EDAS practices a policy of harm minimisation. This means that we assist people to find a range of strategies that reduce the potential harms from alcohol and other drug use. While ceasing use is always considered, we also recognise that harm may be reduced through other strategies when stopping altogether is not a realistic or achievable option.
Getting Started
To make an appointment with an EDAS counsellor, please call 1300 650 705 between 10.00am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. You will speak with a drug and alcohol counsellor, who will ask you some brief questions to make sure the service we offer is right for you. If that is the case, your contact details will be passed on to the relevant EDAS site. Your name will then be placed on a short waiting list, before another counsellor calls you to arrange a first appointment with you. If EDAS is not the most appropriate service for you, we will endeavour to identify an agency that would better meet your needs within the region.
Eligibility
Our service is available to people of any age who live, work, study or spend a significant amount of time in the Cities of Boroondara, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, or Whitehorse. We also have services available in the Cities of Knox and YarraRanges, but these are only available to young people aged 12 to 21. If you would like to attend drug and alcohol counselling at a location outside these areas, please call Directline on 1800 888 236 for your nearest available service.
What Happens in Counselling?
The decision to begin counselling can seem daunting if you aren't sure what to expect. The main aim of counselling is to help you find greater quality of life - you set the goals and your counsellor helps you find ways to achieve them. Successful counselling can only happen when you are actively involved, and work together with your counsellor. The more effort you put in, the more likely counselling will be effective.
The main focus of drug and alcohol counselling is to assist you to achieve your goals to reduce, stop or otherwise change your use, or to support you in responding to the substance use of someone close to you. However, it is common to discuss other concerns including personal issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, or relationship problems) or planning and working toward life goals (e.g. career or study issues). After discussing the concerns that led you to counselling, you and your counsellor may discuss whether other services are appropriate, including referrals to other community support services, group counselling, or a psychiatric consultation.
The following suggestions can help you get the most out of counselling services:
Attend scheduled sessions and think about how you would like to use the session before you arrive.
Discuss your progress with your counsellor as you go along, as you and your counsellor may over time need to change the work you do together.
Tell your counsellor if you are not ready to discuss certain topics - it's okay not to answer questions if you don't feel comfortable doing so.
Try to do (or at least attempt) any "homework" suggested.
Let your counsellor know if you don't think you're being helped - they may be able to change the way you are working together or refer you to a counsellor who may be better suited to you.
Often there are positives and negatives that come with making changes in one's life. Some of the negatives of reducing or cutting down substance use are discomfort from withdrawing, boredom, and loss of social networks. Substance use can sometimes be masking other issues that may become noticeable when a person reduces or quits. On the other hand, the benefits can include feelings of greater clarity, energy and well-being, as well as experiencing greater control over your life and the direction you want to go in. Some find that they have more money and time to do other things like study, work or improving relationships with family and friends. It's all about making your life a better place to be.
Office Hours and Availability
Hours of operation are from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Limited appointments are available after hours (5.00 and 6.00pm) subject to counsellor availability. We also operate a Saturday service from our Hawthorn office, between 9.30am and 3.00pm.
Cost
All EDAS drug and alcohol counselling services are free and confidential. You do not need a health care card or Medicare card to access the service.
Limits to Confidentiality
Counsellors are required to maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding information discussed within counselling sessions. However, there are occasions when a counsellor is required to breach client confidentiality:
(1) the counsellor believes you are in danger of seriously harming yourself;
(2) the counsellor believes you are in danger of seriously harming someone else;
(3) the counsellor or files are subpoenaed for a court case relating to you, or where the release of information is requested by law;
(4) or you inform the counsellor you have committed a serious crime against another person and the police are not aware of your involvement.
If you have been referred to our service by the Office of Corrections or Department of Human Services, your counsellor may be required to give limited information about your treatment to the agency that referred you. If this is the case, your counsellor will discuss these limits with you.
Record Keeping
Your counsellor will record your treatment in a case note, which is placed in a file. Access to your file is limited to Health Centre staff that have a legitimate reason to have access. For example, if whilst seeing a drug and alcohol counsellor you also see the physiotherapist for a back injury, the physiotherapist will use the same file case notes to record your treatment with them. Client records are securely stored in the records room whilst not with the relevant professional. If this is a problem, then please discuss with your drug and alcohol counsellor.
Specialist EDAS Counselling Services
EDAS offers a range of specialist drug and alcohol counselling services. For more information, follow the links below:
