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Why chat?
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Why chat?

The stigma associated with alcohol and other drug use might make it difficult to seek help, but speaking to a professional anonymously online can make that step feel less daunting.
Our service is free, confidential and available 24/7. 
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Advantages of online counselling
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Advantages of online counselling

One of the great advantages of online counselling is that it’s convenient and flexible. You can start a session anywhere, at any time, as long as you have a device that can connect to the internet.

For many people it takes away barriers they may experience accessing services such as mobility, travelling and waiting lists. It’s also free, other than any data costs you may incur from your internet service provider.

Our service is open to anyone affected by alcohol and other drugs, including people concerned about personal alcohol or drug use, or and people concerned about a family member or friend. The service is secure and confidential.

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Disadvantages of online counselling
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Disadvantages of online counselling

Typed conversation between two people can be misinterpreted, or feelings may not be adequately expressed or explained. If you feel this is the case, seek clarification from the counsellor to clear up any misunderstanding. 

Online communication is not suitable in a crisis. In a crisis, we recommend seeking other forms of support such as free call telephone support from the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015. If you are dealing with an emergency, please contact 000.

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When can I start a chat?
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When can I start a chat?

Our service is here for all people looking for support for an alcohol or drug problem, whether it’s the first time you have sought help or you are in treatment but need an extra hand. With counselling support you may find it easier to cut down, stop or make sure you get needed breaks from your addiction. 

Counsellors are available 24/7, making it a useful addition to your coping toolkit any time of the day or night.

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Who will I be chatting with?
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Who will I be chatting with?

Our counsellors are professionally qualified with specialised experience in alcohol and other drug counselling. Many have worked extensively in face-to-face alcohol and other drug treatment services.

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How do I start a chat counselling session?
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How do I start a chat counselling session?

It is easy to start chatting with our counsellors:

  1. Click on "Get started" at the bottom of the page
  2. Choose between joining our community or starting a single access session
  3. Read and accept the terms and conditions
  4. Complete the basic information we need to begin a counselling session
  5. A chat window will then open and you can start chatting to your counsellor
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Why join Counselling Online?
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Why join Counselling Online?

Signing up to Counselling Online’s member portal gives you access to a range of services including chat sessions, email support, self-help modules and the peer-to-peer support forum. All of these services are free. 

As a member of Counselling Online, all of your previous chat sessions transcripts will be saved and viewable to yourself and the counsellor you are chatting to. The benefits of this are:

  • you won’t need to repeat your story each time you start a session,
  • you can refer back to previous sessions for any helpful tips and referrals, and
  • it helps track your progress so that you can see how you are going.

If you aren’t quite ready to become part of our community, you can chat with someone without signing up using our single access option.

We look forward to meeting you online and walking with you on your path to recovery.

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Get Started
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Get started

This service is only available to people in Australia.