Youth and adult counsellor Adelaide
Feel empowered & build confidence to overcome life’s obstacles
Confidential sessions with simple tools to use at home, school, and with friends.
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Youth counselling
Youth counselling and youth mental health support in Adelaide
Big feelings, changing friendships, school pressure and family stress can stack up quickly. Carly Astill Counselling supports teens and young adults from 11 years through adolescence and early adulthood, drawing on years of experience in adolescent counselling, in youth mental health and emotional wellbeing. The counselling approach is integrated and client-centred because every person is unique.
As an Adelaide based youth counsellor, Carly meets young people exactly where they are and walks alongside them through obstacles and decisions. Together you acknowledge struggles, hopes and strengths in a safe, confidential space where you feel heard, validated and respected.
Here you will find steady support to talk things through, learn valuable skills and take the next step that works for you, so confidence grows, and life feels more manageable at school, work, at home and with friends.
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Support for teens, young adults, adults and families
People come to counselling for many reasons. The concerns I commonly see include anxiety, depression, low confidence and self-esteem, low motivation, school absenteeism, identity questions, communication difficulties, lack of direction, gender and sexuality, trauma, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, and environmental anxiety.
Who I help
My clients are adolescents and young adults of all genders, plus parents of teenagers who want practical ways to support change at home without adding pressure.
- Teens and young adults, 11 and up, who want steadier moods and better coping skills.
- Students juggling study pressure, social worries, or motivation dips.
- Young people processing illness, change, grief, or loss in the family.
- Parents and caregivers seeking helpful strategies for home and school.
- Young adults starting university or work who want direction and confidence.
- Families navigating serious illness and end-of-life care needing grief support.
Youth and adult counselling services in Adelaide
My Areas of Expertise
My services
Teenage counselling services
One-to-one sessions for teens with a focus on emotional regulation, confidence, communication, and problem-solving. Together we map what is hard right now, learn simple techniques to calm the body and mind, and choose one or two actions to try between visits. You leave each session knowing the next step and why it matters.
Within teenage counselling
Youth counselling services →
Youth and adult mental health services
Support for anxiety and stress, low mood, identity and friendship concerns, grief and loss, and school or study challenges. We can include brief parent check-ins when useful and agree on the right level of family involvement. The aim is early support that builds capability, not pressure.
Within youth mental health services
Youth mental health services →
Palliative care counselling & bereavement support
Care at the end of life brings complex emotions, practical decisions, and moments that can feel overwhelming. I provide a caring space to talk, plan, and breathe.
I’ve supported many people living with serious illness and their families, guiding conversations, easing distress, and helping you focus on what matters most each day. My care continues with family after a death, with clear steps for the early weeks of grief and ongoing support as you adjust to life after loss.
About Carly
Carly Astill Counselling
Hello, I’m Carly. Welcome to Carly Astill Counselling. I offer youth counselling and youth mental health support. People describe me as warm, curious and grounded. When we work together you can expect plain language, a calm pace and steady support that fits real life. We start with what feels safest to talk about and set small steps together, so change feels achievable. Sessions are shaped around what matters most to you right now.
Most young people that I counsel say they feel heard, respected and understood, even when things feel messy. When it helps, and with your consent, parents can receive brief updates so support at home stays connected without adding pressure. You leave knowing what we are focusing on, why it matters and one simple way to keep momentum between visits. If you are unsure where to begin, a few words are enough, and we will take the next gentle step together.
Learn more about Carly →
Common challenges during adolescence
Many young people reach out when feelings and pressures stack up. Common concerns include anxiety, depression, low confidence and self-esteem, low motivation, school absenteeism, perfectionism, identity and friendship changes, communication difficulties, lack of direction, gender and sexuality questions, trauma, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, and environmental anxiety. These show up at home, school, online, and with friends.
Parents and carers tend to describe school refusal, anxiety, low mood, bullying, conflict at home, risky behaviours, substance use, self-harm concerns, gender and sexuality questions, and behavioural issues. For them, it can be hard to know when to step in and when to give space.
My role as a youth counsellor is to slow things down and make a steady plan. Sessions are teen-led and confidential, with privacy limits explained in plain language. Short parent check-ins happen when useful and agreed, so everyone knows the next step.
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How our counselling works
Simple steps that keep progress clear and achievable
Guided Process
Enquire and quick fit check
Send a short note about what location and day suits you. I’ll send you the booking link for the place you suggested and we go from there.
First session hello and consent
We begin with a brief hello with the parent and the young person together for five to ten minutes to build trust. When the young person feels ready, they continue on their own. Sometimes a parent stays longer, depending on age and comfort. I will explain privacy and the limits of confidentiality in plain language and agree on goals for the first few sessions.
Mapping what is happening
We talk through what is hard, when it shows up, and what has helped before.
Together we discuss what really matters to you and you decide the pace.
Skills and practice between visits
Sessions blend psychoeducation and therapeutic interventions. We practise quick reset tools for anxiety, simple ways to steady thoughts and feelings, and language for tricky conversations at home, school, and with friends. You leave with one or two strategies that fit your energy and your week, so progress continues between sessions.
Review and adjust
We notice what helped and what still feels tricky. We keep what works, change what does not, and plan the next step. Session rhythm can be weekly or fortnightly, and formats can be mixed. Short parent check-ins happen only when useful and agreed, so the work stays teen-led and confidential.
What to expect in our counselling sessions
Plain language, small actions, and options for how and where you want to meet.
