Find a mental health clinician near you
Our psychology, therapy and counselling services are designed for people aged 12 years and over, and are delivered by our team of qualified mental health clinicians.
Registered Psychologists
Anika Brett
Professional experience
Anika is a dedicated psychologist with a diverse background. In her past role as a Veteran Services Consultant, Anika managed most of the DVA and RSL files in the Illawarra region. She has extensive experience in aiding veterans through their transitions from the ADF, assisting them with medical management, psychosocial adjustments, and vocational goals, ensuring a smoother transition into civilian life. She also adeptly aided veterans in securing new employment opportunities by addressing vocational barriers, and crafting effective resumes and cover letters. Anika is also WASP accredited, enabling her to work closely with acutely unwell veterans and their treatment teams, offering invaluable support towards their recovery journey.
With a warm, holistic, and authentic therapeutic approach, Anika specialises in providing comprehensive support to individuals facing challenges such as bipolar disorder, chronic diseases, complex PTSD, depression, eating disorders, sexual assault trauma, and stress. Her expertise extends to supporting individuals in the areas of parenting, perinatal care, disability, and carer support.
Interests
- Swimming
- Bushwalking
- Going to the beach
- Skiing
- Meditation
What Anika loves about working in mental health
“What I love about working in mental health is being able to help people feel better about themselves and their lives. I find it very rewarding to help people overcome their challenges to live a rich and fulfilling life and reach their goals and potential.”
Anika Brett
Registered Psychologist
Anika has extensive experience in aiding veterans through their...
Annie Liu
Professional experience
As a Registered Psychologist, Annie brings a wealth of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Annie’s approach with each of her clients is caring, compassionate and non-judgmental, together with a strong belief that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy. Annie tailors her intervention approaches on an individual basis that takes in to account each person’s unique difficulties, individual needs and personal strengths. In doing so, she draws on a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Annie has experience providing support and psychological services to people experiencing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, grief and loss, family and relationship issues, work-related stress and addiction. Annie also has experience working with children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability.
Interests
- Reading
- Mindfulness
- Being outdoors
What Annie loves about working in mental health
“I love to connect with people and support people to overcome challenges in life. It is rewarding seeing clients making positive progress and achieving goals they never thought they could.”
Annie Liu
Registered Psychologist
As a Registered Psychologist, Annie brings a wealth of...
Ben French
Professional experience
Ben provides evidence-based psychological therapies to adolescents and adults. He has three years of clinical experience, during which he developed his expertise by providing treatment to individuals spanning all age groups.
His professional journey has been marked by a focus on delivering targeted interventions to individuals from the ages of 12 to 25, addressing a wide spectrum of challenges encompassing social, occupational, vocational, and family-related issues.
He has supported clients living with anxiety, mood-related issues, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem issues. His collaborative spirit shines through, having worked effectively in multidisciplinary teams, where he actively contributed to delivering counselling and care coordination to individuals dealing with severe and complex mental illnesses. Ben’s approach is characterised by compassion and authenticity, setting the tone for a therapeutic environment that fosters trust and understanding.
Interests
- Music
- Sport
- Travel
What Ben loves about working in mental health
“Seeing the change in people as they strengthen their self-efficacy and self-determination. I distinctly enjoy contributing to and sharing in that process.”
Ben French
Registered Psychologist
Ben provides evidence-based psychological therapies to adolescents and adults....
Beth Chester
Professional experience
Beth has gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by young people, which ignited her passion to support this demographic, particularly those dealing with eating disorders and complex trauma. Beth is equipped to assist adolescents and adults that present with depression, anxiety, stress, self-worth issues, domestic violence, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss.
Employing a holistic, structured and reflective therapeutic style, Beth can support clients with a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness and crisis management. Beth is also certified by ANZAED as an Eating Disorder Clinician.
Interests
- Camping
- Four-wheel driving
- Spending time on her hobby farm
What Beth loves about working in mental health
“I thoroughly enjoy supporting clients along their journey to recovery. To observe a client grow, recover and heal from their past experience is highly rewarding for me.”
Beth Chester
Registered Psychologist
Beth has gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges...
