Page 27 - 2025 JCH Student Handbook

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Professional Counselling (new in 2025)

Should you wish to access mental health support through professional counselling beyond the
college, there are a number of options available to you.

We encourage you to speak with the Deputy Principal, Bee or a tutor but you can make an
appointment for yourself with Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) via their website or by
phone. CAPS provide free, confidential, short term psychological counselling to currently enrolled
students and staff. They also offer a range of workshops, mental health training and helpful
resources. An after hours / emergency phone counselling service is also available.

You may already have a relationship with a Psychologist back home and might want to consider
reconnecting with that person through Telehealth. Alternatively, your GP or a family member might
recommend a Psychologist for you to see.

To see a Private Psychologist can be expensive but with a Mental Health Care Plan you can receive
a Medicare rebate (6 sessions + 4 more within 12 months). It is easy to obtain a plan through your
General Practitioner (GP) or through a GP at Uni Health Services (It is useful to book a double
appointment in these cases).

In 2025 JCH has entered into an agreement with Cairnmillar institute, one of Australia’s leading
centres for psychological counselling and training of Psychologists. There are clinics in the CBD and
North Melbourne. They offer appointments with either registered psychologists or Provisional
Psychologists under supervision. JCH offers 3 x fully subsidised appointments throughout the
academic year to students on a Mental Health Care Plan. Should you wish to continue ongoing
counselling after these 3 sessions you will need to cover the fees through your health insurance. The
College may consider subsidising a limited number of further sessions for students in financial
hardship on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to make an appointment with Cairnmillar
institute, speak to the Deputy Principal or Dean of Studies and they can link you with the service.

Your confidentiality will be maintained unless there is an imminent threat of harm to you or others.

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Janet Clarke Hall Student Handbook 2025