headspace

headspace is a free or low-cost service where young people aged 12-25 can access qualified mental health professionals, youth-friendly GPs, drug and alcohol counsellors and vocational service providers.

What we do

We help young people with their general health, sexual health, mental health, or work and study and also offer alcohol and other drug support.

Services include:

Physical and sexual health
Mental health counselling provided by psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists
Drug and alcohol counselling
Work and study support
Support for families, carers and friends of young people

Alfred Health is the lead agency for headspace Bentleigh, headspace Elsternwick and headspace Syndal.

Who we care for

headspace provides support, information and advice to young people aged 12 to 25.

headspace Early Psychosis

headspace Early Psychosis offers specialist support for young people who are experiencing, or at increased risk of developing, psychosis. Psychosis is an experience where a person interprets the world differently to others. They might see or hear things that other people can’t, or have unusual ideas or beliefs. This can affect their thoughts, feelings or behaviour.

Our team is here to support young people and their families navigate this experience and take steps towards recovery.

The Early Psychosis program operates seven days a week (including public holidays) and also provides access to mental health professionals, study and work support, group activities and help for family and friends.

In South East Melbourne, there are five headspace centres that work closely together to offer this program including headspace Bentleigh, Elsternwick, Frankston, Dandenong and Narre Warren. If you or someone you know could benefit from learning more, please call (03) 9076 9400. You can also read more about early psychosis here.

discovery college

discovery college creates and runs courses about mental health and wellbeing, that are free and open to everyone.

Courses are co-designed by teams of experts from different backgrounds including mental health professionals, young people with lived and living experience, families, friends and carers. Courses explore topics such as suicide, psychosis, anxiety, mindfulness and sensory modulation.

But isn’t this just for young people? Well, young people live in communities, they have families and friends and they access services run by professionals. discovery college builds and runs courses that focus on the experiences of young people and open the courses up to everyone, because the more communities know about how to support young people, the better off young people (and their communities) will be.

Find out more by visiting the discovery college website.

What to expect

headspace is designed to make it easy as possible for a young person and their family to get the help they need for problems affecting their wellbeing.

Once you have located your nearest centre please ring or email to speak with one of our friendly reception team members who will assist you to make an appointment. You can ask a friend, teacher, parent, health worker or any trusted person to contact the centre on your behalf if you wish.

Commonly asked questions

Is this service right for me?

If you're aged 12-25 and going through a tough time, headspace can help if you:.

Are feeling down, stressed or can't stop worrying
Don't feel like yourself anymore
Can't deal with school/uni/work or are finding it difficult to concentrate
Are feeling sick or worried about your health
Have questions about, or want to cut down on alcohol or other drug use
Want to talk about sexuality, gender identity or relationships
Are having difficulties with your family or friends
Have sexual health issues or want information about contraception
Are being bullied, hurt or harassed
Are worried about work or study or having money trouble
Need someone to talk to

Getting support can help you to stay on track at school, with studying or at work as well as in your personal and family relationships. The sooner you get help the sooner things can improve.

What other programs does headspace offer?

Online and phone support

Work and study support

headspace early psychosis program

Parent and carer events

How to access this service

Contact us directly

Young people, family, friends, carers, and other service providers can contact us directly to access our services by calling Bentleigh on 9076 9400 or Elsternwick on 9076 7500. You will initially speak to an administrative person who will book you in for a call back from our Intake Team at the soonest availability.