Mental Health

Areas of Specialisation

Our psychologists and mental health counsellors cover these areas:

• Anxiety and Depression
  
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
  
• OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder)
  
• Psychological testing
  
• Trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Some issues from Individual Counselling
• Some issues from Relationship and Family

Psychologists

For mild to moderate depression and anxiety, seeing one of our psychologists is generally the recommended option, as clients can be substantially helped in 6 to 10 sessions. Medicare rebates cover up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

Our two registered psychologists, are members of the APS, and registered to offer Medicare Rebates under a Mental Health Plan from a GP. Click on their name for a full profile.

Elize Olivier

• Psychologist for adults, adolescents, children, families
• MAPS, Clinical Supervisor
• Counselling for 19 years
• $150 per hour - negotiable financial difficulties

Faye Hansen

• Psychologist for adults, adolescents, families
• MAPS, PACFA Reg., Clinical Supervisor
• Counselling for over 25 years
• $150 per hour - negotiable financial difficulties

Counsellors

For depression and anxiety, clients may prefer treatment with a counsellor rather than a psychologist if

• You need more than 10 sessions. Several of our counsellors specialise in longer term therapy. Generally, psychologists are trained and experienced to work short term.
• There are other priorities or complex issues for which the psychologist is not experienced eg couples counselling
• You have not benefited from cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) from psychologists previously
• You are concerned about having details about your mental health recorded on your medical record

Our counsellors who are trained and competent to work with common mental health issues are:

• David Bridges
• Gillian Evans
• Jenny FitzGerald
• Kerrie Whitaker
• Magdalena Liem
• Ralph Holwerda
• Rochelle Dawson
• Sylvia Belsey
• William Fernandes

Enquiries: 9683 1444

Ring us and we will recommend the best counsellor qualified and experienced for your situation.

Bridges Counselling is a team of ten counsellors based in North Parramatta, specialising in:

• Relationship and Family Counselling
• Individual Counselling
• Mental Health
• Counselling Services for Christians

We are open weekday evenings and all Saturday. Our 5-room centre is midway between Parramatta and Carlingford, close to Baulkham Hills and Ermington. See Location page.

Medicare Rebates and Bulk Billing

Clients seeing a psychologist may be eligible for a Medicare Rebate of $83.25 under a Mental Health Plan written by your GP. We may offer bulk billing if you have financial difficulties.

Bring your Mental Health Plan to your psychologist to claim the rebate, which can be debited to your debit card on the spot. You will be entitled to 6 sessions per calendar year with the rebate, which can be extended by 4 sessions after review by your GP.

For further details on eligibility for a Mental Health Plan read  this Fact Sheet for Patients.