Christina Mackintosh
Professional experience
With more than 15 years of counselling and support experience, Christina is adept at assisting individuals facing various personal and work-related issues. She has worked in Employee Assistance Programs and Occupational Rehabilitation, gaining expertise in dealing with concerns related to work and personal life. Christina can provide guidance and assistance to those experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment issues, work-related concerns, and self-worth issues. Christina’s warm and friendly demeanour makes her approachable, and she employs a holistic, collaborative approach to her therapy support. Christina utilises various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness. Additionally, she provides Early Intervention Programs for both public and private sector organisations.
Interests
- Hockey
- Physical activity
- Travelling
- Spending time with friends
What Christina loves about working in mental health
“I love supporting and empowering clients to improve their wellbeing and happiness. Additionally, I enjoy providing clients with tools and strategies to manage their symptoms and worries and assist them with achieving a greater sense of fulfilment and life satisfaction.”
Christina Mackintosh
Registered Psychologist
With more than 15 years of counselling and support...
Chryso Costa
Professional experience
Chryso is a Registered Psychologist with many years of experience working in Rehabilitation Counselling where she supports clients with physical and psychological injuries to make a safe and sustainable return to work. She has worked across of a variety of workers compensation schemes including Comcare and Department of Veterans’ Affairs and life insurance.
Chryso draws on her compassionate and respectful approach to deliver person-centred therapy to adolescents and adults. She has supported people living with anxiety, depression, bi-polar, borderline personality disorder, drug and alcohol addictions, OCD, pain management, PTSD and trauma reactions.
When supporting her clients, Chryso utilises a range of therapies, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Interests
- Travelling
- Cooking
- Keeping active
What Chryso loves about working in mental health
“I love being able to empower people to live their best lives.”
Chryso Costa
Registered Psychologist
Chryso is a Registered Psychologist with many years of...
Claire Nussey
Professional experience
Claire is a Clinical Psychologist with a particular interest in working with older people and their families, although she also enjoys working with adults of all ages. Claire previously worked for a number of years in a range of specialist older adult and neuropsychology services in London, UK, and completed a foundation course in Systemic Practice. Since moving to Australia in 2016, she has worked in a primary health setting for more than five years, in a range of clinical and management roles, before moving into private practice in 2022. Claire can utilise a number of therapeutic approaches to support clients, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Schema Therapy. Employing a warm, authentic approach, Claire is interested in supporting clients living with autism, depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment issues, work-related concerns, substance issues, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, chronic pain, grief and loss and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Interests
- Swimming
- Bushwalking
- Spending time with friends
What Claire loves about working in mental health
“I feel privileged to work in a job that involves connecting and conversing with unique humans each day. It is a real joy to be a small but hopefully helpful part of peoples’ lives for a short time.”
Claire Nussey
Clinical Psychologist
Claire is a Clinical Psychologist with a particular interest...
Danielle McLaurin
Professional experience
A registered psychologist with over six years’ experience in the occupational rehabilitation space, Danielle has provided vital support to individuals with complex psychological and physical injuries. Danielle has experience delivering support to adults with a range of mental health presentations, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, adjustment issues and self-worth issues. Danielle employs a warm, person-centred approach with her clients and has provided early intervention support services, health coaching, and psychoeducation in order to support individuals return to health and wellbeing. Having developed her skills and knowledge throughout her career, she is able to provide a wide variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to support individuals, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness.
Interests
- Spending time with friends and family
- Animals
- Exercise and enjoying the outdoors
What Danielle loves about working in mental health
“Each day I get the opportunity to help someone see their own potential and believe in themselves to make it happen.”
Danielle McLaurin
Registered Psychologist
A registered psychologist with over six years’ experience in...
David Morris
Professional experience
David has been a registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society since 2007. He has extensive experience in providing psychological care for adults and young individuals struggling with various mental health issues. These include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship and work-related difficulties, as well as anger and stress management. Apart from his work in general practice, he has also served in specialised programs for individuals dealing with gambling problems and as an employee assistance program provider. He can utilise a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Interests
- Gardening
- Reading
What David loves about working in mental health
“I love to support and empower clients to change entrenched patterns of thinking and behaving that are causing them distress. It is rewarding to assist clients to develop their skills and strengths so they can reclaim a sense of control in the midst of their challenges, and self confidence to manage future ones.”
David Morris
Registered Psychologist
David has been a registered psychologist and a member...
