Key messages
- Counselling is one of the treatment streams available for people receiving alcohol and other drug treatment services in Victoria.
- Different modes of counselling include face-to-face, online and telephone consultations.
- Counselling supports positive behavioural change in people through providing evidence-based therapeutic individual, group and family counselling interventions.
- Counselling is provided by a variety of health professionals across the Victorian catchments.
About alcohol and other drug counselling
Counselling is one of the treatment streams available for people receiving alcohol and other drug treatment services. Different modes of counselling include face-to-face, online and telephone consultations.
Eligibility for services
Counselling is available from community-based treatment services for people from the age of 16 and, when appropriate, their families, either as individuals or in groups. Referrals are made through intake services.
Priority access is given to clients assessed as having complex needs and those transitioning to and from residential services.
Objectives of counselling
The counselling stream supports positive behavioural change in people through providing evidence-based therapeutic individual, group and family counselling interventions. Services focus on working collaboratively with clients and their families and providing recovery-oriented care.
Alcohol and other drug counselling services
The Victorian Government has appointed service providers in each local catchment across Victoria to provide counselling services for people assessed as requiring this mode of alcohol and other drug treatment.
Clients who require referral to a counselling service provider should contact their local catchment-based intake provider, or call DirectLine on 1800 888 236.
Alcohol and other drug counselling services are provided by health professionals, psychologists, general practitioners, consultant physicians, psychiatrists and social workers.
Reviewed 01 August 2017
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In this topic
- Intake and assessment for alcohol and other drug treatment
- Alcohol and other drug counselling
- Care and recovery coordination for alcohol and other drug treatment
- Non-residential withdrawal services for alcohol and other drug treatment
- Therapeutic day rehabilitation services for alcohol and other drug treatment
- Treatment principles
- Alcohol and drug client charter
More information
- DirectLine Confidential alcohol and other drug counselling and referral in Victoria.