Counselling

We have a Senior Social Worker, who can provide counselling and support to people diagnosed with HIV or other STIs as well as for other sexual health issues. This counselling service is free, confidential, and non-judgemental, and available for clients eligible for Short Street Centre services.
 

What supports are available?

• Counselling Services for those who:
  • Are newly diagnosed or living with HIV
  • Are newly diagnosed with STI such as genital herpes
  • Want support or information on their sexual health rights and disclosure information.
  • Have questions around sex and sexuality
  • Want to discuss relationships – including negotiating new or existing sexual relationships
  • Experience significant STI and HIV anxiety
  • Need help with contact tracing i.e. letting others know that they need to get tested
  • Experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression

Short-term Care Planning

• Support, advocacy and advice for people aged 14-18, sex workers and those living with HIV around issues or barriers to health care
• Areas of support can include Visa support, housing, NDIS, Aged Care, Centrelink, and Employment.
   
• Supported referrals to specialist services – including:
  
  • Domestic violence and family support
  • Drug and alcohol
  • Mental health
  • Sexual Assault
  • Victims of Crime
  • Bereavement Counselling 
  • Trauma therapy

 FAQ’s

• What is the cost to access the counselling service?
  Counselling at Short Street Centre is provided free to eligible clients

• Do I need counselling or care planning?
  Short Street recognises the importance of holistic care in sexual health services.
  It’s not about whether you “need" to see the social worker, but rather about being aware that we offer support and that our door is open to talk to someone about your sexual health or other areas of your life that might not fit into a standard medical consult. Many clients access the service to seek reassurance, and/or information about other services and supports that are available to them, whilst others choose to have counselling about their relationships - past, present, or future, or talk about their diagnosis and how it is impacting them.

• What should I expect?
  Your initial appointment with the counsellor will involve an intake assessment where they will ask questions such as what brought you here, your sexual health, living situation, and other aspects of your life that might be important.
  We’re a sexual health service, so we’ll strive to find the service that best fits your need. If that is not us, we’ll give provide options for you and help link you in with them.
   
• How many sessions can I access?
  Individual circumstances can vary significantly, so eligibility for ongoing counselling will be discussed with the counsellor at the time of your Intake assessment.
   
• What is a Social Worker?
  Social workers are Allied Health Professionals committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and the community. Social Workers assist people by working alongside them with issues they are experiencing in their everyday lives, providing guidance and support, building upon existing strengths and linking people with appropriate supports and services. Social workers assist you in dealing with emotional, social, and practical issues related to your current circumstances in a culturally safe way.

Confidentiality

Please visit the NSW Health Page related to privacy and confidentiality - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/patients/privacy/Pages/default.aspx