Dr Arifa Ahmed
Professional experience
Arifa is a highly qualified Registered Psychologist with extensive experience working in Australia and internationally.
For more than 15 years, Arifa has worked in mental health counselling, teaching and research. During this time, she has supported children, adolescents and adults to manage and improve their mental health and wellbeing, and enhance their potential.
Arifa has experience supporting people living with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, OCD and developmental delay. She has helped those dealing with grief and loss, and people seeking parenting skills guidance.
Arifa has supported people via the NDIS, Medicare, SIRA and workers compensation schemes. Meanwhile, her research work has seen her contribute to new models of support within emergency services to reduce the mental health risks within this sector.
Arifa is multilingual, able to speak Bangla, and able to listen in Urdu and Hindi.
Interests
- Gardening
- Sewing
- Traveling to new places
What Arifa loves about working in mental health
“ Working in mental health gives me joy, especially when I see the positive change in a person’s life. I feel privileged helping people to explore their strengths, to see how small changes can bring significant progress to heal and grow faster and brighter towards their happier life.”
Dr Arifa Ahmed
Registered Psychologist
Professional experience Arifa is a highly qualified Registered Psychologist...
Emma Kronja
Professional experience
Emma has spent numerous years in child psychology settings within schools and private practice conducting psychometric testing and interventions with children, adolescents and their families. Emma has valuable knowledge and skills in counselling settings, drawing upon therapy techniques such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing as well as evidence-based social skills and emotional regulation programs. Emma has four years’ experience working with the adult demographic following a physical and/or psychological injury or illness. Emma has provided health coaching/counselling to assist clients in understanding their beliefs and perceptions related to their health and condition, assisting them to understand and overcome their barriers.
Interests
- Bushwalking and keeping active outdoors
- Gym exercise classes
- Animals (with a particular soft spot for dogs)
What Emma loves about working in mental health
“My interests lie within wellness and mindfulness. I enjoy seeing my clients enhance their self-esteem, social and interpersonal skills, and improve their ability to manage anxiety and depression symptoms.”
Emma Kronja
Registered Psychologist
Emma has spent numerous years in child psychology settings...
Jazmin Milovanovic
Professional experience
Jazmin is a Provisional Psychologist with experience in the workplace rehabilitation sector, where she supports adults aged between 18 and 60 who are living with Anxiety, Depression, adjustment disorder, PTSD, trauma, grief, chronic pain, stress, self-confidence issues and physical injuries. Jazmin provides a client-centric service, working as a team with her clients to identify meaningful goals and treatment plans.
Jazmin previously volunteered with Lifeline Australia, where she assisted callers living with personality disorders, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Depression and homelessness.
Interests
- Physical fitness and gym
- Interior design and architecture
- Spending time with my dogs
- Working with youth and teenagers
- Travelling
What Jazmin loves about working in mental health
“Since I was a teenager, I knew that my purpose in life would be to help others who were in need, which led me to follow a career in psychology as an adult. Now that I am in the field, I love to witness my clients take steps towards their goals and overcome barriers every day.”
Jazmin Milovanovic
Registered Psychologist
Jazmin is a Registered Psychologist with experience in the...
Jessica Gostelow
Professional experience
Jessica is a Registered Psychologist with more than 3 years’ experience working with individuals between 12 – 35 years of age. Jessica has worked with clients involving a broad spectrum of common psychological difficulties such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, self-esteem, and adjustment following significant life changes or to overcome personal challenges and adversity. When working with her clients Jessica adopts a style of treatment that fits their concerns and preferences, and which aligns with their individual circumstances and goals.
Interests
- Football (Soccer)
- Outdoor Walks
- The gym
- Cafe brunches
What Jessica loves about working in mental health
“I am passionate about creating a non-judgemental space where individuals can verbalise their struggles, connect with their values, and learn ways to enrich their life.”
Jessica Gostelow
Registered Psychologist
Jessica is a Registered Psychologist with more than 3...
