In November of 2006, Medicare was extended to cover psychological services meaning that people who are referred by their general practitioners are now able to receive up to 12 sessions of psychological treatment/counselling provided they are assessed to be eligible for the scheme by their GP, psychiatrist, or
pedeatrician.
Uplift Psychological Services was established in March of 2007 to provide these services on a BULK BILLED (no charge to the patient) basis.
To take psychological services using
the Medicare system, on a no-cost basis, to
those populations most in need and
currently underserviced. To
provide those populations with expert caring help of the highest standard available. To
provide a service that exceeds any other on offer, at any pricepoint.
A valid Medicare card and a doctor's referral are all that are required to use this service, so your doctor will need to spend some time with you to complete the necessary assessment in order to check if you are eligible for the scheme. If you meet the necessary criteria your GP will prepare the Mental Health Care Plan (item 2710), which then needs to be lodged by them in order for Medicare to pay the fee for your consultations with us. Whether you are considered eligible is entirely at the GP's discretion.
Psychologists are able to treat a number of different issues. We treat adults, children, teenagers, couples and families. We help parents to manage troubled children. We help people deal with stress and depression or anxiety. We treat substance abuse and people who are addicted to gambling or the internet. Our clients range from people who are struggling with issues in life to those who are seriously mentally ill.
Some of the most common problems that we treat are:
Adjustment Disorder
Eating Disorders
Problem Gambling
Alcoholism
Hypnosis
Psychosis
Anxiety
Marriage & Relationship Problems
Schizophrenia
Behaviour Problems
Mental Disorders
School Problems
Bereavement
Methadone Support
Sexual Problems
Bipolar Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Sleep Problems
Children
Panic Attacks
Stress
Depression
Phobias
Unemployment
Drug Use
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Worker's Compensation
And more...
We currently have eighteen psychologists on staff who are all highly trained professionals registered with the NSW Psychologists Registration Board and Medicare. They have different fields of expertise, so we are certain to have one that will be able to help you.
Elana Jacobs: Clinical Psychologist; General Manager Available at our Redfern & Mascot practices
"I
have been a Clinical Psychologist since 1991 and have worked in various
settings. This has provided me with a
broad range of therapeutic experience and the opportunity to meet and work with
all kinds of people. I know it can be a
difficult step to come to therapy, and I understand and respect this and feel
that it is a privilege to be trusted with a person’s innermost thoughts and
feelings. For me, therapy is journey of
self-discovery, a collaboration between therapist and client, an opportunity to
re-visit experiences and relationships and understand them in a new way so that
the client is freed from old, habitual ways of doing or seeing things. I believe therapy provides possibilities for
personal growth in the context of a safe therapeutic
relationship."
Luke Heeps: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice "I am a Clinical Psychologist and have worked as a therapist since 1994. I
completed an extensive university training in psychology over 8 years and
qualified with a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical). I have worked with many people
experiencing many different kinds of problems allowing me to develop a better
understanding of how to help. I care about listening to people and developing an
understanding of them and the difficulties they are experiencing with a view
to helping them deal with problems and develop a better life. I believe therapy
can provide you with both practical skills in dealing with difficult feelings,
thoughts and situations as well as helping you develop the kind of life that you
want. Please feel free to phone for an appointment."
Keith Kong: Educational & Developmental Psychologist Available at our Mascot practice
(Information to be added)
Marcela Nolasco: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Redfern & Edgecliff practices "I am a clinical psychologist and have been practicing in
Australia since 2007. I have completed my studies in psychology and clinical
psychology in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a result of my own experience living
in foreign countries, I became increasingly interested in working with people experiencing
displacement and cross-cultural related problems. I also work with emotional
and psychological issues such as self-esteem, childhood trauma, depression,
anxiety, addictions, self-harm, personality problems, severe mental health
issues, family and relationship concerns. Regardless of the category of problem
you might be experiencing, I treat each person as a unique and singular
individual, because as a psychotherapist I aim to be able to help you make
sense of what is causing you to feel anguished. My practice lies on the
principle that the interaction between two people, as it unfolds in the therapy
room, can promote self-awareness, personal development, meaningful
decision-making and wellbeing. I also do therapy in Portuguese. If this
resonates right with you, I hope I can be of help."
Jeanne Abelson: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice "I am a Clinical Psychologist and I have
been a member of the Uplift team since May 2007. I completed my clinical
training at Macquarie
University. I have many
years’ experience counseling, first in a voluntary capacity and more recently
as a clinician. I work with adults, both individuals and couples. My approach
is mainly psychodynamic. However, I have experience of many other modalities
including cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness practice, gestalt, somatic
therapy, solution focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy and hypnotherapy.
