Your treatment is based on your strengths; therefore, it is unique.
Our specialist’s task is to allow you to realise your potential so you can recognise your strengths. This insight is the motivation for skills development, and the results are increased productivity, better role functioning and improved relationships.
We promote healthy feelings, healthy thinking, healthy behaviours and healthy interactions. Our goal is to help people of all ages treat, empower and coach themselves to learn how to live happy and healthy lives through a full range of therapeutic options, including rTMS, tDCS and Telehealth services.
Contact us directly to book a consultation or, for more information, please see our FAQs below.
To receive Medicare Australia rebates, you must have a valid Medicare/concession card from the Australian government. In addition,
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are experts in mental health. After completing their basic medical degree, they completed a minimum of 10 years of training to earn their speciality qualification. Psychiatrists are experts in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They have a strong understanding of physical and mental health and the interactions between body and mind. As doctors, they are well-versed in both pharmaceutical and non-drug therapy.
Psychologists are university graduates who have obtained a Master’s Degree in Psychology. They examine, diagnose, and help you through the psychological difficulties you are experiencing and the behavioural dysfunctions that are caused by or connected to physical and mental health. In addition, they play a significant role in the promotion of healthy behaviour, preventing unsuitable behaviours and improving your quality of life. They do not prescribe medications.
Clinical Psychologists complete an additional three years of academic study and may be active in research, teaching and supervision, programme development and evaluation, public policy and other activities that promote psychological health.
A Geriatrician is a medical doctor who specialises in the health and treatment of the elderly and diseases that impact them. If you or any of your loved ones are above the age of 65, seeing a geriatrician can make all the difference. The Geriatric assessment is a multidimensional, multidisciplinary examination meant to examine an older person’s functional ability, physical health, memory and cognition. If required, they will advise you on matters such as the power of attorney, wills and driving ability.
A Rehabilitation Medicine Physician is a specialist medical doctor with expertise in the rehabilitation of neurological disorders, multisystemic diseases with impaired mobility and movements.
They are medical specialists treating people after surgery, trauma, heart attached, stroke, sports injury, specific nurological conditions, and arthritis. The management is catered towards strengthening exercises and restoring and optimising the functional ability of the person.
Our Practice is here to assist you. However, we are unable to provide crisis services. We understand that you may need to see us on the same day you call, but this may not be possible because we already have scheduled appointments for existing patients.
If you need urgent medical attention, please see your local GP or call 000 for an ambulance.
You are eligible for Medicare rebates after seeing a speciality doctor or a psychologist, provided you have a valid referral from your GP and you have a valid Medicare/Healthcare card.
To be eligible for a rebate after seeing a psychiatrist, Geriatrician or another medical expert, you must have a reference letter from your GP addressed to the psychiatrist. Most GPs provide 12-month referrals. Ask your doctor for an indefinite referral if you have a chronic illness.
A referral letter and a GP mental Health Care Plan addressed to the psychologist are required to get a rebate after visiting a psychologist. Please bring a copy of your Mental Health Care Plan to your initial consultation.
Fees vary depending on the speciality.
When you arrange your consultation, our friendly team will provide you with a list of current fees. The cost is determined by the practitioner you select and the length of the session. There are additional costs for report writing, medico-legal services and contact with third parties.
Since we are essentially a private practice, there will be an out-of-pocket expense. Therefore, on the day of your consultation, you must pay in full.
Yes, if you’re comfortable with them and want them to be a part of your consultation.
If you are a parent and your child is under the age of 16, the clinician may meet with you if you are the legal guardian.
Yes, however, a valid GP referral is advisable. You will not be eligible for any type of Medicare rebate.
If you are an international tourist or student, your health insurance company will pay your expenses entirely or in part if you present a valid GP reference.
Eligible rebates will be higher once you or your family exceed the yearly Medicare Safety Net threshold. Please visit the Medicare website for more information.
Please ensure that you are registered with Medicare SafetyNet.
You cannot use your private health insurance to pay for medical specialists’ outpatient visits. Some private health funds, on the other hand, may make contributions to psychology consultations. You will need to check with your health insurance to see what your policy permits.
Before seeing a specialist or a psychologist, you must first get approval from your insurance company. Therefore, when scheduling your initial booking, please provide us with your claim number, insurance and case manager information.
Please bring a referral from your GP to your consultation.
We understand that you may need to cancel your consultation at times. If you need to cancel, please let us know at least TWO DAYS in advance so that we can assign your appointment to another patient on our waiting list.
