COUNSELLING

Genetic counsellors are health professionals with training in genetics and counselling, who provide information and support to individuals and families who have concerns about a genetic condition in their family. Genetic counsellors are supported by geneticists, who are specialised medical doctors who have training in clinical genetics. A geneticist can provide diagnostic services and arrange genetic testing.

Genetic counsellors and geneticists will review your family history and potentially arrange for further testing of yourself/the individual with the genetic condition and/or related family members.

Seeing a genetic counsellor is an opportunity to raise any questions and concerns you have about the genetic condition.

You may be referred to a genetic counsellor by your medical professionals (i.e. GP), or you may self-refer.

In Western Australia, genetic counselling is offered publicly by the Genetic Services of WA.

More information can be found at: health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Genetic-Services-of-WA

Private genetic counselling can be accessed through Private Genetics WA and Genomic Health.

Neuromuscular WA understands that during different stages in a person life they may find it beneficial to speak with a professional regarding living with a neuromuscular condition. Therefore Neuromuscular WA provides access to a free counselling service for people living with neuromuscular conditions and their families.

All sessions are confidential and can be accessed at a number of locations across WA. For people unable to access face to face counselling, telephone and email counselling is also available.

Specialised bereavement counselling can also be accessed.

If you or a family member would like to access this support service or want like further information, please contact Neuromuscular WA on 9380 3400.

Acting as a carer may be at times confronting and overwhelming. Speaking to a counsellor is a valuable way to prevent stress, ensuring carers can continue in their vital role.

The Carers Association of WA offers experienced counsellors to support carers to manage conflict, stress, grief and other factors affecting their emotional wellbeing, and develop coping skills that will improve your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing overall.

Counselling can be offered over the phone, face-to-face, through email or Skype.

More information can be found at: carersgateway.gov.au/about/person-phone-counselling

Mental health is equally as important as physical health. Living with disability, or caring for an individual with disability, results in a complex and compounded set of personal challenges which may leave your mental health at risk.

Caring for your mental health and the mental health of those around you is important and it is imperative that you reach out for professional help when you feel that you need it.

If you are worried about your mental health, or the mental health of someone close to you, make an appointment with your general practitioner, and ask for a Mental Health Plan when you are booking. After the process of creating a plan, your GP will provide options for accessing help, potentially including seeing a clinical psychologist.

In an emergency situation, call 000 or the Mental Health Emergency Response Line on 1300 555 788.

Relationships WA offer counselling support for people with disabiltiy, carers and support workers who have experienced or care for someone who has experienced violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Relationships WA can support you by:

• Providing counselling that understands the impact of trauma,

• Helping to connect you to other supports and services, and

• Giving you information about other useful services and ways of finding assistance.

More information can be found: relationshipswa.org.au/services/counselling/drc

The Commission of Mental Health WA (CoMWHA’s) Peer Pathways project is a statewide helpline for people with mental health challenges to find the supports needed to promote wellbeing. Peer Pathways is available to support individuals, families and carers to navigate the West Australian mental health services.

Peer Pathways can be reached on 9477 2809 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Fridays.

For more information, visit: peerpathways.org.au

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) offers support, advise and treatment to young people and their families who are experiencing mental health issues. CAMHS is delivered to children and families who have been referred by a treating therapist, specialist, GP, school or other community organisation, and are 18 years old or younger.

CAMHS provides recovery-focused programs both in community and hospital settings, alongside a CAMHS Crisis Connect urgent helpline available 24/7 at 1800 048 636.

More information can be found by visiting: cahs.health.wa.gov.au

This free and confidential mental health service offers counselling and support to individuals and families experiencing mental health issues. Helping Minds delivers both NDIS services and free of charge supports, including a carer counselling service.

Helping Minds also offers a range of support groups, workshops and events you can participate in, both in the Perth metropolitan, regionally and online.

Find out more information at: helpingminds.org.au