Jessica Vescovo
Professional experience
As a registered psychologist, Jessica has experience within the occupational rehabilitation setting, providing mental health support to adults with both psychological and physical injuries to help them return to work as well as to a stable, more fulfilled sense of general wellbeing. She has worked across Comcare, CTP and Workers Compensation schemes, and provided assessment-only services for Psychological Functional Assessment, Vocational and Medico-Legal Assessments. Jessica’s experience in delivering vocational counselling and health coaching helps support her clients to maximise their potential and to feel more empowered and in control of their mental health by creating a positive and forward-looking mindset. Her clinical style is collaborative, non-judgemental and person-centred, and her clinical interests include depression and anxiety, chronic pain, stress, and PTSD – including CALD thanks to her own Italian heritage. Jessica uses a range of therapeutic approaches for her clients, including CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and ACT.
Interests
- The great outdoors, whether I’m walking my dog, bushwalking or just simply enjoying the sun
- Stand-up comedy
- Travelling and visiting my family overseas
What Jessica loves about working in mental health
“I have an empathetic and compassionate personality, which matches perfectly with the career path I have chosen. Working in mental health to me means to embrace the complexity of human nature with the simplicity of respect and kindness. Having the privilege to help people, while learning from them, has reshaped my job into my passion.”
Jessica Vescovo
Registered Psychologist
As a registered psychologist, Jessica has experience within the...
Kate McPhee
Professional experience
Kate is a Registered Psychologist with 20 years of clinical experience. Specialising in the Employee Assistance Program sector since 2012, she recently excelled as a Forensic Clinician, mastering report writing and trauma management.
Known for her warmth, insightful approach and genuine care for others, Kate is a trusted professional who is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those she works with. Kate’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, stress, work-related concerns, domestic violence, anger management, substance-related issues, chronic pain, grief and loss, LGBTQIA+ support, and autism. Through a combination of empathy, expertise, and creativity, Kate guides clients towards self-reflection and empowerment.
Kate utilises a number of therapeutic approaches to provide support. These include: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Schema Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
With a passion and talent for facilitating meaningful discussions, Kate also offers her services as a Trainer with Access Psych. Her favourite training is Mental Health Awareness, because it helps to reduce stigma, which is a personal mission for Kate.
Interests
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Cooking
What Kate loves about working in mental health
“I love connecting with a wide range of people. I really enjoy understanding different backgrounds and what a person may need to do to reduce felings of distress. Helping them to start to take those steps is the best part of the job.”
Kate McPhee
Registered Psychologist
Kate is a dedicated Registered Psychologist with 20 years...
Kathy Crouch
Professional experience
Kathy is a highly experienced psychologist with 20 years of diverse expertise in behavioural analysis, disability support, infant and child development and frontline workforce support. She has a decade of experience within child and youth mental health services, along with extensive experience working within Aboriginal families in the community, providing shared training and trauma-informed wellbeing for children, youth and adults. Kathy also offers debriefing and containment supports to the frontline workforce, ensuring their wellbeing and effective performance.
With a broad range of clinical interests, Kathy specialises in addressing various mental health issues, such as depression, autism, anxiety, stress, adjustment difficulties, work-related concerns, self-worth issues, complex post-traumatic stress disorder and grief and loss. She is well-versed in utilising therapeutic approaches including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
Kathy’s rich experience also lends itself to her role as Trainer with Access Psych. With a background in adult education and Masters of Training and Development, Kathy has a strong focus on how systems learn and heal. She has been a trainer for Youth Mental Health First Aid, a guest lecturer for TAFE and University community services students, and has also been invited to speak nationally and internationally on her work with antenatal healing in Aboriginal communities. She currently consults with TAFE Victoria regarding disability-safe, neuro-affirming revision of their training resources.
Interests
- Reading
- Vibrational medicine
- Bushwalking
- Spending time with animals
What Kathy loves about working in mental health
“I believe mind, body and spirit are shared and we must nurture all three to be our best selves. I love the opportunity to support balance and healing.”
Kathy Crouch
Registered Psychologist
Kathy is a highly experienced professional with 20 years...
Kim Gillespie
Professional experience
Kim is a registered psychologist with 13 years’ experience supporting clients with complex needs across Queensland and Victoria. Kim has extensive knowledge of the industry, having worked in a variety of settings, including youth justice, child and youth mental health and child protection. Kim takes a person-centred approach to support adults living with a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment issues, work-related concerns, domestic violence, complex PTSD, anger management, grief and loss and post-traumatic stress disorder. Kim also has an interest in supporting clients that live across rural Australia and supporting First Nations Australians. She utilises different therapeutic approaches, such Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness and Schema Therapy.
