Practitioners: Melanie Sutherland

Psychologist

Qualifications and Experience

Master of Arts (Psychology)
Master of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
Graduate Diploma in Young People’s Mental Health
Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Affiliate Member of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists

Melanie is a Psychologist with clinical training. She has over fifteen years experience working in the public health sector, seven as a Senior Psychologist, and is a highly skilled clinician in the areas of mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis. Melanie has significant experience treating adolescents and adults, both individually and in a variety of group programmes. She has also facilitated numerous training events and mentored clinicians in addressing dual diagnosis issues with their clients.

Melanie is eligible to provide services under Medicare, including psychological services under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative and Pregnancy Support Counselling.

Approaches to Therapy

Melanie’s preferred therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing.

CBT is a goal oriented and solution focused method that addresses unhelpful or dysfunctional thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to bring about change. CBT is effective in the treatment of a range of issues, including depression, and anxiety.

Motivational Interviewing is a client-centred counselling approach for bringing about behaviour change by helping clients to explore and resolve their ambivalence about a particular issue. The application of Motivational Interviewing techniques has been useful in the areas of mental health and addiction.

Areas of Special Interest

Melanie has a special interest in working with adolescents who are experiencing developmental difficulties and with clients who have antenatal, postnatal depression/stress and parenting issues. Additionally Melanie is skilful working in the areas of addiction, mental health (depression & anxiety), grief & loss, life transition and adjustment issues, relationship and interpersonal challenges, and personal development.

Referrals & Fees

Referrals are accepted from self-referring individuals, as well as from health professionals such as GPs, Psychiatrists, and Maternal and Child Health Nurses. 
Medicare rebates are available for clients referred for treatment by their GP.

Fees are paid in full at the end of each session, and a receipt is provided which will allow you to obtain your refund at any Medicare office.

Fees:
50 minute session $120                

Medicare Rebate:
Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative $80.20
Pregnancy Support Counselling  $58.80

Bookings & Enquires

Phone: (03) 9482 1888

Reception hours are 10 am – 3 pm Monday to Saturday.
An answering service operates outside of reception hours.