Get access to qualified practitioners and manage your depression or anxiety, all from the comfort of your own couch
Focused Mind is the latest program from South Australia’s leading mental health service provider, Sonder.
The program is funded by the Adelaide and Country SA Primary Health Networks and offers short-term, intensive phone-based treatment for people experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety or stress.
The program is based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, a practical, evidence-based treatment which is highly recommend for people experiencing depression, anxiety or stress, with proven results.
The program is focused, short in duration and provided over the phone. Andrea Gregory, Clinical Lead at Sonder explains “Appointments are generally only 30 minutes in duration, making it easier for people to access professional, free counselling from the privacy of their own place, at a time of their choosing. Clients can access appointments without having to take time off work or study, and it doesn’t have to be anyone’s business but their own.”
“Many people find phone counselling as a helpful alternative to in-person counselling. Some find it less confronting, whilst others find it is a helpful step towards obtaining more in-depth help.”
Focused Mind is delivered by specifically trained Mental Health practitioners, who work with clients to set goals and develop new strategies to manage your depression, anxiety or stress.
Lisa Kosandiak, Clinical Lead at Sonder explains “Our Practitioners will work with you over the phone for 30 minutes a week for up to 6 weeks, guiding you through your treatment workbook and assisting you to implement new strategies that you have learned within the treatment, into your daily life.”
“We’ll also provide you with access to useful resources which will allow you to record your progress and use in future.”
To access the service and start making steps towards better wellbeing, all you need is a phone and somewhere quiet to make notes for the duration of your appointments.
What to expect at your first appointment
Your first appointment will last an hour. Your Mental Health Practitioner will ask you about your depression, anxiety or stress and how it is affecting your day-to-day life. They will then work with you to identify goals to work towards throughout the course of your treatment.
At the end of your first appointment, your Practitioner will send you a workbook, specific to your situation and needs which you will continue to work through together over the following weeks. You do not need to feel confident in your reading or writing skills to be able to use the workbook.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Focused Mind, you must:
- Live within the Northern or Western Regions of Metropolitan Adelaide, or within the Gawler/Barossa region;
- Be experiencing mild-moderate depression, anxiety or stress and;
- Be seeking practical treatment to manage your symptoms.
How to access the service
Access to Focused Mind is dependent on your location.
If you are located within the Northern or Western metropolitan region of Adelaide, you can visit your GP and request a Mental Health Treatment Plan, or you can self-refer by completing the referral form available from sonder.net.au/focused-mind
If you are located with the Gawler/Barossa region, you’ll need to visit your GP and request a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
For detailed information on how to access a Mental Health Treatment Plan, visit our webpage
To chat to one of our friendly team members, contact Sonder on (08) 8209 0700 or email us via info@sonder.net.au