One of my jobs and the jobs of the counsellors here at Flinders, is to let you know about different mental health treatment options, so you can find the best place to get help.

This includes online services such as Mindspot and Moodgym, but also face-to-face/ bricks and mortar services in the community.

One of those local services is the Centre for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD), who are located very close to the University (off Flinders Drive at the Flats).

CARD is an excellent free treatment option if you are seeking assistance for anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or another related mental health condition.

The main type of therapy offered at CARD is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT examines the beliefs and attitudes we hold about ourselves, the world, other people and the future, and how those beliefs contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

CBT is quite an active style of therapy, which involves sessions with a therapist, but also exercises that are completed at home. As you come to better understand the beliefs and attitudes that contribute to your mood, you are able to implement exercises to shape, change or manage those beliefs differently.

CBT is probably the most well evaluated type of ‘talking therapy’ and has been shown to be an effective treatment for many different types of psychological disorders, either alone, or in conjunction with other treatments (e.g, medication, diet etc).

Therapy is delivered as part of both outpatient and inpatient programs. The outpatient program involves one-on-one sessions (between 6 and 16) sessions delivered onsite. The inpatient program is a two-week program delivered from Ward 4GP at Flinders Medical Centre.

Because of the close connections of CARD to the CBT postgraduate program at Flinders Uni, there is a strong chance the therapy you receive will be from a trainee therapist. However these therapists are closely supervised and monitored, and therapy is structured. You are still getting a high quality service.

 

If you are distressed but not sure whether you have anxiety or depression, I recommend the free assessment you can complete on the Mindspot website. It is an automated assessment that will help you better understand your symptoms and treatment options.

You could also book an appointment to see one of the GP’s or counsellors here at Flinders and they can help you decide if CARD might be an appropriate place to seek help.

It is important that you know that feelings of anxiety and depression can be effectively managed and treated. CARD is a good local treatment option. You can find more information on their website.

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