First Step is a small clinic located in St.Kilda, Victoria. Our mission is the delivery of compassionate and non-judgemental treatment of mental ill-health and substance use disorders.  Our treatment model leverages the collective expertise of addiction medicine GP's, mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, criminal & family violence lawyers, case co-ordinators and peer workers (among others) all working together to achieve an optimal outcome for each individual. 

As governments, health experts and others increasingly advocate for multidisciplinary 'hubs' First Step stands proudly as the pioneer mental health & addiction hub in Australia.

All services are delivered free of charge.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm 

 

Our Approach

Client Care

First Step Approach – Client Care Client care at First Step involves a fundamental focus on the well-being of clients read more...

Collaboration

First Step defines collaboration as bringing professional view-points from different areas of expertise together to better achieve a desired outcome read more...

Integration

First Step Approach – Integration Integration in the context of First Step refers to our commitment to ensure that each read more...

First Step Legal

Mental Health Bootcamp

Contact

We’re a friendly bunch. Call us 03 9537 3177 or send us a message with a question or enquiry and we’ll get in touch.

Patrick Lawrence

CEO, First Step

9537 3177

FB: @thefirststepprogram

For 20 years First Step has worked tirelessly to develop a treatment model for our clients that recognises and effectively responds to the complexity of combined mental health and addiction issues.

Now the treatment model we use is increasingly being recognised as the 'gold standard' in the treatment. 

For First Step this model was simply a response to the needs of our clients and we are exceptionally grateful for the philanthropic and charitable support (each of you!) that afforded us the freedom to develop and refine the system & philosophy that we use today. 

As you read this page, we would like to thank you for your generosity in supporting First Step.   You can be sure that the monies you donate will go directly to benefit the more than 2600 highly vulnerable people that we support each year.  In doing so you are immeasurably changing lives for the better.

Patrick Lawrence, CEO

From our Patron Rev. Tim Costello

My involvement with First Step began with the establishment of the clinic in July 2000, as one of the clinic’s founding directors. First Step was created to meet a need for low-cost, effective treatment options, primarily for people using heroin that would assist them to overcome their drug dependence. One person’s drug use can have an extraordinary ripple effect that takes in their immediate family, friends and the broader community.

First Step aims to provide the necessary support and treatment options, accessible to all, that enable those seeking the clinic’s assistance to live a life in all its fullness. In addition to a fervent belief in maintaining affordability. First Step is committed to treating people with the respect and compassion they deserve and working with them in engaging as fulfilled members of the community.