About

Connecting Mental Health is an Australian online platform designed to make finding the right mental health support simpler, clearer and more accessible.

Founded by Jono Derkenne, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 15 years of experience, the platform was created in response to real gaps in Australia’s mental health system. Having lived and worked across regional New South Wales and major cities, Jono recognised the ongoing challenges people face when trying to understand therapy options and connect with the right therapist.

Our Mission

We aim to bridge the gap between Australians seeking counselling and qualified mental health professionals by providing a centralised, easy-to-navigate platform that prioritises clarity, accessibility, and evidence-based care.

Connecting Mental Health exists to:

Simplify how Australians access therapy and counselling services
Educate the public about different therapy approaches in plain language
Improve connections between clients and therapists across Australia
Support rural and regional communities with better access to care

What We Offer

Connecting Mental Health is more than a therapist directory. It is a learning and connection hub designed to help you feel informed and confident before starting therapy.

On our platform, you can:

Explore different counselling and therapy approaches, including ACT, Schema Therapy, and somatic therapies
Watch short, practical videos explaining mental health concepts
Complete activities and questionnaires to build self-awareness
Learn how different therapies may suit your needs
Connect directly with Australian therapists through detailed profile pages

Supporting Australians Everywhere

We are committed to improving access to mental health support across Australia, with a strong focus on rural and regional communities where services are often limited.

Whether you are in Sydney, regional NSW, or anywhere across the country, our goal is to ensure you can access quality, evidence-based mental health care that fits your needs.

Our Approach to Mental Health

We believe effective mental health support should be:

Evidence-based and grounded in best practice
Accessible regardless of location
Easy to understand, without clinical jargon
Tailored to individual needs, from prevention to recovery and acute support

Our content is designed to help you better understand yourself, explore different therapeutic approaches, and feel more prepared when engaging with a mental health professional.

Take the next step on your Mental Health Journey

Whether you are seeking counselling for the first time, exploring new therapy options, or looking to reconnect with support, Connecting Mental Health is here to guide you.

You can access the platform anytime, at your own pace, and take the next step when you feel ready.

Connecting Mental Health is an online platform to introduce and educate people on different counselling approaches.

Here, we give you the opportunity to learn specific counselling techniques through summaries, short videos, activities, and counselling approach questionnaires. Connecting Mental Health will build your self-awareness, learn different ways of viewing self, prepare you to engage in appropriate therapy, and connect with a therapist via our therapist profile pages.

Whether you are just beginning your mental health journey or seeking a new approach, Connecting Mental Health can benefit all. We are convenient, use everyday language, and are always available whenever you are ready to access, explore, and seek support.

We wish you all the best on your mental health journey.