THERAPY SUPPORT PROGRAM
Professional support, without financial barriers.
After the loss of a child, families are not only grieving — they're often overwhelmed by financial strain, disrupted routines, and emotional exhaustion. Our Therapy Support Program exists to ease some of that burden, so that accessing mental health support is one less thing to worry about.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Therapy Support Program is a financial assistance initiative created by The Aliyah Mae Foundation to help bereaved parents access the mental health support they so urgently need following the death of a child.
We provide up to $1,000 in therapy support, paid directly to a qualified mental health professional of your choice. Whether you're seeking trauma counselling, grief therapy, or ongoing psychological support — we're here to walk alongside you.
Who is eligible
To apply for support, you must meet all of the following criteria:
You are the parent or primary caregiver of a child who died between newborn and 18 years of age, following a live birth.
The death has occurred within the past 2 years (24 months).
You live in Western Australia.
Your chosen therapist is a qualified and registered counsellor or psychologist.
You agree for funds to be paid directly to your therapist or reimbursed to you.
Please note: no back payment will be provided for therapy sessions prior to registration in the program.
How the Program Works
Each eligible bereaved parent can access up to $1,000 in financial support, applied in one of two ways:
Option 1: Full Payment to Your Therapist
(No Medicare Rebate / Mental Health Treatment Plan)
This option is ideal if you prefer not to pay anything upfront, or if you are seeing a therapist who doesn't bulk bill or work under Medicare.
We liaise directly with your clinic to organise payment
We pay the full session fee directly to your therapist
You don't need to pay out-of-pocket
This option is not available for those wishing to use a Medicare rebate
We continue payment until your $1,000 limit is reached
Option 2: Gap Payment Reimbursement
(With a Mental Health Treatment Plan)
This option is for those using a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and accessing Medicare-subsidised sessions.
You attend your session and pay the full session fee using your Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan
You submit your paid invoice to us
We reimburse you the gap payment directly into your bank account
Reimbursements continue until your $1,000 limit is reached
For more information on how to access a mental health treatment plan please visit the
Getting a mental health care plan section of our So What Happens Now? Guide.
Not sure which option is right for you?
We’re here to help. If you’re unsure which pathway suits your situation, please reach out to
us. We’re always happy to guide you through the
process with care and compassion.
A NOTE ON ELIGIBILITY
Miscarriage and Stillbirth.
We recognise that every form of loss is significant, and that grief following miscarriage or stillbirth is life-altering. At this time, however, the Therapy Support Program is specifically designed to support families grieving the death of a child aged newborn to 18 years, following a live birth.
We understand this may be difficult to read, and we want to acknowledge your experience with care and respect. While you may not be eligible for this particular program, you are not forgotten. There are free counselling and support services available across Western Australia that provide dedicated support for families who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth.
Support services for miscarriage and stillbirth:
Red Nose Grief & Loss 24/7 telephone support, online counselling, and resources for families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Phone: 1300 308 307
Website: rednosegriefandloss.org.au
Bears of Hope Australia-wide support for parents who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death, including counselling, online groups, and support packages.
Website: bearsofhope.org.au
In Memory of You Peer-led support for those grieving pregnancy and infant loss in Western Australia, offering in-person support groups, community events, and connection with other loss parents.
Website: inmemoryofyou.org
Rural Health Connect Bulk-billed telehealth psychology sessions for perinatal loss, Australia-wide. Phone: 0493 432 144 or 0493 201 005
Website: ruralhealthconnect.com.au/perinatal-loss
Pink Elephants Support Network Specialised emotional support and resources for those experiencing early pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, through peer support and lived-experience connection.
Website: pinkelephants.org.au
Mums Matter Psychology Bulk-billed telehealth and in-person psychology sessions for perinatal loss across Australia.
Website: mumsmatterpsychology.com
We understand this may not be the support pathway you hoped for. Please know that your grief matters, and support is available. If you need assistance connecting with these services, we are here to help.
CRISIS SUPPORT
The Aliyah Mae Foundation does not offer crisis support services. If you or someone you love is in a crisis situation, please reach out to one of the following 24/7 services:
Triple Zero — 000
Lifeline — 13 11 14
Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL)
Metro: 1300 555 788
Peel region: 1800 676 822