Where to find further help and support for hidden challenges

StrokeLine

StrokeLine is run by the Stroke Foundation. They provide free advice about stroke from health professionals. They can answer your questions and connect you with services.

Call: 1800 787 653

Email: strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au

Website: https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/for-survivors-and-carers/strokeline

EnableMe

EnableMe is run by the Stroke Foundation. It is a free online resource. It has stroke information and videos. You can have conversations with other survivors and carers.

Website: https://enableme.org.au

YoungStroke

YoungStroke is a project of the Stroke Foundation. It is a website that was created with people with lived experience of young stroke. The YoungStroke website contains video stories and podcasts from young stroke survivors. Go to the site to learn how to connect with other young stroke survivors.

Website: https://young.strokefoundation.org.au

Young Stroke Service

The Young Stroke Service supports young adults aged 18 to 55 who have had a stroke. It offers help for depression, anxiety and memory problems. The service runs in Victoria and South Australia. It may expand to other parts of Australia in the future.

You need a referral from a health professional.

Website: https://www.youngstrokeservice.org.au

Genyus network

The Genyus network is an online peer support site. It connects trauma survivors with each other. There are a large number of young stroke survivors in the network. They run online social meetups called “Coffee-Clubs”. The also run community programs. Some programs help people build leadership skills. People can also take part in research.

Website: https://genyusnetwork.com

How to find a psychologist

Psychological therapies for people with brain conditions are available. However, not all psychologists have training or experience with these therapies.

Here are some steps for accessing psychology services. Different options are available, but usually the simplest option is to get a Mental Health Care Plan.

Speak to your GP about getting a Mental Health Care Plan

  1. You will need to first book a “long appointment” with your GP. You can let them know you want to get a Mental Health Care Plan.
  2. Your GP will write up a ‘mental health care plan’ for you during your appointment.
    • This is a letter that allows you to access up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions. This means that Medicare pays for a portion of the session costs.
    • There is often an out-of-pocket fee that is set by each psychologist or clinic.
  3. Your GP can send the Mental Health Care Plan referral to a specific psychologist or clinic. You could also ask your GP to make a recommendation.
  4. You will have reviews with your GP throughout your mental health care plan to check how you are going.

Other options for Psychology:

  • Private Health Cover:
    • If you have private health insurance and extras cover, you may be able to claim part of a psychologist’s fee. Contact your health fund to check.
    • You will need to refer yourself directly to the psychologist you would like to see.
  • Pay Yourself:
    • You might decide to pay the fee yourself, with no rebates. This can be expensive.
    • You will need to refer yourself directly to the psychologist you would like to see.
  • Community Health Centres or Hospital Day Programs:
    • Access to these types of services will vary across different local council areas.
    • Sometimes they will have psychology available via NDIS programs.
    • They might have strict entry criteria. They sometimes have long waiting times.
    • Fees and costs will vary, but often low-cost options are available.

How can I find a suitable psychologist?

If possible, it is helpful to try and find a clinical neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist who has experience working with survivors of stroke. To find someone suitable, you could:

  • Contact the clinicians and researchers involved in the Talking Heads project.
  • Ask your GP for recommendations.
  • Ask other stroke survivors for their recommendations.
  • Use the Australian Psychological Society Find a Psychologist service: https://psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist
    • We recommend that you “Search by Issue” and select “Trauma/Harm” then “Acquired Brain Injury”.
    • When looking through the psychologists in your location, the psychologists with an “Area of Practice Endorsement” in Clinical Neuropsychology or Clinical Psychology are most likely to be suitable.

Need urgent help or support?

Lifeline

  • Focus: Crisis support, suicide prevention, and support for people in distress.
  • Contact: Call 13 11 14 (24/7), text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online. 

Beyond Blue

  • Focus: Depression, anxiety, and mental health support, including early intervention.
  • Contact: Call 1300 22 4636 (24/7) or use their online chat service for counselling.

For Immediate Danger

  • If you or someone else is in immediate danger or seriously injured, call Triple Zero (000).