Wellbeing & Mental Health Support Services
Who may be able to access the service?
The ASRC knows that many people seeking asylum are in crisis because they do not have work rights or access to mainstream social services in Australia.
While we aim to support as many people as possible, the level of need we see always exceeds the resources we have available as a community organisation.
We therefore provide FREE primary health care prioritising people seeking asylum who face the biggest barriers to accessing this human right.
This information sheet covers mental health support, including nurses, psychiatrists and mental health support services.
Who MAY be able to access this service | Who will NOT be able to access this service* |
|---|---|
| A person seeking asylum | Not seeking asylum |
| Current ASRC health client | Not a current ASRC Health client |
| Residing in Victoria | Not residing in Victoria |
| 18 years or older | Less than 18 years old |
* If this is you, you may be able to access other services listed here.
What does this service offer?
A Mental Health Nurse (MHN) is part of the Mental Health Team. The MHN may conduct phone or in person mental health assessments, triage psychiatry referrals and manage the needs of the psychiatry list.
Psychiatrist
Appointments with Psychiatrists require a referral from a GP and MHN triage. Specialist clinic appointments are prioritised for people without Medicare. Your GP can write a referral letter for you with a health summary.
Referrals to other mental health support services
A nurse can speak with you and explain other options for support and help arrange these, if needed.
How to access the service?
Please come to the health centre and our team can discuss your health needs and assist to make appointments If you are not able to come in person, please call 03 9274 9898 or email health@asrc.org.au and leave a message with your name and phone number.
If you require an interpreter please state your preferred language and we will call you back with an interpreter.
Opening hours
Service hours may vary depending on staff capacity but these are the days and times we are open (excluding public holidays).
Please note, the service is paused during lunchtimes on the open days
ASRC Footscray
Level 2, 214-218 Nicholson St. Footscray
Monday: 10.30am to 4.00pm
Tuesday: 10.30am to 4.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10.30am to 4.00pm
Friday: 10.30am to 4.00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
What you need to provide:
Signed consent form including agreeing to ASRC’s Rights and Responsibilities agreement.
Bring your current medication and vitamins
Any medical history you have including details of doctors you have seen in Australia
An appointment for a Health Assessment with our nurses before you see a doctor
Details of your current address
What we use it for:
Consent to access services in line with ASRC’s relevant policies and procedures
Your doctor can see what medication you take
To help the doctor provide the best treatment
This allows the doctor to have basic information about you before they see you
This helps us see if we can find you a doctor closer to home
What other services could I try?
Services: Free information, support and advice to improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Available: 9 am to 10 pm weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm weekends
Phone: 1300 375 330
Services: if you are feeling overwhelmed and/or experiencing thoughts of suicide. This is a free confidential counseling service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Ph 13 11 14
Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/