I draw on these other approaches when they are suitable and likely to be useful.
My main concerns are to attend to your needs and problems, improve your sense
of yourself and your worth (everyone deserves to feel good about themselves),
and to help you find your own way forward - the way that feels right for you."
Paul Pusey: Forensic Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice "I have been working as
a psychologist for close to 7 years now and have experience working with
diverse people, presentations and working in different settings. There are not therefore too many presenting
problems that I do not feel that I can treat effectively.
My view of therapy is that it
is an inherently collaborative process during which we as effectively as possible
combine our expertise; mine in treating psychological and psychiatric
conditions and yours in your life and your goals in service of a common aim – a
reduction in your distress and improvement in your quality of life. I work
mainly with adults doing individual work but I am also comfortable working with
adolescents as well. My main approach is CBT but I am comfortable with a number
of approaches and believe that the treatment method should fit the client. I look forward to sharing the therapeutic
journey with you."
Michael Mormanis: Psychologist Available at our Edgecliff & Mascot practices
"I have worked in the helping profession as a counsellor for over over
9 years now, the last 5 of which have been as a Registered Psychologist.
I have in-depth experience in the following areas: adolescence,
parenting, family work, relationships, trauma, crisis intervention, missing
persons, grief & loss, homelessness, trauma, unemployment, gambling, and
alcohol & other drugs. I have also worked with people from a diverse
range of backgrounds and life experience including: a comprehensive range of
psychological issues, people at different age and developmental levels,
various culturally & linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as those
exploring their sexuality. I work in different formats, whether it's with
individuals, couples, families, children, or adolescents. I hold the
relationship as primary in the therapeutic alliance in that it is only within
a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship that healing can begin. My aim
is to uphold the dignity of each individual that I meet with and allow ample
space for reflection and growth."
Agatha Niezabitowski: Psychologist Available at our Redfern and Mascot practices "I am a Registered Psychologist with a number of years of
experience, further studying in Masters of Clinical Psychology. My experience
includes working with clients who have experienced depression, anxiety, drug
and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, relationship concerns, and grief and
loss. I am committed to assisting clients understand themselves and accept
their individual differences. I work to assist individuals to explore their
unique experience, highlighting patterns of thoughts, behaviour, and complex
emotions. I strive to provide an empathetic, supportive and safe environment,
where the individual and I can collaboratively work together to identify
patterns of concern and explore the options for change. The specific
therapeutic techniques I use range from CBT, mindfulness, ACT, and Schema
Therapy."
Carolina Barreto: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Edgecliff & Mascot practices "I have been a Psychologist since 2002 and have worked with a wide
variety of populations and human nature issues since then. During all those
years I have had the privilege of working with clients from different cultural
backgrounds, and life histories, including homeless people, refugees, children,
youth and families. Working with these populations has taught me that
regardless of the place we come from and the diagnosis that we have been given,
our mental health state is a representation of the way we feel and we
live. I provide support to individuals who want and perceive a need to
improve their mental health conditions. I have experience in treating:
mood, anxiety, psychotic, personality, psycho-somatic disorders, body image
issues, interpersonal issues, self-esteem issues, and more. I am trained
to use different forms of therapy such as humanistic, systemic and cognitive
behavioral therapy so I can adjust my approach to the client's needs. I
enjoy using art therapy techniques, like music, dance, painting, sculpture and
drawing in sessions, (only when possible) and I am always prepared to follow my
client's pace and rhythm."
Sam Barr: Clinical and Counselling Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice "I
have been working in a variety of settings as a counsellor and
psychotherapist for the past 8 years, and have been privileged to work
with individuals from a range of backgrounds struggling with many
different concerns. This has
allowed me to explore the areas of psychotherapy about which I am
passionate: honouring the worth of each individual, maintaining a deep
respect for the power of human relationships, and a commitment to a humanistic approach to counselling. My
clients tell me they appreciate my sense of humour, the care I take to
ensure I understand what they are telling me, and my willingness to
explore the full gamut of human experience. I look forward meeting with
you."
Janet Yap: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice (On maternity leave until 2012) (Information to be added)
Sarah Marshall: Psychologist Available at our Mascot practice (Information to be added)
Ingrid Pollard: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Redfern & Mascot practices "I qualified with a Master's degree in
Clinical and Health Psychology in 2001 and have worked in a variety of
settings. I love many aspects of being a psychologist especially the privilege
of helping people as they face difficult times in their lives. My approach is
predominantly Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. However, I have training in many
different approaches and will use the one most suited to each client. I have
experience in the management and treatment of depression and anxiety, substance
abuse, PTSD and crisis management, childhood abuse, relationship issues,
parenting issues, and serious mental health conditions. I have a special
interest in working with adults and children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. I
enjoy working with people of all ages from children through to the elderly. I
am fully registered with the NSW Psychologists' Registration Board and a member
of the Australian Psychological Society."
