Frequently Asked Questions

  • Changing Tides Youth Counselling provides counselling for children, teens and young adults. Support is tailored to the young person’s age, developmental stage, needs and goals.

  • Both initial consultations and ongoing counselling sessions are $120.

    Parent and carer support is also available. Fees for parent/carer sessions can be discussed depending on the type of support required.

  • Changing Tides supports young people experiencing a range of emotional, behavioural and life challenges, including:

    • Anxiety and excessive worry

    • Low mood and changes in motivation

    • Stress and overwhelm

    • Difficulties managing emotions

    • Anger and frustration

    • Self-esteem and confidence

    • Friendship and relationship difficulties

    • School stress and disengagement

    • Family changes or conflict

    • Grief and loss

    • Neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism-related support

    • Identity, independence and challenges associated with adolescence

    • Adjustment to significant life changes

    You do not need to know exactly what is going on before reaching out. The initial consultation can help determine whether Changing Tides is the right fit for your young person.

  • No. Changing Tides Youth Counselling does not currently provide Medicare-rebatable sessions, including sessions under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

    This means you do not need a Mental Health Treatment Plan or GP referral to attend, but the full session fee is payable privately.

  • Yes - you can utilise an NDIS plan for counselling sessions if the plan is self or plan managed.

    A free consultation is available so we can discuss your young person’s needs and whether Changing Tides may be an appropriate service within your plan.

  • These professionals can all support mental health and wellbeing, but their training and roles are different.

    A counsellor provides therapeutic support for emotional, behavioural and life challenges. Counselling may focus on understanding emotions and experiences, developing coping strategies, strengthening relationships and supporting positive change. Counsellors may complete a range of training, it is important to check with your counsellor if you are wanting to know more.

    A psychologist has training in formal psychology and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Psychologists can provide psychological therapy and may also undertake formal diagnostic assessments.

    A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialist training in mental health. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication and provide medical management alongside psychological treatment.

    Changing Tides provides counselling and therapeutic support rather than medical or psychiatric treatment.

  • No. Changing Tides does not provide formal diagnostic assessments or diagnose conditions such as ADHD, autism or mental health disorders.

    Counselling can, however, help explore what your young person is experiencing and identify areas where additional assessment or specialised support may be helpful. Where appropriate, recommendations can be made for other services or health professionals.

  • No. You can contact Changing Tides directly without a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan.

    If your young person is also receiving support from a GP, psychologist, paediatrician, psychiatrist or another service, collaboration may occur with your consent where this would support their care.

  • Changing Tides Youth Counselling is located in Wollongong CBD, NSW, within a private and welcoming consulting space.

    Further location and arrival information will be provided when your appointment is confirmed.

  • Appointments are currently available:

    Monday: 9:00am–5:30pm
    Friday: 9:00am–5:30pm
    Saturday: Limited availability

    Appointment availability may vary from week to week.

  • Telehealth counselling may be available where it is appropriate for the young person’s age, needs and circumstances.

    Suitability for telehealth can be discussed during the initial consultation, as some young people may benefit more from in-person sessions.

  • Changing Tides is not a crisis service.

    For urgent mental health support, you can contact:

    • NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511

    • Lifeline: 13 11 14

    • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800