Individual Psychology
What does a psychologist do?
Guided by the social model of disability, I focus on supporting folk by building their personal capacity and advocating for environmental changes where possible. I understand that challenges often arise not from the individual, but from societal and environmental barriers.
As such, my approach involves exploring these dynamics and creating solutions to reduce these obstacles, and supporting folk to minimise the impact of obstacles that can’t be removed. My work involves empowering clients to work toward their identified goals and fostering systemic changes that affirm the diverse experiences of all individuals.
What therapies do you use?
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, depending on your circumstances and preferences. The most common therapeutic approaches I use include:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement and Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness
- Psychoeducation.
How many sessions will I need to attend?
This will depend on many things and as such it is best to ask me directly. Together we can develop a plan that works for your individual needs.
Where are you located?
You can find me here.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can contact me via email. I offer both in-person and online sessions to accommodate different needs and preferences.
*Please note: At present, I do not have any availability for individual therapy.
I will update my mailing list when I re-open my waitlist. If you want to stay in the loop, you can add yourself to my mailing list here.
Is your clinic accessible?
Yes, my clinic is accessible. There is an accessible bathroom nearby, a range of seating options, and accommodations for sensory/communication needs.
There is on-street disability-specific parking located in front of the building. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact me via email here, so I can assist you further.
Group Programs
What is it?
“Building Your Neurodivergent Identity” is a six-session group program. I wrote this program to provide psychoeducation on the Autistic/ADHD neurotypes and the characteristics associated with these neurotypes, while also fostering connections between those with similar neurotypes.
Who is it for?
I have written four versions of this program, for Neurodivergent children, teens, adults, and parents of Neurodivergent children.
Where is it?
I am offering these programs in person at my clinic in Ballina, NSW and online – to ensure there are options for everyone.
Not a fan of group settings?
I’ve got you covered with an individualised version of the program content. This is run in a one-on-one format over four one-hour sessions.
2025 Dates
2025 January – June Group Program Schedule (as of December 2024).
Note: This is subject to change, based on demand.
Adults Program (in person): 3rd February – 10th March 2025
Adults Program (online): 3rd February – 10th March 2025
Kids Program (in person): 14th April – 23rd April 2025
Parents Program (online): 5th May – 9/16th June 2025
* Program sessions are typically held on a Monday afternoon, between midday and 5:00pm. Occasionally, sessions may be offered between 5:30pm – 7:00pm.
* Program sessions are typically held on a Monday afternoon, between midday and 5:00pm. Occasionally, sessions may be offered between 5:30pm – 7:00pm.
Individual Programs will be run on an as-needed basis as time allows.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up here.
Assessments
Will I definitely be identified as Autistic and/or ADHD?
You will be formally identified as Autistic and/or ADHD if you meet the diagnostic criteria.
If you do not meet these criteria, we will review the overall clinical picture during feedback, discussing your strengths and challenges, along with any other potential diagnoses that may be relevant.
Can I use my report to apply for NDIS funding?
Your assessment report will confirm whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism/ADHD.
It will contain some information on your functional capacity, but this is not the main focus. As such, your report may not be sufficient by itself for an NDIS application.
If you would like to use your report to apply for NDIS you may need to have it co-signed by a Clinical Psychologist or paediatrician.
You may also need your report written using specific language required by NDIS. These things will incur additional fees (you can see these here). Please let me know if this applies to you so we can discuss in more detail.
Will my report be signed by a Clinical Psychologist?
Your assessment report can be cosigned by a Clinical Psychologist (pending availability), although this will incur an additional fee of $200. This is due to the time it takes the Clinical Psychologist to review your report prior to co-signing the document.
Note: Your diagnosis is still valid, without being co-signed by a Clinical Psychologist. Some agencies require Clinical Psychologists or Psychiatrists/ Paediatricians to co-sign diagnoses due to their individual policies.
What does neurodiversity-affirming mean?
Neurodiversity-affirming means recognising neurological differences as natural variations in human diversity, not deficits to be fixed.
