Our experienced counsellors will work with you and your GP to design a gradual reduction that suits your needs. Your counsellor will meet regularly with you to work on managing any withdrawal symptoms you may experience, as well as supporting you to overcome issues that emerge as you reduce your benzos such as anxiety, insomnia and depression.
Before you begin counselling, you will be stepped through the intake process over the phone. Your first counselling appointment(s) will focus on assessment to ensure you remain very much in control of the process. Most clients then have regular weekly or fortnightly appointments. The length of treatment required varies from person to person – for some people it is relatively quick and straightforward but for others it may take many months.
The Benzodiazepine program is a statewide program funded by DHHS Victoria and there is no cost for clients to use the service.
Our experienced benzodiazepine counsellors can provide free secondary consultations by phone to health professionals working with a patient or client who has issues with benzodiazepine use or withdrawal.
Simply call 1300 273 266 to book a secondary consultation appointment or contact us to make a request.
Our counsellors are fully qualified psychologists and social workers. They are chosen for their warmth, professionalism and experience working with anxiety and depression.
It can be a difficult decision to see a counsellor and we know that every person has unique needs. We will match you with the right counsellor who will work with you towards yourrecovery from anxiety and/or depression. Counselling is a collaborative relationship where your experience, opinions and decisions are respected.
Reconnexion counselling for anxiety and depression is predominantly based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT helps you to make a connection between your thoughts and the feelings of anxiety. Learning to identify and counter negative or anxious thoughts improves mood and lifts anxiety. Research reliably shows that CBT has a high success rate for treating anxiety, insomnia and depression.
Anxiety and depression counselling is available at East Malvern and Melton, with some out of hours appointments available. Call 1300 273 266 to discuss the service or to book an appointment.
Standard Fee $150
Low Income/Student Fee $120
Some of our counsellors are able to bulk bill if you are a Health Care Card Holder, in which case there will be no gap fee.
Medicare Rebates
You will receive a Medicare rebate for counselling with a psychologist for up to 10 sessions per calendar year if you have a referral and a mental health care plan from your GP.
With a mental health care plan, Medicare will cover:
$89.65 for a General Psychologist
$131.65 for a Clinical Psychologist
Available Monday to Friday during office hours on 1300 273 266 or info@reconnexion.org.au
The Reconnexion support service assists callers and clients in reducing from benzodiazepines, managing withdrawal symptoms as well as provides information about anxiety disorders, insomnia, depression and useful resources.
Reconnexion offers support in a range of group settings facilitated by a trained counsellor.
ASIST is the world’s leading suicide intervention workshop. During the two-day interactive session, participants learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide.
Reconnexion delivers a range of clinical presentations for health professionals including how to manage a patient/client’s withdrawal, treatment options, recommended treatments for insomnia and anxiety disorders and how to discuss reduction with a patient/client. A training fee may be charged. Contact our office on (03) 9809 8200 or info@reconnexion.org.au to discuss your needs.
The Benzodiapine Toolkit for health professionals is also available to download for free.
Contact our office on (03) 9809 8200 or info@reconnexion.org.au to discuss options for a Reconnexion speaker to address your community group about tranquiliser awareness, hints for better sleep, or managing anxiety.
The BDZ eHealth is a web and mobile psychoeducation program that aims to help you reduce and withdraw from benzodiazepine use. It was developed by Federation University in collaboration with Reconnexion. The program uses evidence based approaches and includes a range of strategies, helpful tools and resources. We recommend that you discuss this with your GP and access the Reconnexion support line as required.