API is a free mental health service providing short-term counselling/ psychological therapy to individuals, families, and groups. 

API at EACH is for people who: 

  • have mild to moderate mental health illness, 
  • live and work in the Casey or Greater Dandenong regions, and 
  • have a health care card or cannot afford to access similar services 

Priority groups for API include: 

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse people (free interpreters are provided)
  • Children under 12
  • People experiencing homelessness
  • People with substance use disorders
  • People who have experienced family violence
  • People at risk of suicide
  • People with perinatal depression

API is not a crisis response service and does not provide emergency mental health advice or support.  In case of emergency call 000.

 

API is provided by a small team of accredited mental health clinicians such as psychologists, mental health occupational therapists and mental health social workers. 

Referral options include: 

Self-referral 

Call SEMPHN (South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network) Access & Referral on 1800 862 363 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. 

Referral from GPs/health professionals/other services 

  • Upload a referral form via SEMPHN here or call 1800 862 363 for assistance 
  • For more information, view the API brochure here 
  • Consent is required before referring clients to API 

API is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the South Eastern Melbourne PHN

 

What does it cost?

There is no cost for this program.

When can this program be accessed?

Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sessions are also available out of business hours.

How can you access this program?

For more information please contact us on SEMPHN Mental Health Intake - 1800 862 363.

Groups and Programs:

Groups: for information for upcoming groups please contact EACH 1300 003 224