Chilled Out is a confidential online multi-media program which teaches you skills to manage anxiety.
It is an eight module program that helps you to:
- Learn about feelings and anxiety
- Learn to think realistically
- Overcome fears by building confidence and independence
- Learn to problem solve
- Build effective communication, such as assertiveness
Within each module you can watch short videos and complete exercises. You can write as little or as much as you like and you will store the activities on your own devices, so no one will see your responses. On average it takes between 8 to 12 weeks to complete the program but it is important that you do it at your own pace, so that you have enough time to practice your new skills - practice makes perfect!
You can choose a mentor to assist you in applying the Chilled Out skills. A good mentor might be a trusted friend or relative. There is a mentor workbook that you can download and give to your mentor so that they have an understanding of the skills you will be learning.
You will also have a trained clinician who will support you along the way over the phone or in person (depending on where you are doing the program).
Your responses on the Chilled Out website are confidential. You will complete brief questions from time to time to give us feedback on how you are finding the program. All responses to Chilled Out activities are stored on your own devices, so no one will see these responses.
The only reason we may be required to break confidentiality is if we are concerned that the individual may be at risk to themselves or others. If we do believe you are at immediate risk of harm we will need to inform adults in your life.
Any information/data will be kept securely and only accessed by members of the direct clinic or research team you are involved with.
For you to be offered a place in Chilled Out you must meet a list of criteria, including:
- Aged 12-18 years
- Having difficulties with anxiety, fears and worries that get in the way of enjoying life.
The Chilled Out program is not suitable for adolescents that are currently experiencing any of the following issues:
- At risk to themselves or others
- Severe depression
These exclusions are in place to ensure that our treatment programs are delivered to adolescents who are most likely to benefit from the program and for whom we are best equipped to offer services. Each young person will be carefully assessed to determine whether our treatments are the most appropriate or whether other programs or services may be better for them.
If you are completing the Chilled Out program through the Emotional Health Clinic you will pay a fee for assessment, accessing the online program and receiving support from a clinician! These fees are set to cover our costs, we are a not-for-profit service. Contact the Emotional Health Clinic for more information about fees.
If you are completing the Chilled Out program through your local community health or headspace service, your access to the program is funded by research. There are no costs for accessing the Chilled Out program.
The Emotional Health Clinic (EHC) is a specialist research clinic aimed at furthering our understanding of child & adult emotional disorders and improving our methods of treatment. The Clinic is part of the Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre (previously known as the Centre for Emotional Health), Macquarie University. Families who seek help at the Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre will receive state of the art assessment and treatment based on research that has been conducted by our team over the past 20 years. The Emotionl Health Clinic is a world leader in research in child and adolescent emotional health, has won numerous international awards for its treatment programs and is considered an international centre of expertise in the assessment and treatment of child and adolescent anxiety.
There is an expectation that by seeking services from a research clinic that families will participate in various research activities related to developing better assessment and treatment methods, and better understanding the causes of anxiety and related disorders
Yes, there is a Cool Kids Program, which is designed for children in school grades 1 to 6. This program is structured in a similar way to the Chilled Out Program. Contact the Emotional Health Clinic for more information about Cool Kids Online.
Yes, the Emotional Health Clinic provides programs from adults aged 18 years and over.
For more information about these programs you can visit our website (https://www.mq.edu.au/research/research-centres-groups-and-facilities/centres/lifespan-health-and-wellbeing/emotional-health-clinic) or contact us via our online contact form or phone.
The Emotional Health Clinic is located at Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney.
Our current postal and street address is:
Emotional Health Clinic
Australian Hearing Hub
Level 1, 16 University Avenue
Macquarie University
NSW 2109