Interests
- Reading
- Cooking
- Exercising
What Kim loves about working in mental health
“I’m passionate about client wellbeing and achieving optimal outcomes within strong therapeutic relationships.”
Kim Gillespie
Registered Psychologist
Kim is a registered psychologist with 13 years’ experience...
Lana Ireland
Professional experience
Lana is a psychologist with a rich background spanning clinical and organisational settings. Her focus is on the disciplines of career development and leadership, with an additional endorsement in sport and exercise psychology, where she navigates injury rehabilitation and pain management. Lana has catered to adolescents, adults, couples, and groups alike, and is experienced in providing support for individuals living with anxiety, depression, stress, self-worth issues, and eating disorders. Lana’s compassionate approach extends to providing carer support, and supporting individuals to manage their pain effectively. Drawing from a comprehensive toolkit, Lana employs a therapeutic approach that encompasses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. Known for her person-centred, authentic, and respectful style, Lana is deeply committed to empowering individuals, fostering resilience, and nurturing holistic wellness for her clients.
Interests
- Nature enthusiast
- Surfing
- Snowboarding
- Hiking
- Camping
What Lana loves about working in mental health
“I love when a client can recognise and celebrate their own personal growth and development, and see the impacts that has on their relationship with themselves and others.”
Lana Ireland
Registered Psychologist
Lana is a psychologist with a rich background spanning...
Leanne Bottomley
Professional experience
Leanne is a Psychologist who supports people to feel less overwhelmed and understand their concerns more clearly by breaking down their story into smaller, more manageable parts.
With a non-judgmental and flexible approach, she has experience supporting people who are living with mental health and psychiatric illness, those dealing with alcohol and drug misuse, experiencing parenting and relationship issues, work-related stress, grief and loss, and chronic pain and injury.
Leanne adopts perspectives different from her own, to understand and appreciate another’s unique experience of the world. Her clients describe her as “down to earth”, “easy to talk to” and “calming”.
What Leanne loves about working in mental health
“It is incredibly rewarding to see a person grow in difficult times; from judging their efforts as never good enough, to someone with a deep understanding of their strengths and capabilities.”
Leanne Bottomley
Registered Psychologist
Professional experience Leanne is a Psychologist who supports people...
Lesley Hills
Professional experience
Lesley has a deep understanding of the intricacies of mental health support in various contexts, and has extensive experience in Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Medicare, and workers’ compensation counselling. She has provided clinical assessments for recruitment purposes, as well as providing assessments in a unit for young individuals with early psychosis. Her expertise extends to substance abuse and domestic violence counselling, and has worked in psychiatric inpatient settings.
With a compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic style, Lesley employs person-centred approaches to her practice, tailoring her methods to meet each individual’s unique needs. Whether working with adolescents or adults, she is adept at supporting individuals through the complexities of drug and alcohol issues, domestic violence, grief and loss, as well as anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, stress and trauma. She is proficient in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Narrative Therapy.
Interests
- Reading
- Cinema
- Travel
What Lesley loves about working in mental health
“I love working in mental health because it is wonderful to hear peoples stories and see them develop resilience to overcome obstacles and to improve their lives.”
Lesley Hills
Registered Psychologist
Lesley has a deep understanding of the intricacies of...
Luke Smith
Professional experience
Luke is a Registered Psychologist with six years’ experience working in various roles in the mental health industry. His clinical areas of interest include trauma, interpersonal conflict resolution and chronic pain, and he is trained in CBT, ACT, Schema, and DBT. Luke has experience working with clients from 17 to 70 years of age, as well as a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds including indigenous clients.
With an aptitude for facilitating meaningful conversations, Luke also offers his services as a Trainer with Access Psych. Over the past three years Luke has been responsible for presenting a range of external and internal training on a recurring basis, including on suicide risk management, and a range of psychological presentations including Cluster B Personality Disorders, trauma presentations, chronic pain presentations, and neurodiversity.
He has also delivered interactive training on a range of specific assessment and intervention services in the Occupational Rehabilitation space, and mental health in the workplace. His areas of interest for training includes workplace and occupational mental health, psychological safety, conflict resolution, trauma, and suicide risk management and prevention.
