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 focus on our client’s strengths and abilities, 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.

Call us

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 importance of mental health during pregnancy and after birth, and its significant impact on refugee and migrant mothers who may be experiencing challenges, as well as their families. Our Perinatal Mental Health Service is a strengths-based, person-centred, and culturally responsive program that helps reduce anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth within culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities.

Ishar's Perinatal Mental Health Service provides a safe and supportive environment for refugee and migrant mothers who may be facing challenges. We understand the unique difficulties they may experience because of language barriers, cultural differences, and past traumatic experiences. Our program is designed to reduce social and emotional isolation, ensuring mothers receive the care, support, and guidance they need during this important stage of life.

Our program offers personalised support, counselling, and advocacy for new mothers who need additional assistance. Our qualified Social Worker and Psychologist provide tailored assessments of baby and child health and development. They act as an important link between hospitals and the community, helping with referrals and providing essential information about postnatal depression and available support services. Weekly group sessions, led by trained Mother Baby Nurture facilitators, provide a welcoming space where new mothers can connect with others, share experiences, and gain valuable knowledge and support for their parenting journey.

Our team works closely with family GPs and other health professionals to provide coordinated care for both mother and child. We offer guidance on parenting, maternal and family health, and healthy lifestyles, helping families build confidence and wellbeing.

New mothers from refugee and migrant backgrounds often have limited access to community-based early support services. Ishar's Perinatal Support Services is committed to addressing this need, reducing barriers, and ensuring every mother can access the support she needs.

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.

View our Support Groups

Women’s Support Services

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

Comprehensive services including psychology, counselling, youth support, and individual advocacy. We stand with you on your journey to healing.

How we can help
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

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

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

Discover our support groups, exercise classes, and events across Perth. Your pathway to connection and growth, easily accessible in multiple locations.

View Timetable