Helen Breen

“I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I live and work, the people of the Yuin nation. I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.”

Helen joined the Health Hub in 2021 after becoming accredited as a specialist in Mental Health Social Work. Helen has worked for NSW Health since 2002, as the Senior Hospital Social Worker (2002-2005), and as the Senior Oncology Social Worker for Cancer Services in the Shoalhaven (2005-present) now combining this with Private Practice.

Helen took part in the Australian Volunteers International program with her young family in 1997 & 1998 living and working in Samoa for an organisation committed to reducing family violence. This allowed her the cultural experience which has continued to influence her work with people from all cultural backgrounds.

Helen is committed to social justice and the rights of all individuals.

Qualifications:
Bachelor of Social Work, Deakin Uni, 2002

Post Grad Cert in Dying, Death & Palliative Care, Sydney Uni, 2009

Master of Social Work, Monash Uni, 2014

Accredited Mental Health Social Work with Medicare Registration 2021

Helen provides a trauma-informed practice with expertise in evidence-based therapeutic interventions for people diagnosed with anxiety, depression, mood disorders and trauma. Focused Psychological Strategies such as CBT, Interpersonal Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness based therapies are used, all of which attract a Medicare rebate via a GP Mental Health Care Plan or a Chronic Disease Management referral.

Helen has special interest in supporting individuals to improve their mental health, their emotional & physical wellbeing as well as their engagement with the people around them and with their environment. The mind, body and spirit are interconnected. Helen uses Mindfulness based therapies to assist the individual to make this connection which improves all areas of their lives.

People living across the Shoalhaven have endured trauma over recent times related to the Bushfires from 2002 onwards. The added stress, anxiety, worry and loss due to the Pandemic in the last few years has left people disconnected & lonely culminating in mental health concerns such as depression, self harm and suicide.

Helen is a Member of the Australian Association of Social Work (AASW) 

Please get in touch by contacting the Health Hub directly or calling Helen on her mobile

0415158711 to discuss your appointment.

Individuals who are engaged with NDIS and require psychosocial support in their plans are invited to contact Helen as well as clients with a DVA Gold Card.

Contact your GP to have a Mental Health Care Plan completed which will enable you to receive a medicare rebate. The cost per hour consultation is $140.