Your first counselling session
It usually helps to arrive a few minutes early to settle in to the space. The first session is mostly conversation: what’s hard, what’s helped before, what you want next. We’ll talk about privacy and the limits of confidentiality in plain language.
Between the counselling sessions
Expect one or two small actions, not a long homework list. We choose tools that fit real life: quick resets, simple prompts for tricky conversations, and ways to track what’s getting easier.
Parent involvement in counselling sessions
A brief joint check-in can help early on. After that, sessions are teen-led and private. Updates happen only when they are helpful and agreed upon.
Why choose Carly Astill Counselling
Youth-focused approach
Specialised in teens and young adults; sessions are designed for how young people think, feel, and learn.
Calm, steady process
Predictable steps and kind pacing that reduce pressure and build safety.
Flexible formats
In person, walk and talk, secure online video, or phone, so support is easier to access and sustain.
Family-aware, teen-led
Short parent check-ins when helpful, with privacy respected for the young person.
Practical skills, not jargon
Simple strategies you can try the same day, with noticeable progress that builds over time.
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Capabilities and specialisation
My core focus areas for teens, young adults and families in Adelaide
Counselling specialisation
- Youth mental health, early support and prevention
- Youth mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Teen anxiety, stress and emotional regulation
- Grief, loss and adjusting to change
- Confidence, boundaries and communication
- Study pressure, school avoidance and motivation
- Identity, friendships and social courage
- Parent support and family communication
- Collaboration with schools and GPs (with consent)
Counselling locations in Adelaide and online SA wide
I meet clients in Adelaide metropolitan areas, Blackwood and Moana, and support young people online across South Australia. Counselling is offered through in-person sessions, online sessions, phone consults, and walk and talk sessions.
For the walk and talk sessions, we typically use beautiful Moana Beach. At Blackwood we can walk amongst the peaceful garden or walk to the Belair National Park, and for Adelaide we can walk to King Rodney Park/Ityamai-Itpina Park.
Accessibility
Accessibility and preferences
We shape sessions around what helps you feel safe and comfortable.
- Communication preferences by text or email for scheduling and updates
- Quiet appointment times on request
- Walk and talk option for people who think better while moving
- Online video and phone for low travel access
- Space for sensory needs, with lighting, seating, and pace adjusted on request
- Feedback loop so sessions can be shaped around what helps most
Fees and rebates for counselling in Adelaide
Clear information about fees, payment and rebates before you book.
- Fees shared on enquiry; 60- or 90-minute options
- Medicare rebates not available; private health rebates not currently offered
- Invoices and receipts provided by email or SMS texts
- Payment on the day (online payments available)
- Cancellation policy: please give at least 24 hours’ notice so that time can be offered to others; late cancellations or no-shows may incur a fee
Frequently asked questions about youth counselling
What is a counsellor?
What do counsellors do?
Counsellors help people who are facing problems such as:
- carer stress
- financial stress
- loss, grief and bereavement
- challenges with mental health and wellbeing
- relationship problems
- stress
- trauma and domestic violence
- Palliative care for the dying and their families
Counsellors can also support people with mental illnesses like:
- depression
- postnatal depression
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia
Counselling can also:
- help with addictions — alcohol, drug or gambling addictions
- help you quit smoking
- help you manage anger
What is a mental health care plan and counselling?
As stated on the Service Australia website your GP may refer you to a Counsellor as part of your Mental Health Care Plan. Unfortunately, however, Counselling is not eligible for any rebate through Medicare. This means that your fee will not be subsidised through Medicare and the full fee is payable on the day of your appointment.
Which healthcare professional can provide counselling?
Health care professionals for counselling include
- counsellors
- some doctors
- occupational therapists
- mental health nurses
- mental health social workers
- psychologists and psychiatrists
Do I need a GP referral for youth counselling?
No. You can book directly. If you have a referral or reports from school or a GP, bring them. They can help us understand your situation faster.
Can a parent come into our counselling sessions?
We can start with a brief joint check-in. After that, sessions are teen-led and confidential. We’ll agree on how and when updates happen, and what stays private.
What happens in the first counselling session?
We set goals, talk about what’s hard, and try one or two simple tools. You’ll leave knowing the next step and why we chose it.
Do you offer online sessions or walk & talk?
Online video and phone are available across SA and walk & talk is offered at all three locations. If travel is tricky, please tell me your location and I’ll suggest the easiest option.
How quickly can we start with our first counselling session?
I aim to offer an initial time as soon as possible. If your preferred slot isn’t free, we’ll provide the next closest option and keep you updated if an earlier slot becomes available.
Are you a clinical psychology service
No. I work from a counselling framework with practical tools and clear goals. When specialist clinical input is needed, we can coordinate with your GP or other providers with consent.
Do you need help now?
If you are in immediate danger of harming yourself, call triple zero (000). Are you having a tough time and you need to talk to someone? The helplines and services below are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- Lifeline (anyone having a personal crisis) — call 13 11 14 or chat online
- Suicide Call Back Service (anyone thinking about suicide) — call 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) — call 1300 22 4636 or chat online
Contact Carly
Are you ready to take the next small step?
If you are a teen or young adult reading this, you are already doing something brave. Send a short message in your own words, and I will make the first step as easy as possible. Tell me the location you would like to see me whether it be in person or walk and talk. The three locations I work from are Moana on a Tuesday. Adelaide on a Wednesday and Blackwood on a Thursday. Tell me the best way to talk to me whether it is in person, online via video or phone, or walk and talk. I will then reply to you with the link for that location.