About SCIA Resilience Programs
The SCIA resilience programs are free and designed to help you and our community improve resilience, wellness and meaning in your life. Please check out
Furthermore, if you need additional support or counselling, the information below will guide you on where to start.
Other Programs and Services
Telling your story
Just because you have a disability (or support someone with a disability) does not mean that is the reason for your seeking support.
No one wants to explain their condition repeatedly to new mental health professionals, especially when it does not relate to their mental health concern. An excellent mental health professional will support you with your mental health concerns, but it may be helpful to provide the conditions with a background in advance, so you do not have to discuss it on the day.
This template will help you prepare your key information before seeing any mental health professional. You can send this in advance or take it to your first appointment.
Mental Health Care Plan
A mental health care plan is a support plan for anyone experiencing mental health concerns. If you have a mental health care plan, the Government will pay some or all the cost of up to 10 sessions with a mental health professional in a calendar year.
You will first need to visit your GP for a mental health care plan. When you book, tell them you want to discuss a mental health care plan. That way, the doctor can assign additional time to your appointment.
If you have a mental health professional with whom you would like to talk, you can request a specific person at your appointment so your GP can write a referral.
Finding the right person for you
We often hear that finding a psychologist or a clinical psychologist can be overwhelming. The Australian Psychology Association and the Australian Clinical Psychology Association have a find a psychologist/ clinical psychologist function to help you search by location (including telehealth) and specialty.
- Find a psychologist through the Australian Psychology Association.
- Find a clinical psychologist through the Australian Clinical Psychology Association.
People in our Community
SCIA does not recommend any one mental health professional. It is essential to find the person that is right for you. Below are the names of some psychologists and social workers who have experience working with individuals with SCI, who work in private practice and who are currently accepting clients.
| Dr Skye Dong, Clinical Psychologist, PhD (USyd), DClinPsych (USyd), BPsych (Hons I), MACPA, MAPS | Ph: 0404 633 767, Email: info@skyedong.com, Website: www.skyedong.com Location: available via telehealth/videoconferencing or face-to-face from Gordon or CBD. |
| Annalisa Dezarnaulds, Clinical Psychologist, MAPS | Ph: 0417286125 (W & F) Email: dezarnauldspsychology@gmail.com |
| Bev Berelowitz, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker | Website: www.beverleyberelowitz.com/ |
| Candice Care-Unger, Specialist Social Worker and Psychosexual Therapist Erin Mitchell, Social Worker (BSW) | Ph: 0483842315 Email: info@carerehab.com.au Website: www.carerehab.com.au/ |
Meet the Team
Support for people with an injury and families, in spinal units and in the community
Lifeline
Lifeline is a 24/7 crisis service staffed by trained volunteers. Volunteers are trained to support people who are feeling suicidal, low, sad, worried, or need to talk. The number Australia-wide is TEL: 13 11 14.
Suicide Call Back Service
A 24-hour service: 1300 659 467
Sane Australia
Offers immediate support from a qualified counsellor across Australia between 10:00 am and
10:00 pm. This service can be a once off or the counsellor can refer and recommend ongoing support options.
Call 1800 187263 or go to counselling support for more information.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is a 24/7 service. Call 1300 22 4636 to speak to a trained mental health professional.
They also have a range of online community forums.
Way Ahead
Way Ahead offers a range of self-help services including:
- A lived experience chat forum where anyone can discuss any issue currently impacting
their mental wellbeing. - An online directory of mental health and community services
Visit Way Ahead website or call 1300 794 991