Psychology Therapy
Gain insights and develop skills to help make life a little easier
Life can be challenging at times, and sometimes we all need a little support to understand the thoughts and feelings that influence our reactions.
Led by Professor Robyn Young, our clinical psychologists and educational & developmental psychologists provide neuro-affirming, evidence-based therapy for children, adolescents and adults. See us through our psychology clinics in Wayville or Gawler or via telehealth.
NDIS psychology
Headstart is a registered NDIS provider.
If you have an NDIS plan, psychology sessions may be funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living
Professional psychological services
Headstart's psychology team includes provisional, registered and clinical psychologists, all registered with AHPRA. Many of our clinicians hold specific accreditation with Autism SA as diagnosticians.
Our approach to clinical psychology draws on established, evidence-based models including:
- Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), which can help you identify and shift unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which helps you act on your values, despite difficult thoughts or feelings.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). which helps you learn how to manage intense or overwhelming emotions.
- EMDR
- Schema
We always take a neuroaffirming approach, celebrating the unique way your mind works and validating your experiences of the world.
When psychology therapy may be helpful
We provide psychology therapy for children, adolescents and adults across greater Adelaide.
You might benefit from psychology therapy if you or your child would like support with:
- Managing anxiety, low mood or depression
- Building emotional regulation skills and reducing meltdowns or shutdowns
- Developing social skills and navigating friendships or relationships
- Strengthening executive function, including organisation, planning and task completion
- Working through trauma-related difficulties
- Improving sleep, toileting or mealtime routines in younger children
- Parenting strategies and support for caregivers
- School engagement, learning challenges or study skills
- Career or life transitions, including return to work
- Managing family dynamics
- Navigating relationship or marital difficulties
- Coping with grief, loss or major life changes
- Managing stress, burnout or workplace pressures
- Building confidence and self-esteem
- Adjusting to a new diagnosis in adulthood, including late-identified autism or ADHD
- Improving communication in relationships or at work
- Managing perfectionism or people-pleasing patterns.
For some clients, psychology therapy supports the ongoing management of a diagnosed condition, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- ADHD and attention difficulties
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depressive disorders
- Intellectual disability
- Learning difficulties.
You don't need a diagnosis to start psychology therapy at Headstart. We welcome clients who are looking for support with all aspects of life, as well as those who are managing a diagnosed condition.
Book an appointmentBook a discovery call
What to expect at a psychology session
Psychology therapy is shaped by your goals and needs, so every client's experience looks a little different. Here's what you can generally expect.
Initial appointment
Your first session is a chance for your psychologist to get to know you or your child, understand what's bringing you in, and begin building a clear picture of your history and current concerns. Some clinicians prefer a parent-only session to start to gain all relevant information without the child present
Planning
From there, you and your psychologist will agree on a plan together. This may outline the goals of therapy and the therapeutic approaches that may be used, such as play-based therapy for younger children or other evidence-based therapies.
Ongoing therapy
You meet with your psychologist regularly, either in person or through telehealth. Your sessions may include:
- Talking about your week
- Learning more about your brain and sensory system
- Relaxation strategies
- Practising new skills to help you manage certain situations.
Parents and carers are welcomed into the process for younger clients, and your psychologist will share strategies you can use between sessions.
Psychology assessments
Some clients come to Headstart for an assessment first, aiming to better understand a learning profile, explore a diagnosis, or access appropriate support at school or through the NDIS. Others move between assessment and ongoing therapy as their needs change.
Autism assessment
A diagnostic assessment for children and adults, conducted by clinicians registered with Autism SA.
Findings clarify whether autism criteria are met, and outline strengths and support needs either way.
Psycho-educational assessment
Explores cognitive ability and academic achievement to support learning, educational planning and school accommodations.
Findings can guide school-based support, tutoring decisions, or further assessment where a specific learning disorder is suspected.
Explore a psycho-educational assessment
Do I need a psychology referral?
You don’t, but you may choose to get one.
If you’re paying privately or using your health insurance, you don’t need a referral.
To claim a Medicare rebate on your psychology therapy, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan, created by your GP or medical specialist.
Ready to take the next step?
If you're ready to book, or just want to find out whether Headstart psychology is the right fit for you or your child, we'd love to hear from you. Our friendly team is happy to answer your questions and help you get started.
Enquire nowFind a Headstart clinic near you
Frequently asked questions
Our psychologists support clients with a wide range of presentations, including anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autism, ADHD, OCD, PTSD and trauma-related difficulties, intellectual disability, and learning difficulties.
If you're unsure whether psychology therapy is right for your situation, contact us and we'll help you work it out.
Your first appointment is focused on understanding your (or your child's) history, current concerns and goals. Your psychologist will use this time to begin getting to know you and to start shaping a therapy plan.
Anyone experiencing emotional, behavioural or developmental challenges can benefit from psychology therapy, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. We welcome any children, adolescents and adults seeking support for anxiety, low mood, trauma, parenting challenges or life transitions.
Yes. We provide psychology therapy for children of all ages, including toddlers, as well as adolescents and adults. Our clinicians use play-based and age-appropriate approaches for younger clients, with parents and carers involved as part of the process.
You'll be matched with one of our provisional, registered or clinical psychologists based on your needs, age and the type of support you're seeking. All of our psychologists are registered with AHPRA, and reports or therapy plans developed by provisional psychologists are reviewed and signed off by a clinical psychologist.
You don't need a referral to access psychology therapy as a private client; simply contact us directly. A referral from your GP may be helpful if you're eligible for a Medicare rebate through a Mental Health Care Plan, or if you'd benefit from more coordinated care between your treating providers. Contact us if you're unsure and we can advise.
Fees vary depending on whether you see a provisional, registered or clinical psychologist. Please visit our fees page for full details. Medicare rebates may apply with an appropriate referral, and NDIS funding may cover sessions under your plan.
Yes. Headstart is a registered NDIS provider. Psychology therapy may be funded through Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living supports in your NDIS plan. Our psychologists can also conduct assessments to support new NDIS applications or plan reviews.
Psychology therapy is ongoing support to help you manage emotional, behavioural or developmental challenges over time.
A psychology assessment, such as an autism assessment or psycho-educational assessment, is a structured, time-limited process used to explore a diagnosis or understand a cognitive or learning profile. Many clients move between the two, starting with an assessment and continuing into therapy, or vice versa.
Yes. Psychology sessions at Headstart are available via telehealth as well as in-clinic at our Wayville and Gawler locations. Telehealth is a flexible option for many of our clients, particularly those managing busy schedules or living further from our clinics.
At times, yes. Demand for psychology services is high, so we encourage you to get in touch as early as possible. Our team will take some details upfront to understand your needs and help match you with the right psychologist.
Contact us by phone or via our online enquiry form. Our team will ask some initial questions during your intake to understand your needs and match you with the right psychologist.
You can reach our Wayville clinic on (08) 8373 4531 and our Gawler clinic on (08) 8522 2621, or get in touch online.