Free mental health and wellbeing services are now available to the community at Southern Cross University Health Clinics until to the 5th of December, offering support to those in need.
With no fee or referral required, community members can bypass lengthy waitlists and access mental health and wellbeing services delivered by student practitioners, all under the supervision of senior, highly experienced health professionals.
Dr Carrie Thomson-Casey, Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist, and Academic Lead of the Mental Health and Wellbeing services at Southern Cross University Health Clinic, said the program addresses a critical need, with many people waiting months to see a mental health professional.
"We're committed to offering free, accessible, and multidisciplinary support services to our community," Carrie said.
"With no wait times and a compassionate team of supervised student practitioners, we're here to help people take the first step toward better mental health and wellbeing."
The launch of this free service couldn't come at a better time, with figures showing 20.4% of Australians put off mental health care in 2024 because of the cost ( National Mental Health Commission , 2025).
Open to adults aged 18 and over, the clinic is designed to support people navigating challenges from the cost-of-living crisis and extreme weather, to the everyday stresses of life.
Operating in person at the Gold Coast and Lismore campuses, and online via Telehealth from Coffs Harbour, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Clinic offers appointments for up to four months of regular sessions, providing reliable, ongoing care.
In addition to mental health and wellbeing services, the University's on-campus Health Clinics offer a wide range of other low-cost allied health disciplines, including exercise physiology, osteopathy, speech pathology, occupational therapy and naturopathy.
Bookings can be made by contacting the Gold Coast clinic on (07) 5589 3252, the Lismore clinic on (02) 6626 9131, or the Coffs Harbour clinic on (02) 6626 9131, or by emailing [email protected] .
Note: This service is not suitable for acute mental health disorders, people in acute crisis, or those requiring intensive drug and alcohol support. In accordance with the Code of Conduct, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Clinic is not available to current Southern Cross University staff or students. Current SCU students can access free 24/7 mental health support by calling 1300 782 676 and current SCU staff can access assistance through the EAP Assure program on 1800 808 374,