This means we focus on acceptance, support, and empowerment, which involves identifying both your strengths and challenges.
Will I be able to access medication?
A psychologist cannot prescribe medication. As such, if this is something you’d like to explore, you will need to see a psychiatrist (or a paediatrician for children).
They will likely also need to conduct their own assessments to ensure they are prescribing appropriate medication. For this reason, I sometimes recommend going straight to a psychiatrist for an ADHD assessment if you are considering exploring medication.
Can you complete other paperwork for me as well?
I am happy to assist with paperwork that is within my scope. If this is completed outside of our scheduled sessions this will be charged at my standard rate of $220/60 minutes pro rata.
What can I use my report for?
- Affirmation of your neurotype.
- Accessing supports, accommodations, and adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992).
- Sharing with informal supports.
- Sharing with formal supports (e.g., GP, allied health professionals).
Are there any implications of a formal Autism/ADHD diagnosis?
A formal diagnosis may impact the following areas:
- Legal matters.
- Healthcare matters.
- Employment in certain fields.
- Immigration.
It is important that you seek advice specific to your circumstances if you require more information regarding potential impacts, as this is not within my scope.
Can I continue to see you for therapy?
Unfortunately, I don’t have any availability for individual therapy at present. You are welcome to join my mailing list here, as this is where I will share any changes to my availability.
I also offer group programs, which may suit your needs. Alternatively, I may be able to provide some suggestions for other affirming practitioners with availability.
Should I get a comprehensive report or letter?
This depends on what you will be using the information for. If you would like to use the information to apply for any form of funding or support (if a diagnosis is provided) it is likely a report will better meet your needs.
If you are not planning on using the information for any official purposes a letter may be sufficient for your needs.
Which assessments should I choose?
Various studies have shown the overlap of autism and ADHD to be quite high (i.e., often cited as around 80%). As such it is often recommended individuals consider exploring whether both neurotypes fit their experiences. The decision is entirely yours to make.
Please note: if you decide to explore both neurotypes after booking in for an assessment to explore only autism/ADHD you may have an extended wait between appointments to accommodate for this. Chelsea is happy to discuss this with you further prior to your booking if this would assist.
What is involved in the assessment process?
INTAKE
Initial Enquiry – please enquire via email or using the contact us form. Upon enquiry you will be provided with further information about the assessment process and offered some possible dates for your assessment sessions.
Please note assessment sessions are typically held on Mondays/Thursdays between 8am and midday (AEDT). Once you have decided you would like to go ahead with an assessment an invoice will be sent through with the deposit amount ($200) and full amount outlined.
Once the deposit is paid we can secure your appointment. Prior to your appointment you will be sent a questionnaire and some screeners via email. If you have any issues completing these you will be offered assistance to complete them in your first appointment.
ASSESSMENT
You will attend your assessment sessions in person or via Zoom (a link will be provided via email).If you are attending in person you will find my office at 3/99 Tamar Street, Ballina NSW 2478. There is a waiting area where you are welcome to wait if you arrive early for your appointment. There is on-street parking in front of the office. There is a bathroom available near the office.
If you have any concerns about using Zoom please follow this link for assistance. I will have read through the information you have sent through prior to our appointment. During the appointment, we will have a semi-structured conversation about the areas you have covered in your paperwork. This may include areas such as: communication, sensory experiences, social experiences, school/employment, family relationships, friendships, and emotional regulation. I will ask about various areas that correspond with the diagnostic criteria for autism/ADHD to explore whether you meet these criteria. I will give you the choice of me asking questions to guide the conversation, or of you being able to direct the conversation in a way that works best for you.
You are able to use verbal communication or written communication – depending on what is preferred at the time.If you are using Zoom you are welcome to turn off your camera at any point if you choose to do so, however I will need you to be visible via camera for a portion of the assessment to allow me to collect all required information.You are able to take a break if you need to.You are welcome to ask any of your own questions during the process.
REPORT
Following the assessment sessions I will write a report/letter covering the information we have discussed (this should be completed within six-eight weeks of our final appointment). I will communicate with you if there are any delays in completing your report.
