Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychology

We currently have limited availability for new referrals. Please contact the clinic via email or phone to enquire. 

We continue to accept urgent perinatal and oncology referrals. 


We are a team of experienced and caring Clinical Psychologists and Psychologists, committed to providing the highest quality psychological assessment and therapy service to our clients. We are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and are Members of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association and / or the Australian Psychological Society. We hold Honours Degrees in Psychology, and have attained or are completing additional postgraduate qualifications in Clinical Psychology. We bring to our practice extensive experience working with adults, adolescents, children, couples and families across a broad range of clinical areas. The practice was established by Leanne Clarke in 2000 and has grown rapidly since this time, receiving a high level of support from local GPs, obstetricians and other health professionals. 

Psychologists draw on current research and thinking in psychology to provide you with specialised therapies for a range of issues encountered across the lifespan. 


The clinical psychologists at Southside bring together a broad range of specialty interests. When you contact us we will ensure that you are assigned to a psychologist who has experience in dealing with your presenting concerns. 


Areas of practice include: 

  • Addictions
  • Adjustment to Life Events & Changes
  • Adolescent Issues
  • Anger Management
  • Coping with a Serious Medical Illness
  • Depression & Mood Difficulties
  • Drug & Alcohol Abuse
  • Emotional & Behavioural Problems in Children
  • Eating Disorders
  • Fears, Phobias, Anxiety & Panic Attacks
  • Grief, Loss & Bereavement
  • Interpersonal Difficulties
  • Marital, Family & Relationship Issues
  • Obsessions & Compulsive Behaviour
  • Pain Management
  • Support in Preparing for Birth
  • Postnatal Distress & Early Parenting Issues
  • Parenting Challenges
  • Post-traumatic Stress
  • Psychological Issues in Pregnancy
  • Psychotic Illnesses
  • Recovery from Childhood Trauma
  • Social Anxiety
  • Self Esteem and Confidence
  • Sleep Problems
  • Stress
  • Sexual Functioning Issues
  • Sexual Identity
  • Gender Identity / Gender Dysphoria
  • Support During Genetic Counselling or Other Medical / Diagnostic Processes

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT SOUTHSIDE HEALTH & WELLBEING:

  • Psychological therapy under Workers Compensation Insurance
  • Therapy for clients with moderate-severe intellectual disabilities
  • Therapy for clients with moderate-severe autism
  • Medico legal assessments or reports
  • Home visits for new patients 

People contact us for a range of reasons, such as when:

  • They worry all the time, and can’t seem to find the answers
  • The way they feel is affecting their sleep, eating habits, concentration, memory, work, study or relationships
  • Things aren’t getting any better
  • There is a crisis; or a problem needs to be resolved and decisions made
  • They would like to enhance their well-being, performance, or quality of life
  • They feel that talking to an independent, experienced professional could assist

Our Clinical Psychologists utilise a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment-based Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
  • Family Therapy
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
  • Neurofeedback Therapy (NFT)
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Play Therapy
  • Schema Therapy

Please note that not all of our Clinical Psychologists are trained in all of the above models. If you are seeking therapy within a particular model, we will ensure that you are referred to a Clinical Psychologist within our practice who has training and experience providing that specific form of therapy. 

Referrals

Many of our clients are referred to us by their GP or another health professional, but you do not need a referral to see a psychologist.


All of our psychologists are registered providers of psychological services under Medicare. Under this scheme, clients with a diagnosed mental disorder may be able to obtain a Medicare rebate for up to 10 therapy sessions per calendar year. The term “mental disorder” covers a range of diagnoses, including Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Substance Abuse, and a range of childhood emotional and behavioural disorders.


Please contact us or speak with your doctor to obtain more information about this option. To be eligible for this rebate, a referral is required from your GP or Psychiatrist. Child and adolescent referrals can also be made by a Paediatrician. Sessions can only be billed under Medicare when the individual listed on the referral has attended.


When making an appointment with your GP to obtain a referral, ask for a long appointment. Advise your GP that you would like to be assessed for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Please ensure that your GP provides you with a copy of your Mental Health Treatment Plan, and a referral note or cover letter, which is signed and dated. If your referral is prepared by a specialist, i.e. Psychiatrist or Paediatrician, a referral note is sufficient.


If you already have a Mental Health Treatment Plan and have used some of your 6 sessions to see a psychologist at another practice, please return to your GP and request another copy of your Mental Health Treatment Plan (if you have not retained a copy) with a referral letter or cover note addressed to this practice.


Appointments


Appointments are available on weekdays, evenings, and weekends.


When you contact the practice our reception team will take down your information and add your details to our waiting list. They will be able to advise you of any waiting times during busy periods. The Clinic Directors will allocate you to a therapist who has experience relevant to your reason for coming, and you will be offered an appointment at their earliest availability.


Your initial appointment will be 80 minutes. During this appointment your therapist will gather information about the reason you have been referred, and any relevant history. In some cases the assessment process may take place over more than one appointment. At the end of your assessment your therapist will discuss their recommendations for treatment with you.

Subsequent appointments are 50 minutes. These appointments may take place weekly or fortnightly. Your therapist will recommend the best approach for you.


It is common to feel uncertain or anxious about making an initial appointment. Many people feel more relaxed after speaking with us by phone, or once they have attended their initial session. Please let us know if you have any specific concerns that you wish to discuss before making an appointment. All enquiries are welcome.


If you would like to make an appointment or obtain further information, simply call us on 9579 2480 or complete the contact form on the website. 

Service Fees

Southside Health & Wellbeing is not a bulk billing practice, so there will be an out of pocket cost, which may vary between practitioners. Our reception staff can advise you regarding the out of pocket costs. Reduced fees are available for Pensioners and Health Care Card Holders.


