Your Psychologist in Melbourne

1300 635 952

Melbourne Clinical & Child Psychology provides care for the whole family with evidence-based assessment and treatment for mental health, developmental, and relationship concerns across all ages – children, teenagers, adults, and couples.

We combine genuine warmth and sensitivity with strong clinical expertise, taking a personal and collaborative approach to support meaningful, lasting change.

What sets us apart is our commitment to advanced training. All our psychologists hold Master’s or Doctoral degrees and have completed postgraduate study in particular areas of psychology. This means you receive care that’s both comprehensive and genuinely responsive to your unique needs.

Reach out today and let us help you find the best psychologist in Melbourne for you or your child.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

ESTABLISHED PRACTICE

Our practice was established in 2009 and we have worked together for many years. We’re a part of the local community and have longstanding relationships with GPs and specialists.

ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE

MCCP exclusively works with psychologists with postgraduate qualifications and extensive training in clinical psychology, educational and developmental psychology and neuropsychology.

RANGE OF EXPERTISE

Dedicated Clinical, Educational / Developmental and Neuropsychologists with advanced expertise. The Psychologists Page showcases everyone so you can find out more about the right therapist for you.

PSYCHOLOGIST MATCHING

We help you to find the best Clinical Psychologist, Educational and Developmental Psychologist or Clinical Neuropsychologist for you. We offer an initial phone discussion to match their expertise to your needs. This means better connections and the right support for you.

FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS

We can arrange an appointment with a  psychologist after hours and on weekends. We offer online sessions and face-to-face meetings in our elegant consulting rooms. Your sessions fit into your lifestyle.   

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MEDICARE REBATES

Clinical psychologists offer the highest level of Medicare rebates. All you need is a referral and Mental Health Care Plan or Eating Disorder Plan from your GP to access rebates, which we process for you.

OUR MELBOURNE PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES

child psychologist

CHILDREN

We see children for anxiety, depression and behaviour problems. We can also assist with temper tantrums, separation anxiety, OCD, school readiness and school refusal and provide cognitive / educational assessments.

teen counselling

TEENAGERS

Adolescents and young people can experience depression, anxiety, body image, gender identity and neurodiversity concerns. We can help with navigating school, social and family relationships as well as enhancing overall wellbeing.

melbourne therapist

ADULTS

Clinical psychologists can treat a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma and grief. We also help with relationships, self esteem and life changes. Your sessions are individualised to suit you.

postnatal depression

PERINATAL & POSTNATAL

We have the experience in helping with perinatal and postnatal concerns. We support you during fertility challenges through to building attachment and parenting strategies for sleep, behaviour and social development.

cognitive test

ASSESSMENTS

We provide in-depth assessments for all developmental conditions. Assessments provide detailed guidance for school and parenting. Find out how our assessments are essential first steps for identifying and supporting learning difficulties, ASD, ADHD and more.

psychology supervision

CLINICAL SUPERVISION

We can offer ongoing professional development sessions, supervision session packages and Board Approved Registrar Programs for Endorsement in Clinical Psychology.  Find out how clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists at MCCP can support you.

employee assistance program

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

EAP services are exclusively provided by psychologists with postgraduate qualifications. Experience how a program delivered with expertise can enhance your organisation’s productivity, morale and support your employees.

FINDING THE RIGHT TYPE OF PSYCHOLOGIST IN MELBOURNE

All psychologists are trained to support mental health and wellbeing, but some go further – completing additional postgraduate training to develop skills in specific areas. This might include working with children and families, understanding complex mental health conditions, supporting learning and development, or exploring how the brain influences thinking and behaviour.

Our team includes Clinical Psychologists, Educational and Developmental Psychologists, and Clinical Neuropsychologists – each with advanced training beyond the foundational requirements for general psychology practice.

Choosing the right type of psychologist matters. It means you’ll receive support that’s tailored to your specific needs and grounded in expert-level care.

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

A clinical psychologist is a type of psychologist with additional postgraduate training, usually a Master’s or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

The Australian Clinical Psychology Association describes a clinical psychologist as an expert in mental health.

Clinical psychologists complete extensive training in assessing, understanding, and treating a wide range of mental health, developmental, behavioural, and emotional concerns across the lifespan.

Clinical psychology is a science-based profession, which means that psychologists draw on both research and practical experience to provide high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to each person.

What is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist?

