A new private psychology clinic in Brisbane aims to help meet the growing demand for community-based mental health services in the region.
The outpatient service in Fortitude Valley is the first to be opened in Queensland by Australia’s largest private hospitals operator, Ramsay Health Care.
“While we still offer psychology services in our hospitals, many people who need to see a clinician don’t need to be hospitalised, so this is a more appropriate option for them,” said the group’s Director of Mental Health Strategy, David McGrath.
“For many people a few sessions in a community-based environment is all they need to see a significant improvement in their life experience.”
Ramsay Health Care plans to open more psychology clinics in south-east Queensland, catering to the one-in-five Australians who experience mental health disorders every year – a situation exacerbated by the stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Registered psychologist Alison Thwaites said the new Ramsay Psychology clinic in Fortitude Valley would provide personalised care for adults, teenagers, children, couples and families across a wide range of mental health conditions and symptoms.
“We understand that mental health, and mental health challenges, look different for everyone,” she said.
“That’s why our psychologists are experienced in a wide range of evidence-based therapies and we have a triage service to carefully match patients with the best psychologist for their needs.”
Mr McGrath said the new clinic would also be a good service for patients who wanted follow-up sessions in a community setting after being discharged from hospital care.
“We also offer telehealth options for patients in more regional areas or those who can’t get to the clinic,” he added.
“Patients can access the service without a referral or with a mental health care plan from their general practitioner. Ramsay Psychology sees patients who are covered by private health insurance and those who are self-funded.”
