Sonder

What Sonder does

Sonder is a South Australian not-for-profit health and community services organisation founded in 1993, operating across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia. It runs a portfolio of 29 programs spanning mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), Aboriginal health, homelessness, disability, youth employment, and community health, supporting 18,942 people in FY2024-25 through a 493-person workforce comprising 310 paid staff, 65 subcontractors, 62 students, and 56 volunteers. The organisation's service architecture is anchored by four headspace youth mental health centres (Adelaide, Edinburgh North, Marion, Onkaparinga), two walk-in mental health sites - the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre in Elizabeth and Safe Haven in Salisbury - the Solasta fee-for-service psychology social enterprise at Klemzig and Christies Beach, and the new Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs in Marion, Aldinga, and northern Adelaide serving children 0-12. Regional outreach extends to eight SA towns including Gawler, Port Pirie, Clare, Strathalbyn, Victor Harbor, Kadina, Nuriootpa, and Kangaroo Island.

The revenue model is overwhelmingly government-funded through Primary Health Network commissioning (Adelaide PHN, Country SA PHN, Australian Government PHN Program, SA Government), supplemented by fee-for-service NDIS and Department of Veterans' Affairs contracts and Solasta revenue that is reinvested into Sonder's charitable services. FY2024-25 revenue was AUD 38.8M (+9.7% YoY) with an operating surplus of AUD 1.07M. Sonder is not a technology company; it is exploring generative AI cautiously for clinical and administrative use, while delivering most services in person through multidisciplinary teams that include psychologists, mental health nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and 42 Peer Practitioners with lived experience (targeting 20% of workforce within 2-3 years). The organisation is governed by a Board chaired by Dr Rizwan Latif under CEO Sageran Naidoo, certified to ISO 9001 and National Safety and Quality Mental Health Standards, and lead-agency partner for headspace in South Australia.

Name

Sonder

Legal name

Sonder

Website

https://sonder.net.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Sonder is a South Australian not-for-profit founded in 1993 that delivers integrated mental health, alcohol and other drugs, Aboriginal health, homelessness, and youth services to approximately 18,942 people annually across metropolitan and regional South Australia, funded primarily through Primary Health Network commissioning, NDIS, and DVA contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Health Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (62411), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) & Public Behavioral Health Providers (HLAFACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Behavioral Health for Children & Adolescents (Youth Services) (HLAFACAL), Family & Parenting Support Services (BPAGAEAC)

Keywords

• Community mental health services
• Youth mental health support
• Alcohol and drug treatment
• Homelessness support services
• Aboriginal health programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Elizabeth

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices19 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Health Funding: Primary revenue from government health funding including Adelaide PHN, Australian Government PHN Program, Country SA PHN, and SA Government. Funding dependent on grant funding through agencies such as Primary Health Networks. Services funded include mental health, Aboriginal health, alcohol and other drugs, homelessness, employment, and community health programs.
2. Social Enterprise - Solasta: Fee-for-service psychology practice operating as social enterprise. Revenue re-invested back into Sonder to fund innovative services beyond allocated funding. Expanded to two locations (Klemzig and Christies Beach) with 31 clinical staff.
3. NDIS and DVA Funding: Fee-for-service revenue from NDIS participants for counselling and psychological therapy, and Department of Veterans' Affairs for veteran mental health support services including DVA Open Arms Outreach Program Panel.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sonder is a South Australian not-for-profit health and community services organization that delivers integrated mental health, alcohol and other drug, homelessness, disability, work and study, Aboriginal health, and chronic disease programs. Its core offerings include lead-agency operation of four headspace youth mental health centres, walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centres and Safe Haven crisis sites, the Solasta fee-for-service psychology social enterprise, the In-Home Withdrawal Service, the Toward Home homelessness program, and Closing the Gap Integrated Team Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. The organization supports 18,942 people annually across 29 programs and 19 metropolitan and regional locations.

Product overview

Sonder is a not-for-profit health and community services organization providing integrated healthcare and support services across South Australia since 1993. Rather than a unified tech product, Sonder operates a portfolio of distinct service programs addressing seven key domains: mental health, homelessness, Aboriginal health, alcohol and other drugs, work and study, disability, and community health. Key offerings include headspace youth mental health centres (Adelaide, Edinburgh North, Marion, Onkaparinga), the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre, Safe Haven walk-in crisis service, Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs for children, Solasta social enterprise psychology practice, In-Home Withdrawal Service, Toward Home homelessness support, and Closing the Gap Indigenous health programs. The organization also operates digital mental health resources through its eMental Health initiative. Sonder is currently exploring generative AI integration within clinical and therapy settings to streamline administration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Solasta: Social enterprise fee-for-service psychology practice providing psychological therapy and assessments for children, young people, and adults at Klemzig and Christies Beach locations. Revenue is reinvested into Sonder's charitable services.