Once the report is complete I will contact you to schedule a feedback session to discuss the report.The report can be co-signed by a clinical psychologist and will be sent to you via email following the invoice being paid in full.You are able to disseminate this report as desired.
FEEDBACK SESSION
Your feedback session will take place either in person or via Zoom.
This session will allow us to go through the report and you are able to ask any questions you may have.
What accommodations are available to me?
If you are attending in person, accommodations are available if needed/desired. These may include:
- Dimmed lighting
- Quiet environment
- Various seating choices
- Verbal or written communication
- Access to various fidget items
- Low scent environment
- Breaks available when needed
If you are attending via Zoom the following accommodations are available:
- Verbal or written communication
- Camera on/off – please note you will need to have your camera on for a portion of the assessment and this can be discussed if needed
- Breaks available when needed
- You are welcome to set up your environment in whatever way makes you most comfortable (e.g., attending the session in your pyjamas with plenty of fidgets around is totally fine!)
If you require any accommodations I have not listed please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate for this.
How do I pay for my assessment?
Once you have decided to book in for an assessment you will be sent an invoice via email. This invoice will outline your deposit amount ($200) and the full amount for your assessment. These can be paid via direct deposit or credit card. Please note if you need to use a credit card to pay there will be a surcharge of around $30 applied to cover processing fees.
Once your deposit is paid your appointment slot will be confirmed.
The remainder of your balance can be paid in full or in instalments, whichever is easiest.
Your report will not be released until the invoice amount is paid in full.
What funding options are available to me?
- You can pay privately for your assessment;
- You may be able to access a rebate from your private health cover – it is recommended you contact them directly in relation to this;
- You are not typically able to use NDIS funding for assessment purposes and would need to clarify this with NDIS if this was your intention;
- You are not able to use a Mental Health Treatment Plan for assessment purposes. There is scope for individuals under the age of 25 to be referred for an autism assessment from their paediatrician or psychiatrist. That individual would then be eligible for a partial rebate (i.e., approximately $350) for the assessment sessions – depending on the rebate rate at the time. Please see this link for more information.
Individual Psychology
What does a psychologist do?
Guided by the social model of disability, I focus on supporting folk by building their personal capacity and advocating for environmental changes where possible. I understand that challenges often arise not from the individual, but from societal and environmental barriers.
As such, my approach involves exploring these dynamics and creating solutions to reduce these obstacles, and supporting folk to minimise the impact of obstacles that can’t be removed. My work involves empowering clients to work toward their identified goals and fostering systemic changes that affirm the diverse experiences of all individuals.
What therapies do you use?
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, depending on your circumstances and preferences. The most common therapeutic approaches I use include:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement and Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness
- Psychoeducation.
How many sessions will I need to attend?
This will depend on many things and as such it is best to ask me directly. Together we can develop a plan that works for your individual needs.
Where are you located?
You can find me here.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can contact me via email. I offer both in-person and online sessions to accommodate different needs and preferences.
*Please note: At present, I do not have any availability for individual therapy.
I will update my mailing list when I re-open my waitlist. If you want to stay in the loop, you can add yourself to my mailing list here.
Is your clinic accessible?
Yes, my clinic is accessible. There is an accessible bathroom nearby, a range of seating options, and accommodations for sensory/communication needs.
There is on-street disability-specific parking located in front of the building. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact me via email here, so I can assist you further.
Group Programs
What is it?
“Building Your Neurodivergent Identity” is a six-session group program. I wrote this program to provide psychoeducation on the Autistic/ADHD neurotypes and the characteristics associated with these neurotypes, while also fostering connections between those with similar neurotypes.
Who is it for?
I have written four versions of this program, for Neurodivergent children, teens, adults, and parents of Neurodivergent children.
Where is it?
I am offering these programs in person at my clinic in Ballina, NSW and online – to ensure there are options for everyone.
Not a fan of group settings?
I’ve got you covered with an individualised version of the program content. This is run in a one-on-one format over four one-hour sessions.
