Tel - 01463 220995
Addictions Counselling Inverness is a Third Sector organisation based in Inverness, which offers free one-to-one, confidential counselling for adults who are experiencing issues with alcohol, drugs, gambling or other addictive behaviours. We also provide information and advice relating to addiction & substance issues.
Our services are registered with COSCA, Scotland’s professional body for counselling and psychotherapy.
We are commissioned by NHS Highland to provide our counselling service across Inverness, Nairn and
Badenoch & Strathspey. Our services are delivered mainly from our counselling rooms in Inverness at 108
Street but outreach sessions and online & telephone services are also available.
Background
Addictions Counselling Inverness was formed 34 years ago in 1986 and is an integral part of the network of
addictions services within the Inverness area. This network is made up of agencies and services such as
Osprey House (NHS, Addictions Outpatients Service), Beechwood House (Third Sector, Residential Rehabilitation)
and Cale House (Third Sector, Supported Accommodation).
All these services work closely together to ensure that clients get the right support & treatment at the right time.
Our Team
Our service is managed by a Development Manager and a Business Support Officer.
The counselling service is delivered by our team of highly qualified & experienced volunteer counsellors, who
bring a wide range of skills, knowledge & experience to our clients and have either a Diploma in Counselling
(COSCA validated) or Scottish Alcohol Counselling Consortium Advanced Alcohol qualification (COSCA validated).
We also have placement students who are working towards their Counselling Diplomas.
Executive Committee
Our Executive Committee oversees the strategic and operational activities of the organisation.
Dominic Thierry, Chair
William Moir,Treasurer
Lesley Newton, Secretary
Lesley Palm, Counsellor Rep
Donna MacMillan, Recovery LE
Vivian Moir, Member
Kate MacLean, Member
Alex Graham, Member
Our Services
Our core service is providing free and confidential one-to-one counselling for those experiencing addiction or
substance misuse issues. We support clients with a range of addiction issues including alcohol, drugs and gambling.
We also provide information and advice on substance misuse and addictions to the public and to professional colleagues.
As a service we make every effort to ensure that our service is client centred, respectful and non-judgemental.
We approach our client care in a holistic & individualised manner and client confidentiality is of paramount importance.
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a specialised area of treatment & support which gives people with a variety of issues the space
and time to explore how and why problems (such as alcohol or drug misuse) have developed. It should be
regarded as a complete process which lets counsellor and client work together on helping clients to achieve
lasting change in their lives. By helping people to look at various aspects of their lives, our clients are supported
to develop more understanding & resilience which can enable them to better cope with the up and downs of modern life.
We ensure that our staff and volunteer counsellors
- Receive appropriate training
- Receive supervision to ensure that their practice achieves and maintains high standards
- Work to accepted ethical standards
- Comply with agency policies and procedures
- Provide a safe and comfortable environment for our clients
Complaints
If you have a complaint regarding our service, please refer to our Complaints Policy or alternatively you can refer your complaint to COSCA.
Access to our Annual Report 2020/21