But to fill that gap a new intervention counselling service for children was planned to be introduced in 2017, SDHB mental health medical director Brad Strong said.
Those who worked within the organisation knew more needed to be done for children after the SDHB planning and funding department highlighted the fact that while adults were catered for, there was no brief intervention counselling service for children.
Planners had made it a priority, he said.
Brief intervention counselling involved a few one-on-one sessions with a specialist to help someone work through struggles such as a relationship breakdown, depression or anger issues — "the rough and tumble of living", Dr Strong said.
For adults, the SDHB funded a primary health organisation to deliver six counselling sessions per adult and it was apparent that type of access to help would be of benefit to children aged 18 and under across the district, Dr Strong said.
"That’s what we’re hoping is coming through next year.
"People find that particular service is valuable for getting through particular issues," he said.
"I think it will be terrific. It’s not just adults that have [minor] to moderate struggles that need professional help to get through," Dr Strong said.
It would mean children, particularly children at high school, would be able to access the counselling through their GP and would not have to deal with the potential stigma associated with approaching mental health services through other means.
The intervention service would not duplicate what other services offered, such as a school counsellor, Dr Strong said.
"It’s something the school counsellor could recommend to the GP. Kids struggle with stuff so why should they not have the same deal? I think it makes good sense," Dr Strong said.
