Personal counselling
About the student counselling service
Life's difficulties and demands can get in the way of studying and achieving goals.
Kangan Batman TAFE offers a free counselling service to assist students through these difficulties, and help them reach their educational goals.
The counselling service is:
- available at all campuses
- staffed by experienced counsellors and registered psychologists
- offered face to face, in private
- by appointment only
- by telephone counselling, if necessary.
Some concerns and problems which you might seek assistance for are:
- Adjusting to major changes such as study commitments
- Managing stress and balancing other commitments
- Learning methods of relaxation
- Overcoming fears (eg of giving presentations or of exams)
- Working out relationship and family problems
- Coping with lack of friends or support
- Motivation, goal setting
- Easing depression, distress
- Rebuilding self esteem, confidence
- Dealing with challenging situations
- Understanding the Australian culture and education
- Sorting out mental health issues that may affect your study
- Resolving conflict with other people
Our counsellors can also help you apply for Special Consideration if illness or another serious cause has interfered with the completion of your course.
How can I talk to a personal counsellor?
Feel free to consult with a counsellor about any matter that is getting in the way of your study. If this kind of counselling turns out not to be what you need, the counsellor can refer you to other services.
Phone (03) 9279 2511 to make an appointment.
If the matter is urgent, our counsellors will make every effort to assist you as soon as possible.
Confidentiality
Counselling is confidential. Nothing you say to a counsellor will be disclosed to a third party without your consent. Counsellors do speak about their work, in a professional way to other counsellors (who are also bound by confidentiality) for the purpose of reviewing the counsellor's work. Usually only the first name is used in order to protect the person's privacy.
There are exceptions to confidentiality when the counsellor believes that your life or someone else's is at risk. In this case, the counsellor will usually tell you of their concern and what they intend to do. The counsellor may need to contact other health professionals and/or your family depending on the nature of the risk.
Feel free to ask your counsellor any questions you may have.
Mental health services
For more information on available Mental Health services, the government provides information for consumers, carers and services.
For mental health emergencies, depending where the person needing help is located, you should call the appropriate Psychiatric Triage services from the list below:
Inner Urban East (Richmond campus)
1300 558 862
North West (Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Coburg, Moreland campuses)
1300 768 073
Inner West (Essendon, Docklands campuses)
1300 304 407
There is also a service especially for young people. For emergency help for adolescents (15 - 18 years):
North West Metropolitan (Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Coburg, Moreland, Essendon, Docklands campuses)
1800 888 320
North Eastern Metropolitan (Richmond campus)
(03) 9496 3620 (business hours)
1300 558 862 (all other times)
For adults aged over 18 years, seek help from the:
Crisis & Assessment Team 18+ (if suicidal or appearing to have a serious mental disorder)
North West Area (Broadmeadows)
(03) 9356 5611 Business hours
(03) 9356 5000 After Hours
Inner North West Area (Essendon)
(03) 9377 3400 Business Hours
(03) 9342 7000 After Hours
Community support services
The following list is for specialised support services:
| Service | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Alcoholics Anonymous | (03) 9429 1833 |
| Australian Apprenticeships Referral Line | 1800 639 629 |
| AIDS Line | (03) 9347 6099 |
| Buoyancy (Drug and Alcohol issues) | (03) 9429 3322 |
| CASA (Centre Against Sexual Assault) | 1800-806-292 |
| Court Network | 1800 681 614 or (03) 9603 7433 |
| Mental Health SKY for under 18 year olds (24 hours) | 1800 818 579 |
| Dianella Community Health Centre - Counselling Broadmeadows area (hospital building) |
(03) 9356 5678 Business Hours |
| Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre | (03) 9387 9155 |
| Drug & Alcohol Help | 1800 806 292 |
| Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Victoria | (03) 9827 8544 or 1800 184 527 |
| Gambler's helpline | 1800 777 706 |
| Grief Line | (03) 9596 7799 |
| Legal Aid (Melbourne - Victoria) | (03) 9269 0120 |
| Kids Help Line | 1800 551 800 |
| Lifeline (General help counselling) | 131 114 |
| Melbourne Youth Support Group (Accommodation) | (03) 9614 3688 |
| Mensline | 1300 78 99 78 |
| Parent Line | 132 289 |
| Royal Melbourne Hospital | (03) 9342 7000 |
| Police | 000 |
| Crimestoppers | 1800 333 000 |
| Victims of Crime Helpline | 1800 819 817 |
| Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal | (03) 9628 7855 |
| Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Centre (24 hours) | (03) 9329 8433 |
| WIRE (Women's Information & Referral Exchange) | (03) 9654 6844 (9am-7pm Mon-Fri) |
