Youth and adult mental health services Adelaide
Youth mental health support that builds confidence, self-kindness, and courage
Early support to feel empowered and self-led with families feeling more connected
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counselling
Youth mental health services in Adelaide
Worry, low mood and pressure can creep into every corner of life. Sleep gets tricky, study feels heavy, motivation dips, and small things spark big reactions. Some young people withdraw or avoid school; others push hard with perfectionism and feel stuck anyway. There can be panic feelings, addiction, risky behaviour, rumination, identity questions, grief and loss, or changes linked to illness in the family.
Youth mental health and emotional wellbeing are shaped by many moving parts, especially during adolescence, so support works best when it fits real life.
I meet young people where they are and walk alongside them through obstacles and decisions. My sessions are teen-led and confidential, with goals set together and one or two small actions to try between visits. Tools include quick resets for anxious spikes, thought skills for tricky moments, simple communication scripts for home and school, and routines that support steadier days.
When you feel ready to take a first small step, send a short message and say whether you are a teen, an adult, a parent or a caregiver. Let me know what location you wish to see me and your preferred day. I will reply with a booking link that applies to the location you require and we go from there.
integrated & client centred
Our youth mental health service supports teens, young adults, and families
Carly Astill Counselling supports young people from 11 plus and offers focused help for families when that is useful. I meet young people exactly where they are and journeys alongside them through the issues and obstacles they face. Together we acknowledge and explore their struggles, their desires and their strengths. I hold a safe, confidential space where people feel heard, validated and respected.
Integrated and client centred counselling
The counselling is integrated and client centred, guided by openness and curiosity, so each person’s uniqueness is recognised. I offer early support and early intervention when helpful to reduce stress and keep things from escalating. This is a counselling service rather than a clinical psychology service, and we do not use clinical psychology tools. With consent, we can coordinate with parents, school or a GP so support for youth mental health and emotional wellbeing stays consistent in daily life.
Within youth mental health services
Alongside the core plan above, families can include focused help at home. Choose what fits now and we can adjust as needs change so progress stays steady.
Parent support for teenagers (coaching & guidance)
Short consults that give clear language, boundaries, and routine ideas that help at home. We align on what to try this week, when to step in, and how to encourage effort without adding pressure. The aim is that parents feel more connected to their children and more confident in their support.
Adult counselling for parents & caregivers
Support for your own stress, grief, and decision making while caring for a young person. This is space to unpack worries, plan conversations, and look after your wellbeing so support at home feels sustainable and calm.
Specialisation
Common concerns we support
Presentations we see often in Adelaide and what early help can look like
- Anxiety presentations including general worry, social fear and panic feelings
- Low mood and depression concerns that sap energy and interest
- Obsessive worries and compulsive habits with sticky thought loops
- Stress and adjustment after change such as moves, family changes or health events
- Trauma responses and feeling unsafe, beginning with stabilisation and grounding
- Body image and early eating concerns with gentle, kind support and coordination when needed
- Neurodiversity aware support for ADHD and autism, including sensory and executive function needs
- School avoidance linked to mental health with stepwise return plans
- Relationship difficulties and social confidence, including friendship changes and boundaries
- Identity, gender and sexuality questions with respectful, affirming language
- Risky behaviours, substance use and self-harm concerns, with safety planning and clear pathways to extra help when required
Confidentiality
Confidentiality and privacy
Confidentiality sits at the heart of counselling here. I will explain privacy in simple terms and keep what you share confidential, including within family dynamics. If updates with a parent would help, they happen with your consent and at a level you choose so sessions stay teen led and safe.
There are legal limits to confidentiality. I must act when there is a serious safety concern or a legal requirement. This can include risk of harm, abuse, or a court order. For young people who are not yet of age, I may contact a caregiver or service if safety is at risk. These limits are explained before we begin, and you can ask questions any time.
Enquire now
Counselling
Who we support with youth mental health services in Adelaide
Most people come during adolescence when changes in school, friendships and identity feel intense. We work with adolescents and young adults of all genders, and we keep sessions teen led and confidential with privacy explained in plain language.
We also support parents and caregivers of teenagers, including middle aged mums or the empty nest shift, and families facing illness or palliative care. If you are a caregiver wanting your own time and strategies alongside teen sessions, add a parent support consult or adult counselling as part of this service.