If you cancel your appointment within 24 hours, you may be liable for the entire cost of the consultation. This will apply to both new and follow-up appointments.
If you call us ahead of time, our team can assist you in rescheduling your appointment. Call us at 02 8883 1173, 02 9871 7777 or send us an email.
Your symptoms as a patient will fit into one of these groups.
Contact us or look at our meet the team section page to find out who is most suited to your requirements.
“I require assistance with an anxiety problem.”
You might have one of the following disorders: generalised anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
“I am Phobic (fearful of) many situations, including meeting new people. “Who should I see?”
Many illnesses can cause phobic symptoms, such as agoraphobia, social phobia, and specific phobias.
“I have a problem with alcohol and/or substance abuse/dependence. I’d want to consult with a professional.”
You might be addicted to cannabis, heroin, opiates, amphetamines, gambling or sex. Individual or group therapy sessions addressing personality traits may be beneficial to you, as well as prescribed medication.
Medication may include specific therapies such as triple therapy for alcohol addiction (Disulfiram, Naltrexone, Acamprosate), weekly or monthly subcutaneous depot injections (Buvidal, Sublocade), or sublingual buprenorphine preparations (Suboxone, Subutex) for opioid, heroin, and methadone addiction. Our team of specialists can support you in overcoming addiction.
“I’m depressed and am unable to function. It has impacted my career and relationships.”
If you have been suffering from a low – extremely low mood for more than two weeks, it is time to seek expert assistance. Major Depressive Disorder is a biological disorder that causes changes in the chemicals that transmit messages. Due to a significant chemical imbalance in your brain, your relationships and role functioning suffer.
Affective disorders, such as depression and dysthymia, are common in Australian society.
“My mood fluctuates, and I experience rapid mood swings, feeling incredibly happy as if I can accomplish anything. Other times, I’m depressed and miserable. It affects me. Over time I become dysfunctional.”
This description precisely describes the signs of bipolar disorder. If you are not treated, you will have no control over your risk-taking. Regrettably, you may have severe repercussions. These episodes can involve violence towards yourself, damage to your reputation and violence towards others. Seek help as soon as possible; there is presently highly successful therapy available
“I hear voices when no one is around. I see things that aren’t real. The experience frightens me. People follow me to harm me.”
If you have one or more of the symptoms listed above, you have a severe mental illness categorised as Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorders and/or psychosis. You require immediate professional assistance since your condition may develop into violence and suicide if you do not receive medicine.
“My weight control is so poor. I can’t seem to put on weight. But I feel fat in my tummy and my thighs. I cannot control it.”
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and other atypical eating disorders have a poor prognosis. Treatment must go beyond individual treatment and may include family therapy. If the situation is life-threatening, you may need to be admitted to a hospital.
“I am not good at maintaining long-term relationships. Many times, I burst into rages, and then I became depressed. I take it upon myself; I injure myself to get some comfort from my feelings. Living with me is not a positive experience.”
The above thoughts might indicate personality disorders, namely borderline, narcissistic, and antisocial disorders. If this sounds like you, most of the time, developmental challenges have affected your personality traits and role performance. As a result, throughout your life, you may have developed a dysfunctional and disorganised pattern, as well as an impulsive and maladaptive self-soothing behaviour. Schema-based group therapy and Mindfulness program are ideal for such conditions.
“My focus and attention span are at an all-time low. My manager stated that I am not able to concentrate at work. I am disorganised and easily distracted.”
In general, there is a history of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) identified in childhood. These problems frequently persist throughout adulthood. Stimulant drugs can be helpful in therapy.
“After the birth of my child, I felt strange, depressed, and mostly perplexed. I can’t connect with my child.”
Pregnancy, labour and birth are all major life events that you will go through as a woman. During this time, there is a great deal of physical and emotional change and hormonal, psychological, and biological changes. In addition, changes in your family’s size and continuous pressures can impact your neurological system.
Since the delivery of a new baby is considered a joyous milestone in a woman’s life, you may feel guilty about informing others that you are ill.
Postpartum depression and psychosis are debilitating mental disorders. If left untreated, it might lead to suicide and infanticide. Please keep in mind that early identification and treatment are critical to a successful recovery. Seek assistance as soon as you detect any changes in your mood, attention, focus or cognitive pattern.
“I am concerned about my child. They are uninterested in playing with their friends. Their communication skills are lacking. I’m concerned about autism.”
