Call us
Intake form
Contact our team
Help seeking
Read
What we provide
Clinical services
Fortem’s psychology and counselling clinicians are highly skilled at addressing the unique challenges and impacts of emergency service work faced by emergency service workers and their families. Services are free for eligible emergency service workers and their immediate family members, as well as former emergency service workers who have left service within the past 10 years.
It’s good
to talk
Fortem’s qualified and experienced clinical team are highly skilled at addressing the unique challenges and impacts of emergency service work faced by emergency service workers and their families. They’re here to listen and can work with you to break problems down and help you uncover solutions that bring you peace of mind.
Our psychology and counselling services are backed by the latest robust research.
The first step is to talk with our care coordination intake team, who will work with you to refer you to the service best suited to your goals.
How to book
This is not a crisis support service or helpline. If you need urgent help, please call 000 or talk to Lifeline on 13 11 14.
It’s strong to seek support
We know that emergency service workers experience alarming rates of psychological distress which surpass those of the general adult population and other high risk professions such as the Australian
Defence force.
The impacts of emergency service work can be subtle or obvious, and it can arise for people in different ways, at different times. That includes after you have left service.
All emergency service workers can benefit from early supports for their mental health and wellbeing — because timely self-care can stop trauma in its tracks.
Who can access counselling?
Eligible emergency service workers and their immediate family members can access Fortem’s clinical services for individual or couples counselling. Former emergency service workers who have left service within the past 10 years are also eligible.
Family members are welcome to attend individual counselling alone or with their emergency service family member.
What does it cost?
Our clinical services are free to eligible emergency service workers, family members and former emergency service workers who have left service within the past 10 years.
What if I’m a former emergency service worker or a first responder/family member whose agency is not eligible?
From 1 January 2026, former emergency service workers who have left service within the past 10 years have been eligible to access Fortem’s free counselling services. For others Fortem offers private and confidential counselling services on a fee-for-service basis from clinicians experienced in working with the emergency service community. These services may be subsidised through Medicare with a referral from your GP, covered partially by eligible private health funds, or paid privately.
Call or email our friendly intake team to learn more.
What is couples counselling?
Eligible emergency service workers and their families can access either individual or couples counselling support from Fortem.
Couples counselling gives you and your partner the opportunity to restore your relationship and build a closer, more satisfying future together. This helps you and your partner break through barriers to achieve greater understanding, connection and intimacy in your relationship.
Privacy
As an independent organisation, all of Fortem’s clinical services are entirely private and confidential and separate from the agency you or your loved one works at. This means you can share your concerns and issues with full confidence.
Where
We offer counselling in-person and through telehealth (phone or video calls).
Not sure?
Not sure about calling, or if this is the right support for you?
Have an informal chat with one of our understanding Care Coordinators on 1300 339 594 or email psychology@fortemaustralia.org.au
Whatever your needs, they will work with you to refer you to the service best suited to your goals.