Educational and developmental psychologists complete additional training, beyond general psychology, with a focus on the assessment and support of children and adolescents.

They can help young people with developmental conditions such as ASD and ADHD, learning difficulties including reading, writing, and language challenges, as well as emotional and behavioural concerns. These psychologists can liaise with schools and other health professionals to help build supportive and communicative relationships with the key people in your child and young person’s life.

Their work supports children and teens build confidence, develop skills, and succeed at school and in everyday life.

What is a Clinical Neuropsychologist?

Clinical neuropsychologists have advanced training in understanding how brain function affects thinking, learning and behaviour.

They complete advanced study, research, and internships in hospital-based settings such as children’s hospitals, general hospitals, and rehabilitation services.

Using evidence-based assessments, clinical neuropsychologists work with children, adolescents and adults to better understand someone’s cognitive strengths and challenges.

Their assessments and recommendations help guide treatment planning, educational supports, rehabilitation strategies, and practical approaches that improve learning, independence and everyday functioning.

Is it more expensive to see a Clinical Psychologist than a (General) Psychologist?

Not necessarily. While clinical psychologists have completed additional postgraduate training and have advanced expertise, our session fees are comparable to general psychologists – only slightly higher in some cases.

The important difference is that clinical psychologists attract a higher Medicare rebate. This means your out-of-pocket cost is often similar to, or even less than, what you’d pay to see a general psychologist.

We’re happy to discuss fees and rebates when you contact us to ensure you understand the costs involved.

WE CAN HELP WITH

Child psychology support

Supporting children requires advanced knowledge of child development and skills in a family-centred approach. Psychologists at our practice provide assessment and therapy for children experiencing:

  • Managing medical conditions
  • School concerns
  • Sleeping problems
  • Social difficulties

Teenager psychology support

Adolescence is a time of rapid emotional, social and psychological change. Psychologists at our practice support adolescents and their families by providing developmentally appropriate assessment and therapy for young people with a range of concerns including:

Adult psychology support

Psychologists at our practice work with adults experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, providing assessment and evidence-based treatment for various concerns including:

OUR EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT APPROACHES

Psychologists at Melbourne Clinical & Child Psychology use therapies with strong research support for their effectiveness. Treatment is always tailored to your individual needs, goals, and preferences.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most extensively researched psychological therapies and there is robust evidence supporting its effectiveness for anxiety, depression, and many other conditions.[1] This therapy helps to identify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, and develop more adaptive ways of thinking and responding to challenges.

In practice, this might involve learning to recognise anxious thoughts, testing their accuracy, and gradually facing challenging situations in a supportive, structured way. Research shows that CBT produces lasting changes, with many clients maintaining improvements long after therapy concludes.[2]

Trauma-focused therapies

For clients who have experienced trauma, psychologists at our practice use evidence-based trauma therapies including trauma-focused CBT, schema therapy, cognitive processing therapy and other approaches specifically designed to help process traumatic memories and reduce post-traumatic symptoms safely and effectively.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that helps you develop psychological flexibility – the ability to stay present, accept difficult emotions, and take action that aligns with your values even when experiencing distress. This approach is particularly helpful for chronic anxiety, depression, and managing difficult life circumstances.

Infant, child, adolescent and parent-focused approaches

Working with younger clients requires particular skills and developmentally appropriate approaches. Psychologists at our practice use play-based approaches, parent-child therapy, Tuning Into Kids, and other attachment-based parenting approaches, and adapted CBT techniques designed specifically for children and adolescents. Family involvement is typically the most important component of successful outcomes.

Schema Focused Therapy and Schema Mode Therapy

Schema Therapy is an integrative therapeutic approach designed to help individuals understand and address persistent, self-defeating life patterns. These patterns, or “schemas,” often originate in childhood or adolescence and can negatively impact your relationships, emotional well-being, and sense of self. This therapy moves beyond simply managing current symptoms to gently explore the underlying roots of these long-standing patterns.[3]

In a supportive therapeutic environment, you will learn to recognise these schemas, understand their origins, and develop the skills to heal from them. The goal is to break free from old cycles, get core emotional needs met in healthy ways, and build a more fulfilling life. The Schema Therapy Institute provides further information.

Other therapies

A range of other evidence-based therapies are used as well to support clients with specific concerns.

WHAT TO EXPECT

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT

Accurate assessment of your concerns is the foundation of effective treatment. We take time to thoroughly understand your unique situation, strengths, and challenges before recommending a treatment approach.