Products and services

• headspace Youth Mental Health Centres Free, confidential one-stop-shop for young people aged 12-25 covering mental health and wellbeing, physical and sexual health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug services. Sonder is the lead agency for centres at Adelaide, Edinburgh North, Marion, and Onkaparinga.
• Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre Free walk-in mental health service at 23 Gillingham Road, Elizabeth, offering immediate support with no appointment, referral, or Medicare card required. Short to longer-term care available, including clinical care coordination, psychiatric assessments, and counselling. 4,696 guests accessed the service in its first year.
• Safe Haven Salisbury Free walk-in mental health service at 9 John Street, Salisbury, offering immediate support for people aged 16+ experiencing distress or crisis. Delivered by Peer Practitioners with lived experience. No appointment, referral, or Medicare card required. Open Tuesday to Friday 5pm-9pm. Non-clinical alternative to hospital emergency departments.
• Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs Free, early mental health and wellbeing support for children aged 0-12 and their families. Provides initial assessments, care planning, counselling and therapy (up to 10 sessions), allied health services, group activities, and connections to other services. Walk-in and self-referral model at Marion, Aldinga, and northern Adelaide locations.
• headspace Early Psychosis Expert support for young people experiencing an early episode of psychosis or at risk of developing psychosis. Includes family support, an expert care team, and access to creative therapy and social groups. Operated within Sonder's headspace centres.
• Solasta Psychology Practice Fee-for-service psychology social enterprise at Klemzig and Christies Beach locations, employing 31 clinical staff to deliver psychological therapy, counselling, and assessments for children, young people, and adults. Revenue is reinvested into Sonder's charitable services. Also appointed to the DVA Open Arms Outreach Program Panel for veteran trauma-informed counselling. Delivered 9,085 occasions of service to 1,826 individuals in 2024-25 (19% YoY increase).
• In-Home Withdrawal Service Service enabling individuals to safely withdraw from substance use in their own homes, supported by skilled clinicians. Part of Sonder's alcohol and other drugs services. 86% of clients decreased substance use and improved wellbeing. Won the 2024 SANDAS Excellence in Treatment and Support Award.
• Toward Home Homelessness Program Specialist case management for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, delivered as part of the Adelaide South homelessness alliance (Toward Home) with Lutheran Care (lead), Baptist Care SA, Mission Australia, Salvation Army, and others. Provides outreach to people sleeping rough and intensive support for those with high and complex health needs. 134 people supported in 2024-25.
• Closing the Gap Integrated Team Care (CTG ITC) Program supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in Adelaide and regional South Australia living with chronic health conditions. Delivered through Outreach Workers and Care Coordinators who help clients navigate the healthcare system and self-manage chronic conditions. 491 people supported with 10,897 occasions of service in 2024-25; 95% reported improved confidence in managing health.
• Adult Mental Health Services Range of mental health support services for adults including Clinical Care & Coordination, Western Wellbeing Hub (Port Adelaide), Adult Wellbeing, Booked Psychiatric Assessments, Residential Wellbeing, and Pathways to Recovery. Delivered across metropolitan and regional South Australia.
• Veteran Residential Mental Health Support Mental health support for current and former ADF members and their families, including residential mental health support in partnership with RSL Care SA's Andrew Russell Veteran Living (short-term accommodation) and the Open Arms Outreach Program Panel for trauma-informed, military-aware counselling.
• headspace Work & Study Program Support for people aged 15-25 needing help finding work or starting a study journey, delivered through Sonder's headspace centres. Achieved 122 successful transitions into work or education in 2024-25.
• Inclusive Employment Australia Helping people aged 14-67 experiencing mental health challenges find meaningful work through tailored support services. Delivered as part of Sonder's employment portfolio alongside headspace Work & Study.
• Community Health and Allied Health Services Programs and services designed to improve health outcomes, reduce the impact of chronic disease, and increase participation in sport and recreation. Delivered across metropolitan and regional South Australia. 2,362 people supported with 5,886 occasions of service in 2024-25. Includes on-site allied health at Hutt St Centre (mental health, AOD counselling, falls prevention, diabetes education).

