQ Leederville, and in local partner schools across the surrounding Leederville area.
Support is typically provided over 3 to 6 months. This usually runs as an initialm12-week period, with a progress review towards the end. Where additional support would be beneficial, counselling may continue for up to a further 12 weeks. Young people are welcome to return to Y Counselling if they need support again in the future.
Sessions are usually weekly or fortnightly, depending on the individual’s needs.
What you share stays private between you and your counsellor, with one exception: if there are serious safety concerns, your counsellor may need to involve others to keep you or someone else safe. They’ll talk this through with you wherever possible, rather than doing it without your knowledge.
Parental consent is required for young people under the age of 18.
We accept referrals from:
- Young people (self-referral)
- Parents and caregivers
- Schools
- Government agencies
- Health Professionals
- Community and social service providers
All referrals are confidential and will not be shared without the young person’s consent.
Y Counselling is a completely free service, funded by the WA Department of Communities.
To begin, simply complete the Y Counselling referral form. Once we receive it, our team will be in touch to match you with a counsellor.
For more information, contact our team via email referrals@ymcawa.org.au.
Y Counselling is a free, confidential counselling service for young people ages 12 to 25 living in the Perth metropolitan area. It’s designed to help young people work through anything that’s on their mind, at their own pace, with a qualified counsellor.
Connect with the Y WA for Y Counselling support.
Access our free counselling service by completing a referral form or contacting our team today.
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