COLLABORATIVE CONSULTATION

Therapy is most effective when you feel heard, respected, and actively involved in your treatment. Psychologists at our practice collaborate with you to develop treatment plans that align with your values and preferences.

CONFIDENTIAL & NON-JUDGEMENTAL

Your privacy is paramount. All sessions are strictly confidential within the bounds of legal and ethical requirements. We provide a safe, non-judgmental space.

Making your first appointment

We know it can be daunting to make a phone call, so we want to make it easy to make appointments that fit into your schedule. With appointments available 7 days a week,  we aim to make seeing a Melbourne psychologist and accessing quality psychological care as straightforward as possible.

Our reception team are caring, knowledgeable and here to help. They will take a personalised approach to ensure that you are matched with a psychologist whose clinical strengths and style align with your needs. If you already know which psychologist to choose, then you can easily book online or arrange an appointment via email.

Your first session

Your first therapy session will be unique to your needs. Confidentiality, privacy and safety will be discussed at the beginning of your consultation. Typically, you will then be invited to discuss the reasons for your appointment, your concerns and how you experience any symptoms.

You may outline your goals for your wellbeing, or you may need some time to discuss your history and your symptoms. It is not always possible to speak easily about our experiences, and your psychologist will take the time and help you through the process of discussing your emotional needs.

Further sessions

Your treatment needs may be straightforward and sometimes clients will only need one or two sessions to develop strategies and make substantial treatment gains.

We also see clients for more long-term support and it is a privilege to see you over the course of a longer period of time and support you through resolving anxiety, depression or any other condition, different developmental stages, and the ever-changing nature of life experiences.

COMMON CLIENT EXPERIENCES

These fictional examples are representative of psychological symptoms and conditions as well as psychological treatment approaches used by psychologists at Melbourne Clinical & Child Psychology.

Treatment for Anxiety: Emma’s experience

Emma, a 32-year-old marketing professional, was experiencing severe anxiety that was affecting her work performance and personal relationships. She avoided social situations, had difficulties maintaining healthy friendships and felt that she was missing out on work opportunities. She spent hours preparing for conversations or analysing and thinking over past social interactions. She experienced panic sensations as well as frequent headaches and nausea.

Research studies demonstrate that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for anxiety conditions and for preventing anxiety problems in the future. In therapy Emma began to understand how her worry thoughts influenced her actions. She noticed how catastrophising (thinking the worst could happen), controlling and overpreparing, and avoiding interactions was reinforcing her anxiety symptoms.

CBT helps us to acknowledge how our thinking can shape our feelings and our behaviours. We can overestimate threats and miss the opportunities to have positive experiences that help us to feel more competent and perceive the world as less threatening.

Emma was able to develop strategies to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, whilst slowly practice exposure exercises in a collaborative way with her psychologist.

A few months after beginning therapy Emma felt much more secure in her relationships, and much more confident. In fact she successfully presented at a major industry conference – something she never thought possible before therapy.

Emotional outbursts: A parenting approach to developing emotional regulation

Four-year-old James was struggling with emotional outbursts. His parents described him as a sensitive and affectionate boy who was worried about lots of things, got overwhelmed easily and could be controlling and bossy.

His parents said that James’ mood would dictate how the household would feel. When he woke up grumpy and out of sorts, they would become anxious that he would explode with anger or meltdown in tears.

James’ parents began by talking about their worries and how they responded to their child. In the second session James played games with his parents and the psychologist. This helped to guide a parenting intervention that was tailored for James and his parents as it incorporated James’ personality and stage of development as well as the family’s values.

James’ parents attended parenting sessions over the next number of weeks and began to understand more about how emotional regulation skills develop. They were able to trouble shoot specific scenarios so they had actionable steps for each day. His parents felt more confident to help James with soothing his emotions, providing predictability and safe boundaries, and have lots more time for hugs and connection.

James became a more settled and joyful child and his parents felt more confident to manage upsets and support James’ emotional regulation skills for his future.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: FEES, MEDICARE AND BOOKINGS

Session fees and Medicare rebates

Please contact reception for details about each psychologist’s specific fee schedules and cancellation policies. Medicare rebates may apply if you have a Mental health Care Plan or Eating Disorder Plan or other specific referral from a specialist. A Mental Health Care Plan provides access to 10 subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year and an Eating Disorder Plan can provide up to 40 subsidised sessions per 12 months. Private health insurance may provide rebates depending on your level of cover. We process Medicare rebates and we provide invoices that can be submitted directly to your health fund.