2024 Dates
2024 June-December Group Program Schedule (as of June 2024).
Note: This is subject to change, based on demand.
Kids Program (in person): 24th June – 19th July 2024
Adults Program (in person): 29th July – 2nd September 2024
Adults Program (online): 9th September – 14th October 2024
Parents Program (online): 21st October – 25th November 2024
* Program sessions are typically held on a Monday afternoon, between midday and 5:00pm. Occasionally, sessions may be offered between 5:30pm – 7:00pm.
Individual Programs will be run on an as-needed basis as time allows.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up here.
Assessments
Will I definitely be identified as Autistic and/or ADHD?
You will be formally identified as Autistic and/or ADHD if you meet the diagnostic criteria.
If you do not meet these criteria, we will review the overall clinical picture during feedback, discussing your strengths and challenges, along with any other potential diagnoses that may be relevant.
Can I use my report to apply for NDIS funding?
Your assessment report will confirm whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism/ADHD.
It will contain some information on your functional capacity, but this is not the main focus. As such, your report may not be sufficient by itself for an NDIS application.
If you would like to use your report to apply for NDIS you may need to have it co-signed by a Clinical Psychologist or paediatrician.
You may also need your report written using specific language required by NDIS. These things will incur additional fees (you can see these here). Please let me know if this applies to you so we can discuss in more detail.
Will my report be signed by a Clinical Psychologist?
Your assessment report can be cosigned by a Clinical Psychologist (pending availability), although this will incur an additional fee of $200. This is due to the time it takes the Clinical Psychologist to review your report prior to co-signing the document.
Note: Your diagnosis is still valid, without being co-signed by a Clinical Psychologist. Some agencies require Clinical Psychologists or Psychiatrists/ Paediatricians to co-sign diagnoses due to their individual policies.
What does neurodiversity-affirming mean?
Neurodiversity-affirming means recognising neurological differences as natural variations in human diversity, not deficits to be fixed.
This means we focus on acceptance, support, and empowerment, which involves identifying both your strengths and challenges.
Will I be able to access medication?
A psychologist cannot prescribe medication. As such, if this is something you’d like to explore, you will need to see a psychiatrist (or a paediatrician for children).
They will likely also need to conduct their own assessments to ensure they are prescribing appropriate medication. For this reason, I sometimes recommend going straight to a psychiatrist for an ADHD assessment if you are considering exploring medication.
Can you complete other paperwork for me as well?
I am happy to assist with paperwork that is within my scope. If this is completed outside of our scheduled sessions this will be charged at my standard rate of $220/60 minutes pro rata.
What can I use my report for?
- Affirmation of your neurotype.
- Accessing supports, accommodations, and adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992).
- Sharing with informal supports.
- Sharing with formal supports (e.g., GP, allied health professionals).
Are there any implications of a formal Autism/ADHD diagnosis?
A formal diagnosis may impact the following areas:
- Legal matters.
- Healthcare matters.
- Employment in certain fields.
- Immigration.
It is important that you seek advice specific to your circumstances if you require more information regarding potential impacts, as this is not within my scope.
Can I continue to see you for therapy?
Unfortunately, I don’t have any availability for individual therapy at present. You are welcome to join my mailing list here, as this is where I will share any changes to my availability.
I also offer group programs, which may suit your needs. Alternatively, I may be able to provide some suggestions for other affirming practitioners with availability.
Should I get a comprehensive report or letter?
This depends on what you will be using the information for. If you would like to use the information to apply for any form of funding or support (if a diagnosis is provided) it is likely a report will better meet your needs.
If you are not planning on using the information for any official purposes a letter may be sufficient for your needs.
Which assessments should I choose?
Various studies have shown the overlap of autism and ADHD to be quite high (i.e., often cited as around 80%). As such it is often recommended individuals consider exploring whether both neurotypes fit their experiences. The decision is entirely yours to make.
Please note: if you decide to explore both neurotypes after booking in for an assessment to explore only autism/ADHD you may have an extended wait between appointments to accommodate for this. Chelsea is happy to discuss this with you further prior to your booking if this would assist.