Interests
- Soccer
- Running
- Gym
What Luke loves about working in mental health
“I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing someone go from some of their lowest points in their lives to being right back on track. I also love the lightbulb moment when you make a breakthrough with a client, and they learn something about themselves that helps them understand their behaviour and a way to change to a more helpful mindset.”
Luke Smith
Registered Psychologist
Working with clients from 17 to 70 years of...
Martina Elmalakh
Professional experience
Martina has over three years experience in the workplace rehabilitation sector, specialising in providing mental health support to individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions and physical injuries.
Martina focuses on empowering clients to regain control of their lives, enhance their wellbeing and successfully re-integrate into the workforce.
Her role has also given her the opportunity to work collaboratively with diverse populations across various cultural, socio-economic backgrounds and age groups.
Her compassionate approach and strong listening skills enable her clients to feel truly understood, fostering an environment where positive, lasting change can occur.
Martina also speaks Arabic.
Interests
- Going to the gym
- Travelling
- Outdoor walks
What Martina loves about working in mental health
“ I love working in mental health because it allows me to help others achieve personal growth and reach their full potential. Supporting individuals as they develop strategies to improve their well-being and feel their best is incredibly rewarding.”
Martina Elmalakh
Registered Psychologist
With over three years experience in workplace rehabilitation sector,...
Melanie Brooks
Professional experience
Melanie is a skilled Provisional Psychologist with a background in coaching and counselling. Over the past 18 months, she has excelled in the occupational rehabilitation sector, offering vital support to individuals recovering from workplace injuries. Melanie’s primary focus is on guiding clients towards regaining autonomy and self-empowerment during their healing journey.
Melanie’s takes a person-centered approach with her clients. She places great importance on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can freely share their thoughts and feelings. Through empathetic listening and thoughtful inquiry, Melanie helps individuals identify their personal values and goals, promoting self-discovery and growth. Drawing from a blend of techniques, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Self- Care Practices and Psychoeducation, she tailors her interventions to suit each client’s unique needs. Melanie’s unwavering dedication to providing a supportive environment empowers her clients to overcome challenges and thrive.
Interests
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Spending time in the sun
- Op shopping
What Melanie loves about working in mental health
“I greatly value the opportunity to connect meaningfully with those seeking to make improvements to their wellbeing and ways of relating to self and others.”
Melanie Brooks
Registered Psychologist
Melanie is a skilled Registered Psychologist with a background...
Melissa Markopoulos
Professional experience
Melissa is a Registered Psychologist with experience supporting clients across the lifespan and from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds.
In her professional career, Melissa has supported adults living with anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, grief and loss, ADHD, burnout, relationship issues and chronic disease. This has included extensive work within the field of chronic pain, complex pain management and workplace-related stress.
Melissa takes a gentle, authentic and person-centred approach to therapy, and utilises a range of approaches including CBT, ACT and Schema Therapy.
She has supported clients via Medicare and workers’ compensation schemes and via the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Interests
- Reading
- Painting
- Travelling
What Melissa loves about working in mental health
“I love being a part of my client’s journey and witnessing their growth and development in real time.”
Melissa Markopoulos
Registered Psychologist
In her professional career, Melissa has supported adults living...
Riana Losung
Professional experience.
Riana has 15 years’ experience working in both clinical and organisational psychology areas. She has worked with adults from military, ex-military, emergency services, those from government and corporate sectors, and those with injuries and disabilities.
Riana’s experience ranges from working in vocational rehabilitation, EAP and counselling, group training and facilitation, supervision, and early intervention/primary prevention in the workplace.
Her areas of therapeutic intervention include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, narrative therapy, and psychodynamic approaches. More recently, Riana has began using somatic approaches in her practice.
What Riana loves about working in mental health.
“I love crossing paths with ordinary people who may be going through something in their lives, whether that be a transition or a longstanding issue that has come to the surface for resolution. I love helping people to move through this and gain a different perspective that might make their next stage in life easier.”
Interests.
- Being in nature
- Walking
- Cooking
- Travelling
Riana Losung
Organisational Psychologist
Riana has 15 years’ experience working in both clinical...