King Hang "Justin" Leung: Clinical Psychologist (Registrar) Available at our Redfern practice I
qualified with a Masters in Clinical Psychology and I have experience in a
number of clinical settings. I am dedicated to applying evidence-based
approaches (ie, approaches that have demonstrated promising efficacy in both
research and clinical settings) to help clients cope with distress and I enjoy
the challenge of tailoring therapy to meet each client’s individualized needs. I
believe it is truly a privilege to be entrusted with someone's problems and help
them through difficult aspects of their lives. While clients often report
feeling disheartened and doubt that improvements could ever occur, I find it
rewarding to help them demystify the root of their enduring problems and
elucidate how these seemingly unsolvable problems are typically the outcome of
unhelpful cognitive and behavioural patterns that can be clearly identified,
understood and replaced in a systematic manner to improve the quality of their
lives.
Noelene Rose: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice "I am a Clinical Psychologist and have been working in a varity of settings since
1990. I have been with Uplift since November 2009 after returning from living
and working in California. I work from several theories, most predominantly,
Self-Psychology and am both psychodynamic and transpersonal in my orientation. I
am particularly interested in issues of spirituality and creativity and the
journey of finding depth, meaning and purpose in our lives, which when
neglected, give rise to many emotional complaints."
Catherine Wilson: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Redfern and Mascot practices "I come from a position of respect and curiosity to work with adults on a range
of issues that they are struggling with in their lives. In particular, I work
with trans populations on identity and other life issues, adults dealing with
childhood sexual assault or abuse issues, help people explore sexual and
sexuality issues, personality disorders, anxiety disorders and bereavement
issues. I am a Clinical Psychologist, with a combined work experience of over 13
years of counselling and practicing as a Psychologist. I use a range of
techniques suited to individual needs, including CBT, ACT, DBT and Schema
Therapy techniques and concepts, but believe that the therapeutic relationship –
the connection that a client and I make in the room – is the most powerful
tool."
Sharon Draper: Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice I am a Psychologist who has
experience working with adults and children of all ages, especially children
with special needs. I completed my studies in South Africa. I
use different techniques suited to each unique client, these include evidence
based approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioural Counselling, Gestalt Play
therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Narrative therapy and Family systems theory. I
enjoy using various art therapies when they could be useful. I provide a
professional, yet warm environment that enables the client to feel safe and
heard. I believe in the importance of building rapport with every client
and listening to each client’s individual needs. Living in a multicultural
society such as South Africa,
and having the above-mentioned training, I feel I have the skill set required
to work with children and adults from various cultures.
Talia Gonda: Clinical Psychologist (Registrar) Available at our Redfern and Mascot practices (Information to be added)
Kevin O'Sullivan: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice "I am a clinical psychologist with
experience in a number of settings including general practice, community mental
health and corrections. I work in collaborative way using a narrative therapy
approach. The therapy work focuses on the positive outcomes the client wishes
to achieve rather than the older, unhelpful patterns of self-talk and
behaviour. I have an enduring interest in how people manage to change and how
they maintain this change to create better lives. Both my clinical work and my
research are about assisting people to do this."
Nicole Wannenburg: Clinical Psychologist (Registrar) Available at our Redfern practice (Information to be added)
Barbara Preston: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Mascot practice (Information to be added)
Douglas Kerr: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice (Information to be added)
Claudia Sannibale: Clinical Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice (Information to be added)
Karen Duncan: Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice (Information to be added)
Natalie Wong: Psychologist Available at our Redfern practice (Information to be added)
Joanna Atkins: Psychologist Available at our Edgecliff practice (Information to be added)
Elana Jacobs: Clinical Psychologist; General Manager
Luke Heeps: Clinical Psychologist
Keith Kong: Educational & Developmental Psychologist
Marcela Nolasco: Clinical Psychologist
Jeanne Abelson: Clinical Psychologist
Paul Pusey: Forensic Psychologist
Michael Mormanis: Psychologist
Agatha Niezabitowski: Psychologist
Carolina Barreto: Clinical Psychologist
Sam Barr: Clinical and Counselling Psychologist
Janet Yap: Clinical Psychologist
Sarah Marshall: Psychologist
Ingrid Pollard: Clinical Psychologist
Noelene Rose: Clinical Psychologist
Sharon Draper: Psychologist
Kevin O'Sullivan: Clinical Psychologist
Barbara Preston: Clinical Psychologist