Demand for ongoing counselling increases

The just released Kids Helpline Overview reveals demand for ongoing counselling support for children and young people continues to increase.

WE CARE. WE LISTEN.

Kids Helpline’s qualified counsellors are being called on more and more often by young Australians to help them deal with severe, complex and often long-standing issues.

This continues a 10-year upward trend, with ongoing counselling now offered at 14 times the rate it was during 2003. It makes up 47 per cent of all counselling sessions.

Ongoing counselling usually involves:

• the young person speaking mainly with one or two key counsellors, who become familiar with their concerns
• linking the young person with face-to-face services
• developing joint or wrap-around plans to manage a young person’s support

This type of counselling offers more intensive support and helps ensure numerous different needs can be considered and planned for.

I like that you don't have to be in crisis to talk to them. My counsellor, I can talk about anything at all to him. Me and my counsellor are a good fit – we get along really well and I always feel really listened to. In my life I am less scared of problems because I know I will be able to talk to him about things. My mental health and coping skills have greatly increased. Female, 19–25 years of age

Kids Helpline is 70% funded by those who support BoysTown Art Unions but we need more support from Government/s and the broader community to help care for young people with increasingly complex needs.

You can help by donating now.