Counselling for alcohol and other drugs

Hello from the Counselling team at Windana. On this page we’ll tell you a bit about the service we offer, and how you can start seeing one of our counsellors. If you need immediate support, please see the list of 24-hour crisis support services in the drop-down menu above. .

• What is counselling?
• Where do counselling sessions take place?
• What happens during counselling?
• Eligibility
• Referral

Fast facts.

• Type of service: Counselling sessions for people experiencing alcohol and other drug issues
• Session length: One hour per session
• Number of sessions available: Unlimited based on needs
• Location: St Kilda, Bentleigh, Frankston or Rosebud (in-person) or via Telehealth (online or phone)
• Cost: Free

What is counselling?.

Counselling at Windana involves meeting with one of our experienced counsellors, talking through what’s going on in your life and working together on ways to create positive change. Most people see their counsellor for multiple sessions.

At Windana we believe that people can rebuild their lives. Whatever your story, a counselling session is your private space to talk and work towards positive outcomes.

Sessions are free.

Who are the counsellors?

Our counsellors are qualified professionals who specialise in working with people experiencing alcohol or other drug issues, and their families.

We are here to support without judgement.

“When I start work with clients, I often say I aim to help them do more things they want to do – and less things they don’t.”

– Counsellor at Windana

Where do counselling sessions take place?.

We offer appointments at four of our sites, as well as through the SECADA consortium and via telehealth (phone or video call):

88 Alma Road, St Kilda on the corner of Chapel Street. Click to open in Google Maps.

• Tram Stop 40 on Route 78 (from North Richmond) is right outside
• Nearest train station is in Windsor (Sandringham line)
• There is some street parking along Alma Road and Chapel Street.

Here is what the building looks like from outside.

421 South Road, Bentleigh near the corner of South Road and Nepean Highway. Click to open in Google Maps.

• Moorabbin Station (Frankston line) is located opposite
• Also accessible via the 811, 812, 822, 823, 824 and 825 bus lines
• Street parking available in surrounding streets.

Here is what the building looks like from the outside.

31 Playne Street, Frankston. Click to open in Google Maps.

• Frankston Station (Frankston line) is a five minute walk away
• Also accessible via the 772, 775, 776, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785 and 901 bus lines
• Street parking available in surrounding streets.

Here is what the building looks like from the outside.

1337-1339 Nepean Highway, Rosebud. Click to view on Google Maps.

• Accessible via the 787, 788, 886 and 887 bus lines
• Parking available on site.

Here is what the building looks like from the outside.

SECADA – 20 Princes Highway, Dandenong (in the wayss office)

• Dandenong Station (Cranbourne and Pakenham lines) is a less than 10 minute walk away
• Also accessible via the 695, 697, 800, 802, 804, 811, 813, 814, 843, 845, 848, 850, 861, 862, 901, 982 bus lines
• Street parking available in surrounding streets.

We also offer counselling via telehealth (phone or video call).

What happens during counselling? .

When you come to your first appointment with us, a counsellor will spend some time getting to know about you and your life.

As you progress, your counsellor will listen to your concerns and help you to identify opportunities for change. A key part of this is supporting you to make choices based on your own values and preferred ways of relating to others.

Your counsellor can also talk to you about other Windana programs and services that may help, including:

• Detox (withdrawal) and Rehabilitation
• Our Family Program
• Peer Support 
• Natural therapies like acupuncture, naturopathy and osteopathy.

We can also give you information on and referral to housing, family, legal, mental health and employment services outside Windana.

Your counsellor will regularly check with you to see if the sessions are meeting your needs and moving you towards your identified goals.

Eligibility: Is Windana counselling for me?.

Counselling at Windana is available if you are aged 16 years or older and are concerned about your alcohol or other drug use.

Our counselling service is also suitable if you’ve been directed by a court to seek counselling for alcohol or other drugs.

If you are a friend or family member looking for support, please contact SHARC or Family Drug Support. You can also visit our Information for family and friends page for more information about services available.  

Referral: Where do I start?.

Contact DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au.

DirectLine will put you in touch with the local Intake and Assessment service that looks after the area you live in. If you prefer, you can also find your area’s Intake and Assessment service in this list and contact them.

When you speak to your local Intake and Assessment service, they will help identify your individual treatment needs.

This is when you will get referred to the actual treatment programs or services. You can tell them that you wish to be referred to counselling at Windana.

For more information on the process, you can also call Windana Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on 03 9529 7955.

“We welcome you on your recovery journey, one of hope, opportunity and acceptance. We will walk alongside you, without judgement, as you experience improved health, wellbeing and reconnection.”

– Program Manager at Windana

More information.

Click below to download a two-page leaflet about counselling at Windana.

This leaflet includes the information on this page and can be printed at home or emailed..

Download a Windana counselling flyer.