UPPER Murray Family Care (UMFC) is expanding its therapy services to address the growing mental health and wellbeing needs in the region. This community-centred response addresses a national crisis. Several key research findings evidence this, including workforce shortages and long waitlists preventing timely support. Cost of living pressures and social challenges, including domestic and family violence, increase the mental health burden. Limited access in regional and remote areas where services are often unavailable is another factor. The underutilisation of counsellors and psychotherapists outside the Medicare system, despite their capacity to provide high-quality care, is also a concern. The organisation recognises the significant barriers rural and regional Australians face in accessing psychological services. UMFC reported that it is committed to increasing its workforce and adapting service delivery models to prioritise consumer choice, therapeutic rapport, and accessibility. The organisation is employing counsellors, therapists, and other qualified practitioners to deliver a cross-border, trusted, tailored, and trauma-informed model of care. UMFC said it aims to support individuals seeking personal growth, navigating family dynamics, or pursuing professional development with experienced and compassionate therapists. UMFC’s expanded services offer flexible and inclusive care options, including family therapy to strengthen relationships and improve communication. Relationship therapy to build connection and healthy dialogue is also offered. Parent therapy for reflection and goal setting is available. Individual therapy for adults navigating life’s challenges is also an option. Spotlight Sessions for short-term, focused support with minimal wait times are also provided. For children and adolescents, UMFC provides family therapy and child and adolescent therapy to support emotional regulation and personal growth. Services for professionals and organisations include consultation services. Individual and group supervision to promote professional growth and best practice is also offered. Tailored training and reflective practice is available. Additional services are available upon request. Session fees typically range from $150 to $220, with availability for self or plan-managed NDIS participants and concession rates for Health Care Card holders. UMFC's approach focuses on individualised care, offering both office-based and telehealth sessions. Felicity Williams, CEO of Upper Murray Family Care, said, they have established Therapy Services in response to the need for therapy and counselling assistance they have directly observed with the children, young people and families they support. “Daily, we see people in our communities languishing on waiting lists and unable to find the support they need close to where they live,” she said. “We know that mental health challenges are increasing, particularly for young people, but also for those impacted by family violence. “The family violence rate in regional areas, such as ours, is twice the rate of metropolitan areas. “Yet therapy and counselling services are in short supply in regional areas. “While providers within our health sector respond to people needing diagnosed mental health support, we know that our clinical and medical system response is not enough. “We need more community-based support and services, particularly for those members of our community who would benefit from less formal and individualised therapy and counselling.” UMFC is developing its Therapy Services for the whole family to complement other community-based programs such as headspace and Head to Health provided by our community health provider Gateway Health. Further information on UMFC’s Therapy Services can be found at umfc.com.au.
