Mental Health Support
At Ishar we understand that mental health is a critical aspect of overall wellbeing.
We are committed to providing culturally sensitive and empowering mental health services to women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Our team of clinical psychologists, registered psychologists, counsellors, and social workers specialises in working with individuals who face unique challenges in their psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Tailored Care for Women's Mental Health
Our mental health practitioners employ a strengths-based approach, acknowledging and valuing the resilience and challenges faced by our clients on a daily basis.
We offer support to women with mild to moderate mental health conditions, and these services are bulk-billed under a Mental Health Care Plan.
Seek Help, Find Support
If you or someone you know could benefit from mental health support, contact us for confidential assistance.
Our comprehensive service offers a safe haven for women.
Call 08 9345 5335 or visit us for assistance.
If you are a service provider wanting to refer your client, please download our referral form.
Need help now?
If you are in immediate danger, call triple zero (000).
If you need to talk to someone urgently, the helplines and services below are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636
Healing from Trauma
Our counsellors and clinical psychologists work alongside social workers to provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy. We utilise proven models such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies, creative arts therapies, and trauma therapies tailored to each client's specific circumstances. Our focus is on helping individuals heal and rebuild their lives after traumatic experiences.
Cultural Sensitivity and Individualised Interventions
We recognise and respect the impact of ethnicity and ethnic group identity on mental health and help-seeking behaviours. Our practitioners consider clients' unique cultural values and beliefs from diverse backgrounds, ensuring intervention strategies are conveyed, accepted, and implemented effectively in their daily lives.
A Holistic Approach to Therapy
Drawing from diverse therapy models, we adopt a specific or eclectic approach to psychological intervention. Our treatment plans are adapted to incorporate ethnocultural values and norms, ensuring the most meaningful and effective support for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Creative Arts Therapy
Ishar offers creative arts therapies to groups and individuals. This experiential psycho-therapeutic approach allows clients to explore feelings and emotions that may be difficult to express using words.
Trained professionals run the sessions, which include trauma expression through visual arts, music, drama, movement and creative writing. The women are invited to use different modes of art to uncover and explore their feelings in a safe and non-threatening space.
The creative arts sessions use non-verbal approaches to promote communication and bridge language and cultural barriers. This strengthens the engagement and relationship between the therapist and the client.
Supporting Carers and Families
Ishar's Carer Support Program offers vital assistance to CaLD carers and families of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. Operating since 2003, the program aims to reduce mental health stigma by educating diverse communities. Our support encompasses counselling, social work, case management, organised outings, and events. We also provide respite, home visiting, and group therapy, creating a nurturing and inclusive space for caregivers.
Perinatal Mental Health Services - Nurturing Motherhood, Empowering Families
We recognise the significance of perinatal mental health and its profound impact on vulnerable refugee and migrant mothers and their families. Our Perinatal Mental Health Service is a strength-based, client-centred, and culturally responsive program that helps reduce instances of perinatal anxiety and depression within CaLD communities.
Ishar's Perinatal Mental Health Service provides a safe space of support for vulnerable refugee and migrant mothers. We understand their unique challenges due to language, culture, and past traumatic experiences. Our program is designed to address social and emotional isolation, ensuring they receive the care and guidance they need to navigate this transformative phase of life.
Our program offers individualised support, counselling and advocacy for vulnerable new mothers. Our qualified Social Worker and Psychologist offer personalised assessments of baby and child health and development. They act as a valuable link between hospitals and the community, facilitating referrals, and providing essential information about post-natal depression and available resources. The weekly group sessions facilitated by trained Mother Baby Nurture facilitators a nurturing space for new mothers to connect, share experiences, and gain valuable insights into motherhood.
Our team works closely with family GPs and other health professionals to ensure holistic care for the mother and child. We offer guidance on parenting, maternal and family health, and healthy lifestyles, empowering families to thrive.
New mothers of refugee and migrant backgrounds often face a scarcity of community-based early intervention services. Ishar's Perinatal Support Services is committed to bridging this gap, breaking barriers, and ensuring that every mother receives the support she deserves.
Please get in touch with us today or download our referral form if you or someone you know could benefit from our Perinatal Mental Health Services.
If you or someone you know can benefit from our Support Groups, please view our timetable or get in touch with us today.
Women’s Support Services
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![Women's Health]()
Women's Health
Holistic care for women, embracing reproductive health, ante & perinatal support, along with nutrition and exercise guidance. Your well-being, our priority.
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![Family & Domestic Violence]()
Family & Domestic Violence
Comprehensive services including psychology, counselling, youth support, and individual advocacy. We stand with you on your journey to healing.
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![Empowering Youth]()
Empowering Youth
Supporting young women aged 14+ through advocacy, education, and outreach. Our youth service stands with you, fostering growth and resilience on your journey.
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![Community Education]()
Community Education
Bilingual health and nutrition education, along with cultural competence training for service providers. Empowering informed and culturally sensitive communities.
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![Social Support & Advocacy]()
Social Support & Advocacy
Join our support groups and access our settlement, engagement & transition services. Together, we create a supportive community, fostering empowerment and holistic well-being.
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![Timetable]()
Timetable
Discover our support groups, exercise classes, and events across Perth. Your pathway to connection and growth, easily accessible in multiple locations.
