Low-Cost Counselling Program

Kate of Serenity Counselling believes that ideally, everyone should have access to affordable mental health support.

With the cost of living so far above what many families can afford, more and more, people put off seeking the support they need to navigate issues and manage stress. Ironically, financial issues can be a major source of pressure and conflict, but the out-of-pocket cost can make mental health help unviable.

In recognition of the gap between what many of us can afford and what we need, Serenity Counselling now offers a limited number of weekly sessions to clients who are experiencing financial difficulties but need counselling support.

Please note: Serenity Counselling is not an emergency service. If you require assistance in an emergency or for crisis support, please see our Crisis & Emergency Support page.

Serenity Counselling’s Low-Cost Counselling Service is available for individuals aged 18+. Clients can attend face-to-face at our counselling space in Ingle Farm, South Australia, or online from anywhere in Australia. It is not necessary to obtain a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan to access the service.

Please note: Serenity Counselling is not able to diagnose serious mental illnesses and disorders, though in some cases, they can provide support to individuals who have a diagnosis. If you require an assessment or diagnosis for mental illness or disorders (eg: bipolar disorder, major depression, ADHD, ASD, etc.), it is best to seek the advice of your GP who can then refer you to an appropriate specialist.

Eligibility for low-cost counselling is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Evaluation is based on a number of factors including family income, number of dependants, and other individual considerations. When you provide this information to Serenity Counselling, it is stored and managed in accordance with our confidentially policy. If you have any questions before submitting the form, please contact Kate by phone or email.

Unfortunately, demand for Low-Cost Counselling can be high, and therefore, any decision made about eligibility for these sessions, based on the information provided in your form is final.

Our standard fee for counselling services is $110 per 1 hour session, but clients who are approved for the Low-Cost Counselling Program, fees are $40 per 1 hour session.

Fees are payable by bank deposit only, and can be paid to:

Beyond Bank
Account Name: KM Marshall
BSB: 325185
Account Number: 04031439

Payment for Low-Cost Counselling sessions is due at the time of booking to secure your appointment. Unfortunately, until payment is received by Serenity Counselling, your booking is not considered to be reserved, and your desired slot may be given to another client.

Because our Low-Cost Counselling Program is entirely funded by Serenity Counselling, consultation slots are limited. We ask that you book your consultation with us only when you are genuinely ready and committed to beginning sessions. This ensures that those who are truly in need of our services are able to access the support they require.

In addition, the following booking rules apply:

• While we understand the need to change appointment times on occasion, all clients are required to provide at least 48 hours notice. If changes are made with less than 48 hours notice or you fail to attend your appointment, your prepaid session fee will be forfeited to cover the appointment time, and a new fee will be required in order to secure another appointment.
• In situations of genuine illness, we require you to contact us by phone to inform us as soon as possible. Emails and text messages are not always received in a timely manner so phone contact is a must in these circumstances. We may also require written confirmation of illness if repeated last-minute cancellations occur.

The Low-Cost Counselling Program allows for 6 sessions at the reduced rate. These sessions are reserved at weekly intervals. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sessions monthly or intermittently, and we cannot accommodate extended or repeated breaks during your therapeutic journey. This is to ensure clients who need immediate and consistent support do not miss out on the full, continuous counselling experience they might need.

If you feel that you will require more than 6 sessions at the reduced rate, this can be negotiated with Kate during your 5th session.

1. Fill in the application form below. The information you share on the form will be kept confidential, and will help us to assess whether Serenity Counselling is able to support you in your counselling journey, and whether you are eligible for the Low-Cost Counselling Program.
2. If you have difficulties filling in our form, please phone or email Serenity Counselling, so we can assist you.
3. Once you have submitted the form, please allow up to 5 business days for your application to be assessed. You will receive an email to let you know whether your application has been successful. This email will also give you options for available time slots for your first appointment.
4. If your first booking has not been confirmed within 48 hours of your approval email, available time slots may be released for other clients, and you will need to contact Serenity Counselling for more options.
5. When your appointment has been confirmed with payment, you will be sent an intake form by email. This form includes our general counselling information and informed consent. Please fill this form in prior to your first appointment.
6. If we have not heard from you within 14 days of your approval email, unfortunately your approval will be set aside to allow for other clients in need to access the program.

In some instances, instead of an approval, you may receive an email to confirm that you are eligible for the Low-Cost Counselling Program but have been placed on the waiting list and will be contacted when an opening is available.