Q: Do you run Gamblers Anonymous groups?
A: No, but we do provide specialised one-on-one counselling sessions, free of charge to gamblers and/or their family.
Q: Are you open after hours?
A: Yes, we are open until 7:30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday nights for appointments for some of our programs in Townsville, and on Wednesday only in Mount Isa. The last appointment will be seen at 6:30pm on these nights. The Family Relationship Centre is open on Thursday until 9.00pm and Saturday from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Due to the high demands for services there may be a waiting list for after hour appointments.
Q: Do you provide services in rural and remote areas?
A: Yes, Centacare provides counseling and support services in Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Normanton, Richmond, Julia Creek, Ingham, Burdekin, Bowen and Palm Island.
Q: How long does the session take?
A: The time per session can vary across different programs, but usually a session will last for 1 hour. If you would like the exact session time for a specific program, please call the office and the receptionist will gladly tell you.
Q: Do I have to come alone to a counselling session or can I bring my family/friend/mother etc?
A: In most programs, yes, you may. Its up to you who attends your counselling session but the counsellor may suggest after the first session who should return for follow-ups and when would be the best time. Please inform the booking officer of any intention to bring others to a session.
Q: My friend/family member needs help. Can I book an appointment for them?
A: As a general rule we do not accept third party bookings (except for programs where referral is required from a government agency). You may call on behalf of another to seek further information. The reason we do this is so we can confirm from the person attending the session what their needs are and whether they want to be involved in the appointment.
Q: How do I make an appointment?
A: Our appointment procedure is different for nearly all of our programs. However, if you ring the office and ask the receptionist for an appointment in the program of your choice, the receptionist will transfer your call to the appropriate person.
Q: Do you issue food vouchers?
A: No, our assistance is all of a counselling-type nature. We do not provide assistance of a monetary kind. The services in Mount Isa are able to offer practical support for families working with us.
Q: Do you provide emergency accommodation?
A: Not in Townsville, however Mount Isa has a small Crisis Accommodation service.
(07 4743 4449).
Q: Can I see a psychologist at Centacare?
A: All our counsellors have relevant tertiary qualifications. We believe that it is important that you work with a counsellor that 'fits for you'. If you specifically require psychological testing, please specify at the time of your enquiry to determine whether this is possible.
Q: I can't find a babysitter, can I bring my child with me?
A: Unfortunately, we do not have the facilities to provide supervision for children while you are in session with a counsellor.
Q: What is the cost for your services?
A: We provide a wide variety of services, and have a different fee structure associated with each program. To find out the exact fee for a service you are interested in using, please contact reception on (07) 4772 9000 (Townsville) or (07) 4743 4449 (Mount Isa).
Q: What if I can't afford to pay the fee?
A: Centacare is dedicated to providing quality services to all clients regardless of financial status. If you have a particular financial difficulty, we welcome you to negotiate a lower fee with your counsellor on attendance at your first session. In line with our mission, Centacare will not refuse service to any individual.
