A NEW service in Bendigo hopes to increase youth access to mental health support.
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Private practice Get Psych'd opened at the start of July, aiming to increase availability of mental health support services for young people in the area.
Psychologist Harrison Carter said many young people really needed mental health support, to build up their wellbeing and resilience to get through tough times.
But he said there were long wait-lists in the area for such help, with little on offer for young people in the private sector.
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Mr Carter said in Bendigo he could see a need for young people's services, as there had been an escalation in mental health concern relating to COVID-19.
He said social withdrawal and deterioration in mental health were often coupled with social isolation from the pandemic.
Mr Carter said as a psychologist he was seeing an increase in anxiety-type presentations, which were probably related to the uncertainty around COVID-19 currently.
He said the clinic aimed to engage young people in mental health support, as that first step was often a barrier.
Mr Carter said this came down to empowering young people to manage their own mental health as they transitioned to adulthood.
"Where you can put those supports in and around [young people] early on, it supports better outcomes later in life," Mr Carter said.
Mr Carter said he had spent his career in youth psychology, as he enjoyed working with young people, their families and broader support networks.
He said the clinic was aimed at young people aged between 12 and 25.
Mr Carter urged anyone who felt disconnected, or really down, to talk to their friends, family or general practitioner about where to seek support.
More information at: getpsychd.com.au/
If you or someone you know needs support, contact:
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Talk it Out, 1300 022 946, talkitoutmurray.org.au
- BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Headspace Bendigo, 5406 1400, headspace.org.au/
- If life is in danger call Triple Zero (000).
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