Samuel Chatwin
Professional experience
Samuel is dedicated to guiding clients towards mental well-being and successful reintegration into work and life. With a primary focus on utilising therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as employing narrative therapy and motivational interviewing techniques, Samuel is well-versed in supporting individuals through their mental health journeys. Samuel has experience working with different cultural backgrounds and identities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Marked by his person-centred, accepting, and non-judgmental therapeutic approach, Samuel is adept in supporting children, adolescents, and adults with mood and behavioural challenges, as well as trauma and substance-related issues. He can offer tailored support for neurodivergent children and adolescents with developmental and learning disorders, and has experience in providing assessment and intervention services.
Interests
- Skateboarding
- Surfing
- Snowboarding
- Hiking
- Scuba diving
- Rock climbing
What Samuel loves about working in mental health
“I feel deep fulfillment and satisfaction from helping people return to a quality of life that they enjoy and can experience positively. I know my job has been done well when a client tells me that they are back to living the life that they want to live.”
Samuel Chatwin
Registered Psychologist
Samuel is dedicated to guiding clients towards mental well-being...
Sarah O’Donnell
Professional experience
As a Registered Psychologist, Sarah has a wealth of experience working with adults from a range of background to support their mental health. She has also provided Employee Assistance Program services and health coaching, demonstrating her understanding of workplace challenges and mental health impacts on job performance.
When working with clients, Sarah draws from a variety of treatment approaches including CBT, ACT, DBT-informed interventions, and Motivational Interviewing. Prior to this role, she supported adults returning to work after physical and psychological injuries, and from this has gained a particular interest in how we care for our own (and our colleagues’) mental health in a workplace environment.
With an approach grounded in empathy, Sarah also offers her skills as a Trainer with Access Psych. She has previously provided training to peers, focussed on develop skills related to the field of psychology.
Interests
- Bushwalking
- Cooking
- Travel
What Sarah loves about working in mental health
“I really love the privilege of being able to work alongside my clients in their recovery. Working as a team and setting goals together to work towards is really important to me.”
Sarah O’Donnell
Registered Psychologist
Sarah is a Registered Psychologist with experience in occupational...
Sharon Batty
Professional experience
As a Provisional Psychologist, Sharon completed most of her hours working in primary schools providing counselling, behaviour management, interventions and conducting assessments. After gaining full registration, she worked in private practice in a specialist centre in South Australia. During this period, Sharon worked with clients of all ages and with a variety of presentations.
After relocating back to Victoria in 2021, Sharon commenced working as a private practitioner, providing bulk billed sessions to children at school and conducting psychological assessments when needed. During this time, she provided sessions to clients of Westernport Community Support.
In August 2022, Sharon joined the Children’s Services Team at Peninsula Health to provide psychological services to children up to school age and their parents. Then, in November 2023, Sharon joined the Peninsula Health Counselling Team on a short term contract and then permanent part time from May 2024. Clients in this service present with mild to moderate symptoms and have access to short term counselling sessions.
A lifelong learner, Sharon has just enrolled in a DBT skills course through PsychWire which commences in August. Prior to working as a Psychologist, Sharon was an emergency nurse.
Interests
- MotoGP
- Baking
- Animals
- Fishing
What Sharon loves about working in mental health
“I love having the opportunity to help people make positive changes in their lives and to support those who do not have someone in their life that they can talk to about difficult things. It is rewarding to provide strategies to parents that can improve their parenting practices and subsequently their child’s experiences of childhood.”
Sharon Batty
Registered Psychologist
Professional experience As a Provisional Psychologist, Sharon completed most...
Will Heaton
Professional experience
Will is a dedicated psychologist at Access Psych, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. With a Master’s degree in Organisational Psychology and six years of hands-on experience providing psychotherapy, Will’s approach is marked by warmth, compassion, and a non-judgmental demeanour. He employs a diverse range of therapeutic modalities including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), mindfulness, and narrative therapy to tailor his interventions to each individual’s needs.
Specialising in addressing a spectrum of challenges, Will is particularly adept at supporting individuals grappling with anger issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse issues. Additionally, he offers valuable assistance to those navigating eating disorders, grief and loss, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Will can support adolescents, adults and couples with an empathetic approach, and foster a safe space for clients to explore and address their concerns, paving the way for meaningful growth and healing.
Interests
- Surfing
- Sport
- Staying active
What Will loves about working in mental health
“I enjoy working with clients who are seeking to better understand themselves and create a rich and meaningful life.”
Will Heaton
Registered Psychologist
Will is a dedicated psychologist at Access Psych, bringing...