You may have noticed your child having difficulties interacting and speaking, difficulties with routine changes, repetitive movements, and obsessive behaviours.
To establish a diagnosis, our psychologists and psychiatrists will observe your child and parent interviews and questionnaires on your child’s behaviour patterns will be performed. There is no laboratory test to diagnose autism spectrum disorder.
The important thing is to find out as soon as possible if your child is on the autism spectrum. To achieve their greatest potential, your child will require a range of resources. The sooner this occurs, the better.
“They have been irritable since they were a toddler. They are argumentative, and it is especially tough when their behaviour is defiant. They can be vindictive and irresponsible. Nothing I do works.”
Your child may be suffering from a variety of behavioural problems that generally begin in childhood. For example, oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is distinguished by repeated disobedience or fighting with authority figures such as teachers and parents. Antisocial behaviour patterns characterise conduct disorder (CD) in children with no regard to the effects on others. Dysthymic Mood Regulation Disorders are characterised by uncontrolled and frequent anger outbursts that occur many times each week.
It is critical to see a professional as soon as possible since these types of behaviour create considerable disruption in a child’s age-appropriate role functions and abilities. If addressed, the prognosis is poor since antisocial behaviours continue throughout adulthood. They may develop illicit substance abuse/dependence and criminal behaviour and significant impairments in social, educational, occupational, and home functioning.
“My child is intelligent. However, they are unable to sit still. Their teacher has said that they daydream and become easily distracted.”
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disease that impairs the behaviour and learning of young children. Children with ADHD frequently struggle to concentrate (are quickly distracted), are impulsive and hyperactive. These children require pharmacotherapy, which includes stimulant medicine (Dexamphetamine, Methyl Phenidate, or long-acting preparations) and psychological therapy.
“There are moments when I can’t recall anything. For example, I parked the car at a shopping mall where I frequently shop. Then I couldn’t remember which level it was on.”
As we become older, we all experience age-related issues, such as memory loss caused by brain changes. Dementia is the term used to describe brain abnormalities, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause. However, other types of dementia exist. It’s also possible to have multiple forms of dementia at once. Others include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia and alcohol-related dementia.
It is critical to see a specialist as soon as possible if you are experiencing memory issues. Because dementia can advance, it is critical to organise your life according to the stage of progression.
Memory-improving medications such as Donepezil, Galantamine and Memantine will be discussed with you by your specialist. There are several more strategies to preserve one’s quality of life in old age. Our geriatrician will evaluate the effect of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, heart and lung problems and overall physical health.
Our specialised psychological therapy programmes about “living with memory loss” include caregivers and have significantly decreased the burden on caregivers.
Many physical ailments contribute to your brain’s functioning as you become older. So our geriatric specialists collaborate with psychologists and psycho-geriatricians (psychiatrists who specialised in old age). Multidisciplinary care means you will receive the best possible treatment in a single location.
“I’ve recently lost my mojo. I’ve lost interest. Isn’t it sometimes hopeless? Maybe it’s old age catching up with me.”
Depression is NOT a natural component of the ageing process. Depression may affect anybody at any age, regardless of background or prior achievements. Retirement, the death of loved ones, failing health, financial problems, loneliness, isolation and medical problems all precipitate an episode of biological depressive disorder in old age.
You should get treatment as soon as possible and schedule an appointment with our Psychogeriatrician. Whatever problems you experience as you age, there are measures you can do to feel joyful and hopeful again and enjoy your golden years of late-life since highly effective treatment is accessible.
Don’t be concerned about how to reach us if you are in a residential elderly care home. Just have a look at our Telehealth platform. We can arrange for our specialists to visit you in your sitting room through a video link.
“I must appoint a power of attorney and make a will. I’m concerned about my children arguing over my capacity. They informed me I could not drive. I don’t want to listen.”
Our specialists at Mind Connections can provide you with a Medico-legal Evaluation Report that clearly states you can give informed consent for your requirements, health care and financial concerns. In addition, our specialists will specifically comment on the impact of a variety of medical conditions such as depression and mental disorders, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, systemic sickness and other neurodegenerative illnesses.
We can perform a medico-legal evaluation of your driving abilities. If you have any issues, we will advise you on dealing with them in a dignified and self-sufficient manner. We can also advise you on caregiver concerns. Our specialists will assist you in making the best decision possible about your power of attorney and will.
“My employer requested that I undergo a fitness for work assessment. How do I go about it?”