What is involved in the assessment process?
INTAKE
Initial Enquiry – please enquire via email or using the contact us form. Upon enquiry you will be provided with further information about the assessment process and offered some possible dates for your assessment sessions.
Please note assessment sessions are typically held on Mondays/Thursdays between 8am and midday (AEDT). Once you have decided you would like to go ahead with an assessment an invoice will be sent through with the deposit amount ($200) and full amount outlined.
Once the deposit is paid we can secure your appointment. Prior to your appointment you will be sent a questionnaire and some screeners via email. If you have any issues completing these you will be offered assistance to complete them in your first appointment.
ASSESSMENT
You will attend your assessment sessions in person or via Zoom (a link will be provided via email).If you are attending in person you will find my office at 3/99 Tamar Street, Ballina NSW 2478. There is a waiting area where you are welcome to wait if you arrive early for your appointment. There is on-street parking in front of the office. There is a bathroom available near the office.
If you have any concerns about using Zoom please follow this link for assistance. I will have read through the information you have sent through prior to our appointment. During the appointment, we will have a semi-structured conversation about the areas you have covered in your paperwork. This may include areas such as: communication, sensory experiences, social experiences, school/employment, family relationships, friendships, and emotional regulation. I will ask about various areas that correspond with the diagnostic criteria for autism/ADHD to explore whether you meet these criteria. I will give you the choice of me asking questions to guide the conversation, or of you being able to direct the conversation in a way that works best for you.
You are able to use verbal communication or written communication – depending on what is preferred at the time.If you are using Zoom you are welcome to turn off your camera at any point if you choose to do so, however I will need you to be visible via camera for a portion of the assessment to allow me to collect all required information.You are able to take a break if you need to.You are welcome to ask any of your own questions during the process.
REPORT
Following the assessment sessions I will write a report/letter covering the information we have discussed (this should be completed within six-eight weeks of our final appointment). I will communicate with you if there are any delays in completing your report.
Once the report is complete I will contact you to schedule a feedback session to discuss the report.The report can be co-signed by a clinical psychologist and will be sent to you via email following the invoice being paid in full.You are able to disseminate this report as desired.
FEEDBACK SESSION
Your feedback session will take place either in person or via Zoom.
This session will allow us to go through the report and you are able to ask any questions you may have.
What accommodations are available to me?
If you are attending in person, accommodations are available if needed/desired. These may include:
- Dimmed lighting
- Quiet environment
- Various seating choices
- Verbal or written communication
- Access to various fidget items
- Low scent environment
- Breaks available when needed
If you are attending via Zoom the following accommodations are available:
- Verbal or written communication
- Camera on/off – please note you will need to have your camera on for a portion of the assessment and this can be discussed if needed
- Breaks available when needed
- You are welcome to set up your environment in whatever way makes you most comfortable (e.g., attending the session in your pyjamas with plenty of fidgets around is totally fine!)
If you require any accommodations I have not listed please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate for this.
How do I pay for my assessment?
Once you have decided to book in for an assessment you will be sent an invoice via email. This invoice will outline your deposit amount ($200) and the full amount for your assessment. These can be paid via direct deposit or credit card. Please note if you need to use a credit card to pay there will be a surcharge of around $30 applied to cover processing fees.
Once your deposit is paid your appointment slot will be confirmed.
The remainder of your balance can be paid in full or in instalments, whichever is easiest.
Your report will not be released until the invoice amount is paid in full.
What funding options are available to me?
- You can pay privately for your assessment;
- You may be able to access a rebate from your private health cover – it is recommended you contact them directly in relation to this;
- You are not typically able to use NDIS funding for assessment purposes and would need to clarify this with NDIS if this was your intention;
- You are not able to use a Mental Health Treatment Plan for assessment purposes. There is scope for individuals under the age of 25 to be referred for an autism assessment from their paediatrician or psychiatrist. That individual would then be eligible for a partial rebate (i.e., approximately $350) for the assessment sessions – depending on the rebate rate at the time. Please see this link for more information.