Payment is to be made at the time of service by cash, debit or credit card (Visa & Mastercard), except for approved CTP Insurance claims where we may bill the Insurer directly.  


For clients referred by their doctor under Medicare (see below), we are able to send claims electronically through to Medicare after you have paid your account, so that the Medicare rebate can be transferred promptly into your bank account (provided that you have registered your bank details with Medicare).  


Private clients may be eligible for a rebate from their private health fund. Our TYRO electronic health fund claims facility means you may be able to obtain your rebate at the time of your appointment.


You may wish to speak to your GP about other treatment options if you require a service that has no out of pocket costs. 


Currently, none of our psychologists participate in the Psychological Support Services/ATAPS program or accept Workcover referrals.


Cancellation Policy


At least 48 hours notice is required to change or cancel appointments, or a cancellation fee will be charged. The cancellation fee is 100% of the full appointment fee for less than 24 hours notice, or 50% of the full fee for less than 48 hours notice. Medicare does not cover cancelled appointments.


Medicare referrals


All of our psychologists are registered providers of psychological services under Medicare. Under this scheme, clients with a diagnosed mental disorder may be able to obtain a Medicare rebate for up to 10 therapy sessions per calendar year. The term “mental disorder” covers a range of diagnoses, including Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Substance Abuse, and a range of childhood emotional and behavioural disorders. Please contact us or speak with your doctor to obtain more information about this option. To be eligible for this rebate, a referral is required from your GP or Psychiatrist. Child and adolescent referrals can also be made by a Paediatrician. Sessions can only be billed under Medicare when the individual listed on the referral has attended.


Therapists registered with Medicare as Psychologists are in the final stages of completing their doctoral thesis as part of their postgraduate training in clinical psychology. They have completed all course work and placements. When they have completed the research component of their degree they are eligible to register as a Clinical Psychologist with Medicare.


Medicare rebates are as follows:

  • Psychologist = $96.65per session
  • Clinical Psychologist = $141.85 per session

View our FAQ here

FAQ

  • How long does treatment last?

    Generally, people find it useful to attend six to fifteen sessions, although some may need more or less time. Immediate, short-term interventions are available, as well as longer-term, ongoing therapy for more complex issues. For some people, it is safe and appropriate to conclude treatment at the point of symptom relief or when specific goals or tasks are reached, for others, it is helpful and important to understand the roots of their difficulties and change patterns that maintain ongoing issues. While we will provide guidance regarding time frames, ultimately the number and frequency of appointments is completely up to you, and you are encouraged to raise and regularly review this with your therapist.


    The initial assessment session is generally 80 minutes in duration, to allow time for us to gain a detailed understanding of you and your needs. Subsequent sessions are usually 50 minutes. 

  • What does treatment involve?

    During the initial session we conduct a thorough assessment to gain a detailed understanding of your concerns and difficulties, as well as your goals and expectations. A flexible treatment plan is then developed to meet your specific needs, preferences and circumstances.


    We utilise a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Attachment-based Psychotherapy, Play Therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy.


    Within a warm, relaxed, non-judgemental environment, we provide guidance and support to assist you to:


    • Develop new insights into the nature and origins of your current difficulties
    • Identify and challenge the behaviours, thoughts and beliefs that are creating distress
    • Discover ways of thinking and behaving that enhance well-being and allow you to achieve your full potential
    • Develop effective coping strategies that support you in managing difficult emotions and life stress
    • Explore interactional styles associated with your current difficulties, and develop more satisfying interpersonal relationships
    • Develop increased self-understanding and gain new insights into your personal strengths and values.
  • What is a clinical psychologist?

    Clinical Psychologists are specialist psychologists with a minimum of six years full-time university training. Clinical Psychologists specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide range of emotional, behavioural and relational issues. They possess a unique combination of scientifically-validated methods, and substantial skills and experience in working with people with diagnosed mental health and real life problems. They are trained in the use of structured and specialised therapies which are typically more effective than general supportive counselling.


    All psychologists are legally required to be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia to ensure that they meet specified standards of competence and ethical practice. The Psychology Board of Australia recognises practitioners with additional qualifications in the area of clinical psychology through endorsement of registration. 

  • What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

    While psychologists and psychiatrists both work in the area of mental health, there are some significant differences between the two professions. Psychiatrists primarily treat people with a mental illness. While psychologists are trained in treating mental illness, they also receive extensive training in helping mentally healthy people find ways of functioning better, and preventing the development of problems in mental and physical health. Psychologists study behaviour, memory, learning, emotions, motivations, and human development in their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, before undertaking supervised experience and gaining registration. Psychiatrists have a medical degree, which involves six years of studying general medicine, followed by further training in the treatment of mental illness. Clinical Psychologists do not have a medical degree, but have studied for a similar number of years to specialise in clinical psychology. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists assist in improving people’s functioning through the application of a wide set of skills and knowledge, in conjunction with scientifically established findings. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists combine medication with other forms of therapy. Psychologists will usually request the assistance of a GP if a client requires medication, or in more complex or cases or when specialized treatment is required, may consult with a Psychiatrist. A referral is always needed to visit a Psychiatrist, whereas you only need a referral to see a Psychologist under certain circumstances, e.g., to obtain a Medicare rebate you need to be referred by a GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician.


    At Southside we are committed to working collaboratively with other clinicians involved in the care of our clients. Our new psychiatry service enables us to provide direct and prompt assistance to clients who require psychiatric assessment and treatment, and to provide cohesive and well-coordinated care to our clients who benefit from receiving both psychological and psychiatric treatment. 

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