Living with a mental health condition is not a single, uniform experience. Two people with the same diagnosis can have vastly different lives, different challenges, and different strengths. One person with depression might struggle to leave the house; another might manage work but find daily tasks at home overwhelming. One person with PTSD might be triggered by crowded spaces; another might find mornings the most difficult part of the day. Mental health is deeply personal, and the support that surrounds it should be too.
At Lanara, we are a family-owned provider of psychosocial support, social participation, personal care, and daily living assistance based in Sydney. We welcome self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants, as well as private clients who are seeking high-quality, psychology-led support. What sets us apart is the calibre of our team: our support workers hold degrees in psychology or related disciplines, which means they bring a level of clinical understanding, empathy, and nuance to their work that goes far beyond what most support services offer.
This article is a guide to the conditions our team is experienced in supporting. It is not a clinical manual, and we are not a mental health treatment service. What we offer is something different and, we believe, just as essential: consistent, compassionate, and psychologically-informed support in the day-to-day moments that make up a life. We work alongside GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, and allied health professionals to ensure our clients receive holistic, coordinated care.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common and most misunderstood mental health conditions. It is far more than persistent sadness. For many people, depression manifests as a profound loss of energy, motivation, and interest in the things that once brought joy. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, showering, preparing a meal, responding to a message – these can all feel insurmountable. The gap between wanting to do something and being able to do it can be enormous, and that gap is often filled with shame and self-criticism.
Our support workers understand the neurological and psychological reality of depression. They know that encouragement alone is not enough, and that pushing too hard can be counterproductive. Instead, they work with clients to build gentle, sustainable routines that provide structure without pressure. They offer practical assistance with daily living tasks, not to create dependency, but to reduce the cognitive load that depression places on everyday life. They also provide consistent, non-judgmental company, which can be profoundly valuable for people who are isolated by their condition.
For clients with depression, our psychosocial support workers focus on small, meaningful wins. A walk around the block. A meal cooked together. A conversation that doesn’t require anything in return. Over time, these small moments build momentum, and momentum builds confidence.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders encompass a wide range of presentations, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. What they share is a nervous system that is persistently activated – a state of hypervigilance that is exhausting to live in and difficult for others to fully understand.
For people with anxiety, the world can feel like a minefield of potential threats. Social situations, public transport, unfamiliar environments, and even the phone ringing can trigger significant distress. This can lead to avoidance behaviours that, while understandable in the short term, gradually narrow a person’s world and reinforce the anxiety itself.
Our support workers are trained to understand the cycle of anxiety and avoidance. They use evidence-informed approaches to help clients gently expand their comfort zones at a pace that feels manageable. Whether that means accompanying a client on their first trip to the supermarket in months, sitting with them in a café until the anxiety settles, or simply providing a calm and predictable presence during a difficult morning, our team knows how to support without reinforcing avoidance. For clients with social anxiety in particular, our social participation service is an invaluable tool for gradually rebuilding confidence in community settings.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after any experience that overwhelms a person’s capacity to cope. It is not a sign of weakness; it is a normal response to an abnormal situation. For many people, PTSD is an invisible condition. They may appear to be functioning well on the outside while managing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness on the inside.
Trauma-informed care is not an optional extra at Lanara; it is a foundational principle. Every member of our team is trained to understand how trauma affects the brain, the body, and behaviour. This means we approach all interactions with an awareness of potential triggers, a deep respect for personal boundaries, and a commitment to creating an environment of safety and predictability. We never push. We never assume. We follow the client’s lead.
For clients with PTSD, consistency and trust are paramount. We take great care in our matching process to ensure that clients are paired with a support worker they feel genuinely safe with. We understand that building trust takes time, and we are patient. Our goal is to provide a steady, reliable presence that helps clients feel grounded in their daily lives – a foundation from which healing and growth become possible.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterised by episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with episodes of depression. The experience of living with bipolar disorder is one of profound contrast, with the highs feeling exhilarating and the lows being devastating. The unpredictability of the cycle can make it difficult to maintain consistent routines, relationships, and responsibilities.
Supporting someone with bipolar disorder requires flexibility, attentiveness, and a nuanced understanding of the condition. Our support workers are trained to recognise the signs of shifting mood states and to adapt their approach accordingly. During periods of low mood, they provide practical support and gentle encouragement. During periods of elevated mood, they offer a calm, grounding presence and help clients maintain the routines and boundaries that support their stability.
Crucially, our team works collaboratively with clients’ treating clinicians. We are not a treatment service, but we are an important part of the broader support ecosystem. By maintaining consistent contact and clear communication, we help ensure that any concerns about a client’s mental state are communicated promptly and appropriately to the relevant professionals.
Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders can significantly impact a person’s ability to manage daily life, maintain social connections, and engage with their community. Symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, and negative symptoms (such as reduced motivation and emotional expression) can make even routine tasks challenging.
Our support workers approach clients with psychotic disorders with patience, respect, and a deep commitment to their dignity. We understand that these conditions are often poorly understood and heavily stigmatised, and we actively work to counter that stigma in every interaction. We focus on the person, not the diagnosis – on their strengths, their interests, and their goals – and we provide practical, consistent support that helps them maintain stability and engage with their community.