The difference the right support makes
A steady plan and simple tools turn effort into change you can feel. Teens notice calmer mornings, clearer conversations, and steadier choices. Parents feel more connected to their children because everyone knows the plan and the next small step. Over time, skills stick, and young people feel empowered and self-led, confident in themselves so they can overcome future obstacles, kinder to themselves, and more positive about life.
Barriers to starting youth mental health counselling and how we make it easier
Simple fixes for the practical things that can get in the way
Getting started feels confusing
One short message is enough. Please include your location of choice and the day that suits you and I will reply with a booking link to suit. It’s that simple.
Time and energy are tight
After school and evening options where possible. Short actions and a predictable rhythm so progress fits real life.
Location and transport are tricky
In person, walk and talk, online or phone.
Privacy and trust feel uncertain
Confidentiality explained in plain language. You choose what to share and who is updated. Sessions stay teen led.
First session nerves
A gentle start with an optional brief parent hello, then the young person continues when ready.
Sensory and comfort needs
Quiet room or outdoors. Camera off options online. Breaks when helpful.
Technology and access
Simple links, reminders and a phone backup if tech gets in the way.
Costs and expectations
Fees and policies shared upfront in plain language so there are no surprises.
Parent and teen alignment
Brief check-ins to help connection and support at home so everyone feels like they are on the same team.
School coordination
With consent, a short note for teachers so the plan stays consistent across settings.
Youth mental health services in Adelaide;
What it is, why it helps and how it works
mental health services
What is youth mental health support
Carly Astill Counselling’s youth mental health support is collaborative counselling for young people from eleven upward, with clear goals and practical strategies to use between visits. The work blends psychoeducation, emotional regulation skills, and communication coaching in a way that fits daily life, with optional family involvement agreed in advance.
Why youth mental health support matters
Early, steady help builds coping skills and confidence that ripple into school routines, friendships, and family life. A practical plan with clear direction and small choices can help reduce overwhelming feelings and emotions. For clear, independent information on getting support, explore Head to Health. For youth friendly resources and tips, see headspace.
How I deliver youth mental health support
You choose how to meet. Options include a quiet room, walk and talk, secure online video, or phone consults. Sessions are calm and predictable, with space to adjust the plan as needs change. Parent involvement is optional and agreed in advance. After each visit you leave with one small action to keep progress moving.
My step by step mental health support
Steps that keep progress clear and doable
Guided Process
Initial contact 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.
Planning and alignment
You choose your preferred format and privacy settings. Together we agree on goals and confirm location options, so the plan is realistic.
Consent and setup
We explain confidentiality and its limits in plain language. Consent is confirmed and we agree how any parent updates will happen.
Delivery and practice
You meet in person, online, phone, or walk and talk. We practise skills and set one or two actions that fit your week, so life feels easier between sessions.
Review and adjustments
You notice what helps and what still feels tricky. We keep what works, change what does not, and update goals so momentum stays steady.
Counselling locations in Adelaide and online SA wide
Sessions are available in Blackwood, Moana, and the Adelaide CBD. Online sessions are available across South Australia. Walk and talk sessions run from accessible meeting points, with details confirmed when you book. If you are searching for a youth counsellor near me and are unsure which location will work best, share your area and schedule and we will suggest the simplest option.
Choose the counselling format that feels comfortable and practical
- In person sessions in a quiet, focused space
- Walk and talk sessions when movement helps thinking and talking
- Online sessions using secure telehealth and common platforms for easy access from home or school
- Phone consults when a voice call is the simplest way to start or check in
Support services fees
Practical details and fees
Counselling session length
Parent involvement
Fees and rebates
Counselling, unfortunately, is not eligible for any rebate through Medicare. This means that the fee will not be subsidised through Medicare, and the full fee is payable on the day of their appointment. I also do not currently offer private health rebates. Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to change or cancel. Late cancellations or no shows may incur a fee.
Frequently asked questions for youth mental health services in Adelaide
Do I need a GP referral?
What happens in the first session?
Are sessions confidential and will you tell my parents?
What ages do you see?
Can parents be involved without taking over?
Do you offer online sessions or walk and talk?
How many sessions do people usually need?
What if I am unsure which service to choose?
Contact Carly
Are you ready to take your first small step
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. One paragraph is enough, and I will reply with a suggested time and format that suits your week.