With a valid GP Mental Health Care Plan, you may receive:

  • Medicare rebate of between $101.55 – $149.05 per session (standard consultation)
  • Up to 10 sessions per year

To access Medicare rebates:

  1. Book an appointment with your GP
  2. Discuss your mental health concerns
  3. Request a Mental Health Care Plan assessment
  4. Email your referral and Mental Health Care Plan to Reception prior to your first appointment

How to book an appointment

Taking the first step toward support is easier than you might think:

Call – 1300 635 952 (during business hours)
Email – Contact us through our website
Online – Use our online booking system for available appointments

When you contact us, our friendly reception team will ask about your concerns, discuss available appointment times, and match you with an appropriate psychologist based on your needs.

OUR LOCATIONS

We provide psychology services at convenient Melbourne locations. We welcome clients from across Melbourne, regional Victoria and interstate. If you are unable to attend our Armadale or Beaumaris clinics, we offer remote services and online therapy with a clinical psychologist or educational and developmental psychologist. Contact us to discuss which location works best for you and to confirm current availability.

Armadale Clinic
Beaumaris Clinic
Online Counselling

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know if I need to see a psychologist?

If you’re experiencing emotional distress that interferes with your daily life, relationships, work or wellbeing, then it could be helpful for you to see a psychologist. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from psychological support – many people seek therapy to develop better coping strategies or work through specific life challenges.

What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologists complete university training in psychology (typically 6+ years) and provide assessment and psychological therapy. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health and can prescribe medication. Psychologists and Psychiatrists often work together. 

How long will therapy take?

The duration of therapy is unique to each individual and depends on your personal goals, the nature of your concerns, and your life stage. For some, a single session provides valuable clarity, while others benefit from a short-term series of sessions or longer-term support. Many clients also appreciate the option to schedule periodic sessions throughout the year as needed. Because you will be working with a consistent psychologist, you build a foundational relationship. This means that when new challenges arise, you have a trusted professional who already understands you. Your psychologist will discuss potential timelines with you during the initial sessions and will check in regularly to review progress.

Can I claim psychology sessions on Medicare?

Yes, there are a range of referrals from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician that can provide Medicare rebates for psychology assessment and treatment sessions. A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP can provide Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year (2 of which can be family / parent only sessions). You or your child may be eligible for an Eating Disorder Plan, which is initially provided by your GP and later in consultation with a psychiatrist or paediatrician. This can provide Medicare rebates for up to 40 sessions per year. If your child requires assessment and treatment for a neurodevelopmental condition (including Autism Spectrum Disorder) then you can request a referral from your paediatrician for “assessment and treatment services for complex neurodevelopmental conditions and eligible disabilities”. These referrals can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Please talk to your GP or medical specialist about your eligibility. 

Do you provide telehealth appointments?

Many psychologists at our practice offer telehealth (video) appointments, which can be particularly helpful if you have difficulty attending in person due to location, mobility, health concerns, or scheduling constraints. Contact us to discuss telehealth options.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your GP Mental Health Care Plan and referral if you have not already provided it to reception. We will send you a secure electronic link for an intake form prior to your appointment, so when you arrive you can relax and focus upon your session. 

How do I choose a psychologist?

Feeling comfortable with your psychologist is a vital part of effective therapy. We can recommend the psychologist that will be most experienced and best suited to your needs. A strong therapeutic relationship helps you feel heard, respected and supported, which in turn allows for meaningful progress to occur. Please let us know if you don’t think your psychologist is the best person for you. You can raise your concerns directly with your psychologist or contact our reception team for assistance. We can help arrange a change to another psychologist who may be a better fit. Finding the right match is an important part of the therapy process, and your comfort and wellbeing are our priority.

OUR NEWS

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Assistance Program by clinical psychologist

Delivered by Clinical Psychologists in Melbourne

Expertise, Experience & Results

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can be a transformative asset for any organisation. By offering an EAP, companies can foster deeper connections, enhance employee loyalty, and cultivate a workplace culture where individuals feel truly valued.

Employees gain access to vital support systems, experience reduced stress levels, and develop a stronger sense of belonging—all of which are essential ingredients for a thriving, productive, and resilient business. Investing in an EAP not only benefits employees but also drives long-term success for the organization as a whole.

