Are you struggling with or concerned about your mental health?
We can help you access low intensity mental health support services if you have, or are at risk of, mild mental health conditions.
Our accessible services, delivered across Western Victoria, are evidence-based, staged services for people experiencing mild symptoms or low levels of distress for a short period of time.
Our services may assist you even if you have no mental illness risk factors, or if you have responded well to previous treatment. You may feel that you are functioning well but may have problems with motivation or engagement.
These services are not appropriate for those who require intensive psychological interventions.
Service note
genU does not provide crisis or emergency mental health support. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate support contact, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.
If it is an emergency, call 000.
Eligibility
These services are available to people of all ages and abilities within the Western Victorian region. You do not require NDIS, or other Government funding to apply for this mental health support service with genU.
If you live in one of the below locations, you are eligible to self-refer to genU and access free low intensity mental health support:
- Geelong-Otway region
Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Golden Plains Shire Council, Surf Coast Shire and Colac-Otway Shire.
- Ballarat-Goldfields
City of Ballarat, Hepburn Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, Pyrenees Shire and Moorabool Shire.
- South Coast VIC
City of Warrnambool, Glenelg Shire, Southern Grampians Shire, Moyne Shire and Corangamite Shire.
- Wimmera-Grampians
City of Horsham, West Wimmera Shire, Hindmarsh Shire, Yarriambiack Shire, Northern Grampians Shire and Rural City of Ararat.
Once eligibility is confirmed, you will be able to access eight sessions of intervention and opt to access to a 4-6 week group program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can refer?
Individuals, carers, support workers, General Practitioners or advocates can refer themselves or someone they know, to genU for low intensity mental health support.
How can I refer?
Contact genU’s customer service team.
- Phone 1300 558 368
- Fill in in the form below
- Visit one of our genU offices in; Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool or Horsham.
What happens after I refer?
Initial intake and assessment will occur, to determine your eligibility and level of care.
What kind of support is provided?
Face-to-face one-to-one intervention
Individual support for those presenting with mild/low levels of psychological distress.
Telehealth (phone and video calls) one-to-one intervention
Access to services remotely if required and option to access a mix of services (face-to-face and telehealth).
Group programs
These aim to improve mental health and wellbeing by providing you with psychoeducation, improve insight, work on capacity building to access support and services as needed, and improve overall functioning.
How long can genU support me?
Once eligibility is confirmed, you will be able to access eight sessions of intervention and opt to access to a 4-6 week group program.
What can I expect after the service is over?
You may find that the self-help and online materials are adequate resources, otherwise we will support you to connect with external services if you need them.
Need more information?
Search for digital mental health resources
mindspot.org.au Online mental health assessment tool
HeadtoHelp is for anyone of any age experiencing emotional distress, mental ill-health and/or addiction along with their families and carers.
This service is supported by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program.
