Adoption and family separation have lifelong impacts and many people benefit from longterm counselling or other therapeutic support, either on a regular basis or intermittently at different points in their lives.
VANISH understands the importance of accessing counselling that feels safe, adoption-competent, and perhaps most importantly, a good fit for you as a unique individual. But unfortunately, finding the right kind of support can involve some trial and error. Working with trauma and complex early childhood experiences also takes time and we know how emotionally and financially taxing it can be. If you’re on this journey, you’re not alone.
In addition to the VANISH Counselling Brokerage Program, there are other programs and services you may be eligible for to access fully funded or subsidised counselling. Below is a list of alternative pathways, including information about eligibility and what is covered, so that you can consider the full range of support options available and find what might work for you.
1. Mental Health Care Plan (via your GP)
When you visit your GP, they can assess your needs. This may include:
- completing a mental health assessment
- creating a Mental Health Care Plan (if appropriate)
- referring you to an eligible mental health professional (e.g., clinical or registered psychologist, occupational therapist, social worker) or psychiatrist
Who is eligible? Anyone with a Medicare card who is experiencing mental health challenges.
What is funded: Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Most providers require an out-of-pocket gap payment. The initial Mental Health Care Plan allows for up to 6 rebated sessions, and after the plan has been in place for at least 90 days, your GP may review your progress and issue a referral for an additional 4 sessions. A new plan with a new allocation of sessions can only be issued 12 months after the date your previous plan was created.
If you have complex needs requiring multidisciplinary health care, you may also be eligible for a Team Care Arrangement which provides access to Medicare rebates for allied health services including mental health, in addition to the 10 sessions covered under a Mental Health Care Plan. Enquire with your GP for more information.
Can you choose your counsellor? Yes—your provider must be Medicare-registered. You can ask your GP for recommendations or request a referral from VANISH for a trauma-informed professional with adoption-related experience.
Further information: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare?context=60092
2. Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCAT) / Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)
This Victorian-government scheme provides financial assistance for victims of violent crime, including support for counselling and medical expenses.
Who is eligible?
- You must have been injured (physically or psychologically) by a violent crime in Victoria.
- The crime must usually be reported to police (exceptions may apply).
- Time limits for applications:
- Sexual offences or family violence: within 10 years
- Other violent crimes: within 3 years
- Child victim/survivors: no time limit for family violence or child abuse; other crimes 3 years from turning 18
What is funded: Counselling costs and other supports.
Can you choose your counsellor? Yes, if registered and approved under the scheme.
More information: Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)
3. Historical Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme (VIC – Mothers only)
This Victorian Government scheme acknowledges the impact of historical forced adoption practices and provides financial redress and support.
Who is eligible? Mothers affected by historical forced adoption practices where the birth and/or adoption took place in Victoria or the mother was usually resident in Victoria at the time of the birth.
What is funded: Up to 20 counselling sessions and financial redress.
Can you choose your counsellor? Yes.
Further information: https://www.vic.gov.au/redress-forced-adoptions
4. Intercountry Adoptee and Family Support Service (Intercountry adoptees only)
The Intercountry Adoptee and Family Support Service (ICAFSS) is a Federal Government-funded, national service delivered by Relationships Australia that provides individual and family counselling, small community grants, and individual bursaries.
Who is eligible?
- Intercountry adoptees of all ages and their family members
- Anyone who is going through the intercountry adoption process
What is funded: Ongoing counselling, plus bursaries of up to $500 to assist individual adoptees with costs associated with their adoption (usually offered twice a year)
Can you choose your counsellor? You need to choose someone from the ICAFSS list of counsellors. These counsellors are employed by Relationships Australia. Some of the staff have a lived experience of intercountry adoption.
Further information: https://icafss.org.au/
5. National Redress Scheme (for survivors of institutional abuse)
This scheme supports people who experienced child sexual abuse in institutional settings and provides access to counselling and free Redress Support Services.
Who is eligible? Survivors of child sexual abuse in institutions such as:
- religious organisations
- hospitals, welfare services
- foster care, children’s homes, orphanages
- detention centres
- schools, clubs, youth organisations
What is funded: Counselling and psychological care as part of the redress package.
Can you choose your counsellor? Yes, through approved providers.
Further information: National Redress Scheme
6. Redress for Historical Institutional Child Abuse (Victoria)
The Victorian Government redress scheme is for people who experienced physical, emotional, or psychological abuse or neglect as children in institutional settings in Victoria before 1 January 1990.
Who is eligible? People who:
- lived as a child (under 18) in a Victorian institution for at least 6 months in total before 1 January 1990, and
- experienced physical, psychological, emotional abuse or neglect in that institution.
What is funded: Counselling and other supports.
Can you choose your counsellor? Yes, through the approved provider network.
Further information: Victorian Redress Scheme
7. Your workplace’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Some workplaces offer free, confidential counselling through an EAP.
Who is eligible? Employees of workplaces that provide EAP services.
What is funded: Short-term counselling (usually 3–6 sessions) at no cost.
Can you choose your counsellor? Usually you are allocated a counsellor through the EAP provider.
How to access: Check your workplace intranet or speak to someone you trust at work.
8. Medicare Mental Health Centres
These centres provide free mental health information, support, and services. No referral or appointment is needed.
Who is eligible? Anyone can attend, including people seeking support for the first time.
What is funded: Free mental health support, including counselling and psychiatric care.
Can you choose your counsellor? Limited choice; providers are allocated based on availability.
More information: Medicare Mental Health Services
Feeling stuck? We’re here to talk it through
If you’re not sure what kind of support or counselling would be right for you, or you’d like to talk through your options, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to have a chat to help clarify what you’re looking for.
If our VANISH Counselling Brokerage Program is at capacity, we can still connect you with a skilled counsellor or psychologist from our register of adoption-competent practitioners.