Counselling, consultancy & continuing care

Page content: Target group | Key service requirements | More information

Counselling, Consultancy and Continuing Care services provide a range of services and supports appropriate to the needs of clients who have alcohol and drug use problems. Services provided may include assessment, treatment and consultancy, referral and ongoing case management.

Counselling, Consultancy and Continuing Care services may be provided in a range of settings including stand alone alcohol and drug agencies, community health centres, hospital-based alcohol and drug services and other generalist health and welfare services. Services are delivered by a range of professionals including social welfare workers, health professionals, psychologists, general practitioners, consultant physicians and psychiatrists. These services ensure that continuity and quality of care are provided.

Target group

Target groups for these services are people who have alcohol and drug problems and who require treatment and support services to effect and maintain therapeutic change or who require assistance in controlling their drug use. This service will also provide services to meet the needs of families of clients of alcohol and drug services.

Key service requirements

• Provide a range of psychosocial treatment and support services, including counselling to effect and maintain therapeutic change in individuals with alcohol and drug use problems.
  
  
• Provide a variety of counselling interventions including individual or group-based interventions, relapse prevention, cognitive-behavioural interventions, motivational interviewing, controlled use interventions and psychotherapy, when appropriate.
  
  
• Provide case management and planning for clients with complex problems or who require assistance in controlling their drug use which includes: an assessment of the client's continuing alcohol and drug service requirements and developing an Individual Treatment Plan with the client.
  
  
• Ensure that programs for young people are tailored to their needs, are accessible, have flexible hours, work closely with young person's family group and builds strong links with relevant agencies.
  
  
• Provide appropriate services, where relevant, for carers and families of those affected by alcohol and drug use.
  
  
• Facilitate linkages with other health service providers in relation to the management and treatment of alcohol and drug problems.
  
  
• Provide expert advice to a range of clinical services within or across organisations including primary and acute care settings and other services funded by the Department.

More information

top of page