If you’re struggling with cannabis-use, related challenges associated with cannabis, or you’re watching someone you care about struggle, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Holyoake provides free, confidential counselling for cannabis addiction across Perth and regional Western Australia. No referral. No judgement. Whenever you’re ready.
For: Adults
Available in: North East Metro Perth Metro Wheatbelt
At Holyoake, we believe there’s always a way forward. Our drug counselling for cannabis addiction is built on the Holyoake Approach, a person-centred, evidence-based model that treats you as a whole person, not a diagnosis.
Cannabis (also known as marijuana or weed) is the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia. Because it’s so common, it can be easy to overlook when it starts to affect your sleep, your motivation or your relationships. Some people notice they’ve been using it to cope with stress, low mood or trouble sleeping, and find it harder to stop than they expected.
That’s why we look at what’s happening in your life, not just your cannabis use. We consider your relationships, your mental health, your history, and what you actually want for yourself. Whether your goal is to cut back, take a break, stop or simply understand your use better, we’ll work towards it together. Our counsellors are trained in trauma-informed care and harm minimisation, so you’ll always be met with respect, not labels.
We’re also one of the few WA organisations that offers truly integrated alcohol, other drug (AOD) and mental health support under one roof. If your cannabis use is connected to anxiety, depression, trauma or other mental health concerns (sometimes called dual diagnosis or comorbidity), we can support all of it together.
Getting started is straightforward. There’s no lengthy waitlist process or paperwork hurdle to clear first.
When you first connect with us, we’ll have a conversation to understand what’s going on and what kind of support would suit you best. From there, your counsellor will work with you to put together a plan that fits your goals and circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all program.
Support can start, pause and return at any time. You’re in control.
In this video, Michael shares his experience of coming to Holyoake for support and the difference it made in his life. His story is a reminder that asking for help can be the first step towards hope, confidence and positive change.
There’s no threshold you need to reach before you’re “allowed” to ask for help. If cannabis use is affecting your relationships, your work or study, your health or your sense of self, that’s enough reason to reach out.
Some signs that professional support might help include:
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 11.5% of Australians aged 14 and over used cannabis in the past 12 months, making it the most commonly used illicit drug in the country. At Holyoake, cannabis is the main drug of concern for almost 1 in 5 of the people we support. You’re not alone, and seeking support is a sign of strength.
Your first appointment is really just a conversation. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out, and you won’t be judged for where you’re at.
Your counsellor will ask about what’s been going on, what matters to you, and what kind of support you’re hoping for. It’s a chance to ask questions and get a feel for how we work. You don’t need to bring any documents, and you don’t need to have decided whether you want to cut back, take a break or stop using cannabis beforehand.
We’ve been supporting Western Australians impacted by alcohol and other drugs since 1975. A few things that set us apart:
We also offer a broader range of AOD counselling, alcohol counselling, mental health services, young people’s programs and a Cannabis Intervention Program if you or someone you know needs support in other areas – Browse all services and programs here.
Holyoake has physical locations across Perth and regional WA:
Telehealth is available statewide, including for people in the Wheatbelt, Kimberley, Goldfields, Midwest, South West and Great Southern regions.
We are committed to culturally safe services. If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, our services are designed to be respectful and responsive to your needs and background.
Some people do develop a dependence on cannabis, particularly with regular use over time. This can show up as needing to use more often, or feeling irritable, anxious or unable to sleep when you cut back. Counselling can help you understand your use and make changes that fit your goals.
Yes. All of Holyoake’s counselling services are free. There are no session fees, no Medicare requirements, and no referral needed to get started.
It depends on your circumstances and goals. Some people benefit from a handful of sessions; others engage over a longer period. There’s no fixed timeline, and you can start, pause or return whenever suits you.
Yes. Telehealth sessions by phone or video are available across WA. Everything discussed is kept strictly confidential.
Our counsellors draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing and acceptance and commitment therapy, tailored to your individual needs and readiness for change.
Yes. If someone you care about is using cannabis in ways that worry you, including a parent worried about a young person, we’re here for you too. Our drug counselling services extend to families, partners and carers.
Call us on (08) 9416 4444 or contact us online.
If you need immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, available 24/7.
For further information on mental health in Australia, visit the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare or Beyond Blue.
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