What you can expect from the NewAccess program

On this page we answer your questions about mental health coaching. Find out what happens after you make an enquiry, who NewAccess coaches are, and how we know the program works. 

After you make an enquiry

After you make an enquiry about NewAccess you’ll get a phone call to:

  • give you more information about the program
  • ask you questions to better understand your needs. 

NewAccess isn’t suitable for everyone. After talking to you, the caller will either book you in for an initial session or help you find another service that’s more suitable for you.

Who will call me?

The person who calls you won’t be from Beyond Blue. They’ll be from the organisation which runs NewAccess in your area. We’ll give you the organisation’s details when you tell us your postcode, just before you submit your enquiry. 

Beyond Blue doesn’t run the NewAccess program in your area. We look after program support, including governance and consultation.

What is a NewAccess coach?

NewAccess mental health coaches aren’t counsellors or psychologists. They’re specially trained to work with you to:

  • identify the problems you want to solve
  • develop an understanding of what is causing distress
  • equip you with tools and strategies to use in your day-to-day life. 

Mental health coach training

Coaches undertake twelve months of training, starting with a six-week intensive that then moves to practical learning. CBT Institute and Flinders University deliver training in Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

NewAccess coaches get ongoing training and support through clinical supervision.

At the heart of NewAccess are its coaches. Three mental health coaches share why they love what they do. 

Meet the coaches behind our innovative NewAccess program

How we know it works

NewAccess is based on a successful evidence-based model of care known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). NewAccess has been developed for people in Australia from the IAPT program which is delivered nationwide by the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. 

Developed by Beyond Blue, the NewAccess program is proven to help people with mild to moderate anxiety or depression. It’s based on:

  • more than 10 years of research and development
  • a three-year Australian pilot program
  • an independent evaluation of the pilot program.

Beyond Blue provides structured guidance to both Primary Health Networks and their chosen service providers to ensure the successful delivery of NewAccess mental health coaching.

7 out of 10 people who complete the program report a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Personal stories from NewAccess participants

Read and watch more from people who have completed the NewAccess program: Discover more personal stories.

NewAccess and me: “It helped me so much”

Sam's NewAccess journey

Availability during COVID-19

Mental health organisations offer COVID-safe mental health coaching via video or phone call. Some also offer face-to-face sessions at local centres. Check what options are available in your area:

Bringing a support person to your sessions

If you would feel more comfortable having someone else join you please let us know when you book your appointment. Please note that NewAccess does not provide relationship counselling.

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