It is not uncommon for employers to request fitness-to-work exams. In particular, the Australian Defence Forces/Police force may request evaluations of their recruits. You can make an appointment with one of our professionals. However, please keep in mind that creating these reports takes time, and our staff notify the expenses associated. Fees are calculated hourly basis per standard fees recommended by the Australian Medical Association.
“I was injured at work, and my GP advised me to consult a specialist about my condition.”
Your GP, who has engaged with your insurer to manage your condition, may request assistance with your diagnosis, treatment, and return to the work rehabilitation plan. We can assist your GP in developing a treatment plan that involves one or more of these modalities: individual psychological treatment, group therapy, medication and non-drug therapies such as rTMS are all options.
“I was involved in a car accident, and I’m not getting any better. So my GP referred wants to refer me to a specialist.”
The trauma of the incident may result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), for which you may require examination, diagnosis and treatment. In addition, vocational rehabilitation should be considered with psychiatric therapy.
“I am scheduled to appear in court on civil/criminal charges, and my solicitor said that my mental health might be a factor. Therefore, I need to visit a psychiatrist.”
Medico-legal evaluations for court are subject to the preapproval and payment before your psychiatric appointment, as well as appropriate court report expenses. Correspondence/communication with your lawyer or solicitor, record review and report drafting are all part of the process.
Our psychiatrists can prepare a treatment plan for the court under Section 32 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 if you have had a mental illness classified under DSM V.
The above plan provides the court with the authority to redirect a defendant who has a mental illness into the care and treatment of psychiatrists and/or psychologists rather than dealing with them through the criminal justice system.
“I can’t seem to come out of this vicious cycle. I am not achieving my best. It’s like I am in a rut.”
Our psychological treatment programmes involve skill development and personal growth in various challenging and debilitating aspects of life.
These include anger management, low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence and goal setting. To provide the best possible care, our therapist incorporates specialised Psychological therapies into therapy sessions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
“Why do I need to consider group therapy?”
Group therapy programmes complement individual therapy sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Group therapy can help you manage and prevent physical and psychological illnesses by using a holistic approach that stresses the relationship between mind and body. Treatment methods might include education, relaxation, cognitive therapy and mindfulness. In addition, there are opportunities to attend individual psychoeducation workshops on topics such as self-esteem, depression and substance abuse.
“What is the REACH group therapy program?”
REACH Group Therapy Program (Responsibility, Education, Acceptance, Connection, and Hope) is a specialised group therapy programme that our specialists have conducted since 2016. The REACH Group Therapy Program is a 10-session (2-hour per week or bi-weekly) psycho-educational wellness group programme for most people suffering from anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Participants are encouraged to follow the values of responsibility, acceptance, connection and hope, and acquire new abilities and strengths to face challenges. Topics addressed include dealing with loss and sorrow, recognising early warning signs and triggers, wellness techniques and maintaining contact with friends, family, and co-workers.
“I’ve heard about Mind Fullness and Schema Group Therapy Program. It was highly recommended to me by my friend.”
The programme is intended to help people who want to attain self-empowerment. Participants have the chance to gain insight into their thought patterns and maladaptive behaviours – they have the illuminating experience of breaking free from unhelpful techniques that have kept them locked in repetitious, sad and, perhaps, harmful behaviour and thinking.
Even though they do not have a mental illness, a group of highly successful people are caught in a vicious cycle of gambling, inappropriate sexual relationships, alcohol and illicit substance abuse, financial blowout, and leaving jobs after some time for no valid reason.
Their suffering, sadness and loss are immeasurable. These individuals become self-destructive because they are unable to settle their issues. This group is best served by schema therapy and mindfulness. They learn how to recover happiness by cultivating long-lasting, meaningful connections, how to respect their self-worth and how to live life to the fullest through participation.
“My mum is at a care home/hostel. I don’t believe she’ll be able to come to the clinic to visit a specialist at her age.”
Mobility problems afflict the elderly in general. We can conduct Skype consultations throughout Australia, making it incredibly simple to obtain assistance for senior citizens. It is a misconception that older adults cannot use technology. They handle the technology well. Contact us, and we will guide you about how to organise telehealth sessions with us.
“My brother, who is intellectually disabled, lives in a shared group home. He is unable to speak and is confined to a wheelchair. We’d want to schedule a specialist consultation to discuss his behaviour and medication.”
The above scenario is simple. The majority of group home administrators can communicate with us using telehealth video services. Request that the management at your group home schedule an appointment with us in the most convenient way for them. We are pleased to advise employees on how to set up telehealth sessions with our specialists.