MCCP differs by providing EAP by Clinical Psychologists and Psychologists with post graduate qualifications. This means your staff receive support that is delivered by psychologists with the highest level of tertiary education and training available. This translates to effective and efficient sessions so that you reap the benefits of a productive and psychologically resilient workforce.

Staff and their immediate family members can benefit from EAP sessions that are delivered either face to face or via HIPAA compliant video-conferencing right now. There are no set up costs or annual fees. We only invoice for the sessions that are utilised which means greater transparency in measuring the effectiveness for your organisation. We also provide educational workshops related to stress management and improving wellbeing. Phone us now to discuss how EAP can benefit your organisation and your staff.

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Assessments and Affirming Support

Melbourne psychologist Zoe Heffernan

Zoe Heffernan

Educational and Developmental Psychologist (Registrar)

Zoe is an Educational and Developmental Psychology Registrar who completed her postgraduate training at Monash University. She has extensive experience supporting children, adolescents and their families in both private practice and school settings, providing both assessments as well as psychological therapy.

Zoe provides a range of comprehensive assessments to help individuals and families better understand their child’s needs including:

  • Cognitive assessments, which look at overall intellectual abilities
  • Psychoeducational assessments, which explore learning strengths and challenges to guide support
  • Neurodevelopmental assessments, including assessments for Autism and ADHD, to help clarify how an individual may process information, communicate and engage with others.

Zoe is committed to neuroaffirming practice, meaning she considers the whole child, including their strengths, differences, wellbeing and environment, rather than focusing only on challenges or labels. She is known for her warm, approachable style and prioritises building genuine, trusting relationships with the people she works with. Zoe strives to ensure families feel supported throughout the assessment process and aims to provide clear feedback and recommendations tailored to each individual’s everyday life at home and school.

Zoe currently has availability for assessments and welcomes families to contact reception to make an enquiry or book an appointment.

Contact

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TAKING THE FIRST STEP

Reaching out for support shows a readiness for change and willingness to pay attention to your needs. Whether you’re experiencing significant distress or simply want to develop better mental health strategies, psychologists at Melbourne Clinical & Child Psychology are here to help you.

Here’s how to get started

  1. Contact us – Call 1300 635 952 or use our online contact form
  2. Choose your psychologist and appointment time – We’ll help with finding the psychologist for you and will schedule a convenient appointment time.
  3. Prepare for your session – We will email you an electronic intake form so that everything is ready prior to your appointment. If you would like to access Medicare rebates, then please make an appointment with your GP or paediatrician to arrange your referral prior to your psychology appointment.
  4. Attend your first appointment – Come into our clinics in Armadale or Beaumaris or your psychologist will email you a link to your online consultation.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

FURTHER INFORMATION

In crisis?

Melbourne Clinical & Child Psychology does not provide a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please attend your local emergency department or contact:

  • Emergency Services – 000 (for immediate danger)
  • Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
  • Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 (24/7)
  • Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5-25)

Intended use and quality of information

While we make every effort to ensure the information on this website is accurate and helpful, it does not replace professional or medical advice. For guidance relevant to your circumstances, please consult a qualified health professional directly. We do not accept liability for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from the use of information provided on this website, nor do we guarantee its accuracy, currency, or completeness.

References

  1.  Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
  2.  Cuijpers, P., Berking, M., Andersson, G., Quigley, L., Kleiboer, A., & Dobson, K. S. (2013). A meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioural therapy for adult depression, alone and in comparison with other treatments. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 58(7), 376-385.
  3.  Young, J. E., & Klosko, J. S. (1994). Reinventing your life: The breakthrough program to end negative behavior… and feel great again. Plume/Penguin.

Helpful external resources

Content reviewed by

Dr. Nellie Lucas, Principal Clinical Psychologist
BPsych (Hons), D Clin Psych (Child and Adolescent Specialisation), MAPS, FCCLP, Founder of Melbourne Clinical & Child Psychology

I’m a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years’ experience working in public and private settings with parents and infants through to adults. I established Melbourne Clinical and Child Psychology in 2009 as a family psychology clinic in Armadale. Over the years it has grown to become Melbourne’s leading family psychology clinic with locations in Armadale and Beaumaris. I’m passionate about my clinical work in helping families and developing a community of like-minded psychologists who bring diversity, brilliant clinical skills, and most importantly warmth and genuine care to their practice.

This content was reviewed for accuracy and clinical appropriateness in September 2026.