Directions Health Services Canberra

Directions Health Services is a not-for profit organisation that provides a range of free, integrated services and programs for individuals, family members and friends impacted by alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, mental health and other complex health issues in the ACT and regional NSW.

“Very very grateful to Directions. They saved my life.”

Client quote from Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 2022

ACT Needle & Syringe Programs saw 9555 client presentations in 2022-23

99% of clients surveyed would recommend Directions to a friend

Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 2023

“This service has helped the morale and health of the whole village immeasurably.”

Chat to PAT client quote from Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 2022

70% of surveyed CanTEST users reported never previously accessing a healthcare worker for info or advice about drug use

Independent evaluation of CanTEST by ANU School of Medicine & Psychology

67% of clients said having access to PAT reduced the need for them to go

to the emergency department

Client quote from 2022 independent evaluation of ‘Chat to PAT’ conducted by ANU

22% of Pathways NSW clients identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 2022

Chat to PAT saw 6634 client presentations in 2022-23

“I’m treated with respect and not judged. Directions has changed my life.”

Client quote from Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 2023

98% of NSP clients surveyed felt that their needs were met

by the ACT Needle & Syringe Program

Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 2022

ACT Treatment & Support Services (TSS) provided counselling services

to 1783 individuals in 2022-23

“Staff in the PAT van are first class professionals providing excellent service & support.”

Client quote from 2022 independent evaluation of ‘Chat to PAT’ conducted by ANU

100% of Pathways NSW clients surveyed would come back to Pathways

if they needed to seek help in the future.

Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 2022

38% of Directions clients surveyed identified as members of diverse communities

Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 2023

Directions have been providing specialist AOD treatment, support and other health services to individuals and families for over 45 years, taking a collaborative approach to services to continue to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve.

Directions works within a harm reduction approach, with a strong reputation for providing client-centred, respectful, non-judgmental care – working with each individual regardless of where they are in the change process.

Directions’ evidence-based programs include community-based early intervention, treatment, support and harm reduction services throughout the ACT as well as the Murrumbidgee, Goulburn, Eurobodalla, Monaro and Bega Valley regions in NSW. Our complementary services and programs are designed to reduce or limit harms and improve personal and community health.

Booked a telehealth appointment? Click/tap this button to access our telehealth portal.

Christmas Shutdown

We will have some service changes for the Christmas/New Year period. All of our services will be closing from 4pm on 24th December and reopening at 10am on 2nd January. We will have some limited services available during this shutdown period – find all the details here.

Chat to PAT Mobile Clinic Changes:

18th December 2024 – Wednesday – Veterans Park – Closed

20th December 2024 – Friday – Veterans Park – Closed

23rd December 2024 – Tuesday – Early Morning Centre/Watson – Open as per normal

24th December 2024- Tuesday – Kanangra Court – Open from 9.30am to 12pm noon

31st December 2024- Tuesday – Oaks Estate – Open from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

9th January – Thursday – Ainslie Village – Open as per normal

10th January – Friday – Veterans Park – Open as per normal

Althea Welness Centre (Woden)

27th December 2024 – Friday – Open 10am- 2pm

31st December 2024- Tuesday – Open 10am- 1pm