DBT Canberra is comprised of a group of mental health professionals, psychologist and social workers, who have a keen interest in helping individuals have a life worth living. The clinicians here are all trained or in training to providing a comprehensive and adherent DBT program to individuals who struggle with emotion regulation, impulse control, and relationships. They have been providing this therapy for over 10 years and have seen many positive outcomes for clients who have struggled with suicide, self harming, and emotion dysregulation. The DBT program runs for a minimum of six months and includes weekly individual therapy (1 hour), skills training group (2.5 hours), phone coaching , and a therapist consultation group.
To discuss referrals and assessments phone 0487 511 644.
Email: dbtcanberra@gmail.com

ACT Psychological and Counselling Services run continuous DBT informed skills program. The 10-week program can be accessed through the Mental Health Plan with your GP. It addresses different skills  and exercises taken directly from the DBT modules. If you would like some more information about the DBT program, please feel free to have a look at the attached document for an example of how the 10 week program is structured. The six-month program can be funded by the individual, some private health insurance and NDIS.
Phone: (02) 6100 1657
Mobile: 0413 922 650
Email: actcounselling2602@gmail.com

Families and friends of those suffering from BPD and personality disorders and Canberra BPD Support Group are members-only Facebook support group administered by Canberra local Fi Bokulic. You will need a facebook account and make a request to join these support groups. Fi is a consultant, mental health advocate, mentor and Family Connections Leader in the ACT who has over 30 years experience in the public and private sector. She is committed to a holistic approach to living, in particular creating a life that alights with your values, skills and experience. Fi a married mum of two teenagers, and a pack of two furry beasts.
Email: fi@fibokulic.com.au
Phone: 0448 556 698

Family Connections Program is a free, 12-week course that meets weekly for two hours to provide education, skills training, and support for people who are in a relationships with someone who has BPD. Focusing on issues that are specific to BPD, it is hosted in a community setting and led by trained group leaders whoa are either clinicians or family members of relatives with BPD. Dr Alan Fruzzetti and Dr Perry Hoffman developed the course based on their research as well as their significant professional expertise in counselling people with BPD and their loved ones. This program provides: (i) current information and research on BPD and on family functioning; (ii) individual coping skills based on DBT; (iii) family skills; and (iv) group support that builds on ongoing network for family members. Family Connections is coordinated by the National Education Alliance for BPD Australia (NEA.BPDAust). It reflects a decade of evidence-based, professionally led family groups that are community based and led by trained family members and clinicians.
Email: bpdfamilyconnections@gmail.com

General mental health services in the ACT

Sunflower Services Canberra is located in Ainslie. A place you can go to meet other people with lived experience of mental illness, take part in activities, learn about NDIS and find the help you need on your mental health journey. Visit the site to download the most updated calendar of events.

Belconnen Community Service provides art program for people living with mental illness. These activities provide rehabilitation pathways for consumers with enduring issues through one-to-one and small group sessions with an art therapist, and group classes with experienced art tutors. Programs are coordinated from Belconnen and take place across Canberra including Tuggeranong and Watson.

Belconnen Community Service Healthy Body, Health Mind class is a gentle, women only exercise class for people living with mental illness gives participants an opportunity to increase fitness,  make new friends and increase confidence.

Wellways offers a directory of mental health services located near you. Services include peer education programs for work, NDIS support, short-term residential rehabilitation programs, community outreach programs, etc.

Visit the Mental Health Foundation ACT for consumer and carer programs suited to your mental health recovery journey. Access the My High Five Activity list to register for an activity.

headspace Canberra supports young people aged between 12 and 23 who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns and/or substance use issues, as well as their family and friends. headspace will soon deliver ‘onespace’ sessions (solutions-based therapy) for young people aged 12-25. Sessions are evidence-based, pragmatic and focus on young person’s current needs and concerns.

If you would like to suggest more relevant ACT local services. Please contact us.