For clients with schizophrenia, routine and predictability are often essential. Our team works to establish consistent, reliable patterns of support that provide a stable framework for daily life. We also support clients in their social participation, helping them to maintain and build connections in a way that feels safe and manageable.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline personality disorder is a condition characterised by intense emotions, difficulties with interpersonal relationships, and a fluctuating sense of self. People with BPD often experience significant distress and may have a history of difficult experiences with support services. Building a trusting, consistent support relationship can be genuinely transformative.
Our team’s psychology background is particularly valuable when supporting clients with BPD. They understand the emotional dysregulation that characterises the condition and are trained to respond in ways that are calm, consistent, and non-reactive. They know that maintaining clear, predictable boundaries is not about being cold or rigid but is about providing the safety and consistency that allows trust to develop.
We take a long-term view with our BPD clients. We know that the relationship itself is part of the support, and we invest in it accordingly. Our matching process is especially important for this group, and we take care to ensure that clients are paired with a support worker who has the right temperament, skills, and experience.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a condition in which intrusive thoughts (obsessions) drive repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that provide temporary relief from anxiety. It can be profoundly disruptive to daily life, consuming significant time and mental energy and interfering with work, relationships, and self-care.
Our support workers understand the nature of OCD and are trained not to inadvertently reinforce compulsive behaviours. They provide practical support with daily living tasks while maintaining an approach that is consistent with evidence-based treatment principles. They work collaboratively with clients’ treating psychologists or psychiatrists to ensure their support is complementary to, and not in conflict with, the therapeutic work being done.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, are serious mental health conditions with significant physical health implications. They are often accompanied by complex emotions around food, body image, and self-worth, and they require a sensitive, non-judgmental approach.
Our support workers approach clients with eating disorders with great care and compassion. They are trained to avoid triggering language and behaviours, and they work collaboratively with clients’ treatment teams to ensure their daily living support is aligned with the broader therapeutic goals. Support might include assistance with meal preparation, accompaniment to appointments, and help with maintaining daily routines during recovery.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Acquired brain injury can result from stroke, traumatic injury, or other neurological events. The impact on daily functioning can be wide-ranging, affecting cognition, communication, emotional regulation, and physical capacity. Many people with ABI also experience significant mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, as they adjust to changes in their abilities and identity.
Our psychology-trained team is well placed to support clients with ABI. They understand the cognitive and emotional dimensions of brain injury and can adapt their communication and support style accordingly. They provide practical daily living assistance while also supporting clients’ emotional well-being and community participation.
How We Work: The Lanara Approach
We welcome people with all kinds of conditions, whether physical or psychosocial. Regardless of the condition or presentation, our approach at Lanara is guided by the same core principles. We are person-centred, which means your goals, your preferences, and your values guide everything we do. We are trauma-informed, which means we are always mindful of the potential impact of past experiences and we work to create an environment of safety and trust. We are psychology-led, which means our team brings genuine clinical knowledge to their work – not just good intentions.
When you first contact us, we take the time to understand your individual situation, your history, and what you are hoping to achieve. We then carefully match you with a support worker who has the right experience, temperament, and skills for your specific needs. Your support worker will be thoroughly briefed on your requirements before they meet you, so that from the very first session, they arrive prepared, informed, and committed to your best interests.
We work alongside your existing treatment team, including your GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist, or support coordinator, all to ensure our support is integrated and complementary. We are not a standalone service; we are one important piece of a broader support ecosystem.
Who We Welcome
We welcome people from all walks of life. No matter the experiences or what stage of life you are in, Lanara is able to help the following individuals:
- Self-managed NDIS participants, who manage their own funding and have the freedom to choose any provider.
- Plan-managed NDIS participants, whose plan manager pays providers on their behalf and who can also choose unregistered providers.
- Private clients, who fund their support independently without an NDIS plan.
A Final Word
Living with a mental health condition does not mean living a smaller life. With the right support – support that is consistent, compassionate, and genuinely informed by an understanding of mental health – it is possible to build a life that is rich, connected, and full of meaning. That is what we believe at Lanara, and it is what we work towards with every person we support.
If you or someone you care about is looking for psychology-led psychosocial support, personal care, or daily living assistance in Sydney, we would love to hear from you. Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation conversation. We are here, and we are ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a formal diagnosis to access your support?
A: Not necessarily. While many of our clients have a formal diagnosis, we assess each person’s situation individually. What matters most to us is understanding your current challenges, your goals, and how we can best support you. We encourage you to reach out for a conversation, and we will work with you to determine whether our services are the right fit.
Q: Can you support someone with more than one condition?
A: Absolutely. Many of our clients live with co-occurring conditions – for example, depression and anxiety, or PTSD and a substance use history. Our psychology-trained team is experienced in supporting complex presentations and will tailor their approach to your individual needs.
Q: Do you work alongside my existing treatment team?
A: Yes, and we actively encourage it. We believe that the best outcomes happen when support is coordinated. With your consent, we are happy to liaise with your GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, or allied health professionals to ensure our support is aligned with your broader treatment goals.
Q: What areas of Sydney do you service?
A: We are based in Sydney and primarily service the Inner West, East, and surrounding suburbs. Please contact us to confirm whether we can support you in your specific location.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Simply reach out to us by phone or through our website. We will arrange a no-obligation initial conversation to learn about your situation and discuss how we might be able to help. There is no pressure, and no commitment required from that first conversation.