Our counselling service at Avalon Youth Hub is available for anyone aged 15-24. It’s free, safe and confidential. We don’t require a referral from a GP or other health professional, but you’re welcome to come to us if you have one.

You can also access low-cost counselling from our Balgowlah offices.

To book an appointment call 9949 5522 or email counselling@lifelinenb.org.au

If you need immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or text with us on 0477 13 11 14 (anytime).

We offer free and confidential counselling for young people 15–24-years-old.

Anything that you like.

Our counsellors are all professionally qualified and are experienced in providing non-judgemental support. You can talk about anything that is concerning you.

See below for a list of typical reasons why young people seek counselling.

Young people can experience many different challenges, either at school, home, work or with peers that can cause stress and impact their mental wellness. Common presentations include:

• Family breakdown, including separation, divorce and issues with brothers or sisters
• Relationship difficulties, including loneliness, anxiety, break-ups and friendship issues
• Grief and loss, including parents, grandparents, friends, siblings, teachers, or a pet
• Mental health issues like anxiety and depression
• Bullying
• Sexuality/gender identity
• Feeling bad, worthless, guilty or overly critical of yourself
• School/social related issues
• Self-harm
• Drug and alcohol usage

The counsellor will talk with you about what’s going on and will provide a non-judgemental space where you can feel heard. Together you can discuss what you would like to get out of the sessions.

It’s usual to feel nervous about going to counselling for the first time. Talking to someone you don’t know regarding what’s on your mind can take some getting used to.

If you’re finding it hard to talk about your thoughts or feelings, you might find it useful to write it down – sometimes making notes helps you sort out what you want to say. Some things that you might want to talk about:

• how you’ve been feeling
• if you’ve had any mental health issues before
• if you’re using alcohol or drugs
• if you’re not sure what you want to work on
• if you’ve had contact with a mental health professional or service before
• if you have concerns about getting help

There is no limit to the number of sessions. Counselling support will be offered for as long as you require it. No referral is necessary.

To make your first appointment, please phone Lifeline Northern Beaches on 9949 5522. During this call you will be asked for your contact details and a brief overview of what you would like to discuss with your counsellor. Your counsellor will then contact you to make an appointment.