Quantifiable outcome

• 79% of mental health clients reported improvements in wellbeing, 93% expressed satisfaction
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kudos ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2025Specialist child development and therapeutic expertise partner for Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs. Contributes expertise in child development and therapeutic supports alongside Sonder's multidisciplinary teams.
• KWY Aboriginal CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2025Cultural authority, guidance, and connection for Aboriginal children, families, and communities. Helps ensure services reflect Aboriginal cultural values, community expectations and ways of engaging.
• Multicultural Communities Council of SAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2025Strengthens multicultural engagement and ensures services are responsive to needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities for Kids Hubs delivery.
• Hutt St CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2024On-site allied health services delivery at Hutt St Centre for people experiencing homelessness. Staffed by Comorbidity Clinician, Occupational Therapist, and Diabetes Educator providing mental health, AOD counselling, falls prevention, and diabetes education. 364 people accessed support in first year.
• Carers SAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to strengthen access for carers and build workforce capability in mental health services.
• Thorne Harbour HealthminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to strengthen access for LGBTQIA+ communities and build workforce capability.
• Lutheran CarecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership within Adelaide South homelessness alliance (Toward Home). Lutheran Care leads the alliance with Sonder providing mental health expertise and outreach services.
• RSL Care SAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration for Veteran Residential Mental Health Support. RSL Care SA provides short-term accommodation at Andrew Russell Veteran Living while Sonder delivers mental health nursing support.
• Open ArmscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration for veteran mental health support. Open Arms provides short-term wellbeing support, mental health clinician support, and peer support as part of Veteran Residential Mental Health Support program.
• NINIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Lead agency partnership for Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Centre. Sonder supports partners in delivering landmark service with cultural capability building.
• OARS Community TransitionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership in Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Centre delivery as part of alliance with NINI.
• Anglicare SAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to deliver Reconnect program at headspace Edinburgh North providing wraparound support bridging family, school, and community.
• Adelaide Primary Health NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Primary funder and commissioning agency for headspace centres, Medicare Mental Health Centres, and mental health services. Adelaide PHN administers Australian Government PHN Program funding.
• headspacecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Sonder operates as lead agency for headspace Adelaide, Edinburgh North, Marion, and Onkaparinga. Centres act as one-stop-shop for young people needing mental health, physical health, AOD, or work/study support. Funded by Australian Government Department of Health.
• Department of Veterans' AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Funder for Veteran Residential Mental Health Support and Open Arms Outreach Program Panel. Appointed Solasta to national DVA panel for trauma-informed, military-aware counselling.
• City of SalisburyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to pilot Social Worker in the Library program at Salisbury Community Hub - South Australian first initiative embedding qualified social worker in library setting.
• Skills SAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to support RTOs and employers in creating inclusive environments for diverse learners. 12 workshops delivered to 19 RTOs and workplaces.
• ReturnToWorkSAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to deliver three RACGP-approved education sessions for GPs on managing work-related injuries in primary care.
• Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership with SA Government's state provider of comprehensive child health and development checks from birth to 5 years.
• University of AdelaidecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 20223.5-year research partnership through industry-based PhD with Dr Sam Lai embedded within Sonder. Research focused on demand management solutions for youth mental health services using design thinking methodology. Led by Adelaide Business School.
• Mission AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2021Partners Toward Wellbeing program - integrated AOD and mental health service delivery in Northern, Southern and Central Adelaide. Combines Sonder's mental health expertise with Mission Australia's specialist services for co-occurring needs.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Mission Australia: Large national NFP operating homelessness, mental health, AOD, and youth programs. Sonder partners with Mission Australia in Toward Home and Partners Toward Wellbeing, making it both a collaborator and a co-bidder for SA government contracts.
• Mind Australia: Major Australian NFP providing community-based mental health and psychosocial support services across multiple states. Directly comparable as a PHN-funded, lived-experience-led mental health provider competing for similar government contracts.
• Neami National: NFP delivering community mental health, suicide prevention, and homelessness support across Australia. Comparable for its peer-led workforce model, PHN commissioning relationships, and integrated mental health/AOD service portfolio.
• Flourish Australia: NFP specializing in community mental health and psychosocial support with strong peer-worker emphasis. Directly comparable in NDIS and PHN-funded mental health service delivery and lived-experience workforce model.

Regional players

• EACH (Eastern Access Community Health): NFP providing primary health, mental health, and community services primarily in Victoria/NSW. Comparable for its PHN-commissioned mental health programs and integrated community health operating model, though operating in different geographies.
• Baptist Care SA: South Australian NFP providing community services including homelessness, family support, and mental health. Co-member of the Toward Home alliance and direct competitor for SA government-funded service contracts.
• Anglicare SA: SA NFP delivering community services including the Reconnect program at headspace Edinburgh North (in partnership with Sonder). Comparable for SA-focused human services delivery and government contract competition.
• Lutheran Care: SA-focused NFP delivering homelessness, refugee, and community services. Direct consortium partner with Sonder in the Toward Home alliance and a peer for SA-specific tender competitions.

Broad incumbents

• Life Without Barriers: Large national NFP providing disability, mental health, and out-of-home care services. Comparable for NDIS-funded counselling and psychology service delivery and DVA panel participation.
• headspace National: National youth mental health foundation that operates as the overarching brand for which Sonder runs four lead-agency centres. Comparable as the system architect of the youth mental health service model Sonder delivers in SA.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SonderSA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sonder-sa
• Instagraminstagram.com/sonder_southaustralia
• Xx.com/Sonder_SA

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sonder