we were advised to go to relationships australia for couples counselling, however we were told it was free. during the phone interview we were then told it was going to cost us a significant amount of money per session. not being able to afford this we were told we can apply for hardship and reduced payments..... it was really confronting as we have a son who has significant and costly health issues. and as parents you can't take money away from your children's health, he is our first priority. I found the lady to be rude and quite heartless. you are better off going to your GP and requesting to see a professional therapist which medicare will then cover 5 visits for free.

Centrelink and Legal Aid told me to make an appointment with Relationships Australia for some specific help. Alas, they are not taking new clients until at least Easter next year and have closed even their waiting list till then. I get it that government funding is limited and sometimes you are unlucky, but there needs to be some alternative or stopgap on offer. But RA were unable to give me any advice, help or info whatsoever. Just "call us in March". They don't recommend other organisations and had no advice, website or whatever to offer. Definitely training in customer service is needed. Then I tried to email them using an address from their website, but it bounced back.