For Patients and Visitors
What is the Service?
Northern Health Psychology Services incorporates Clinical Psychologists, Health Psychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists who work across Northern Health programs providing specialised assessments and strategies to assist patients in managing emotional stress, behavioural difficulties, thinking and memory issues.
Clinical and Health Psychologists
Our Clinical and Health Psychologists focus on the connection between physical and emotional health. Health Psychology support is a caring, professional, and collaborative process where you can discuss and explore issues that may concern you. The main focus is to provide strategies and skills to assist you to make positive changes in life.
Health Psychologists can help you in a variety of ways:
- Adjustment to a diagnosis, treatment, and changes in everyday function due to illness
- Managing emotions such as stress, anxiety, worry, fear, low mood, grief, and loss
- Support to manage sleep problems, persistent pain, and specific fears like falling, needles, and medical procedures
- Management of health behaviors (e.g., eating well, exercise)
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists focus on how the brain works. They look at how thinking and behaviour are related to different areas of the brain. Neuropsychologists assess how the brain works through standardised tests of memory and thinking. Changes in behaviour and emotion are also often evaluated. The tests identify strengths and challenges and are used to assist with diagnosis, treatment recommendations and treatment planning. Clinical neuropsychologists also provide consultation and interventions to assist with changes related to brain injury or illness.
What can I expect from the service?
Clinical and Health Psychologists
Initial contact with the psychologist may be by phone or clinic appointment. The psychologist will discuss the types of issues/problems you may be experiencing, their impact and how you feel you are managing at present. After an initial assessment, your psychologist will develop a treatment plan with you and discuss whether further support is needed. Psychological support can vary from single session therapy to more regular ongoing therapy sessions. It may be provided via telephone, video, inpatient, outpatient, or group support.
Clinical Neuropsychologists
A neuropsychological assessment involves an interview and a number of ‘paper and pencil’ tests designed to examine different areas of thinking and memory. An assessment usually takes around 2-2.5 hours. People are usually seen on their own during the assessment or with a support person. The neuropsychologist will speak to people who know you well such as family, friends or other health care professionals. A neurobehaviour assessment involves observations and interviews with yourself and those that know you well to identify any changes in behaviour following illness or injury. These assessments can then be used to provide strategies and develop skills to help with memory, thinking or behaviour problems. Services may be provided by video call or face-to-face support.
Psychology services are provided at Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre, Craigieburn Centre and the Northern Hospital, Epping.
Contact us
If you would like any further information about the Psychology Department, please contact: AlliedHealthenquiries@nh.org.au
For Health Professionals
Service Overview
Northern Health Psychologists provide specialised assessments and treatment to assist patients in managing cognitive, mood and behavioural issues. Psychology services are provided by Clinical Psychologists, Health Psychologists and Neuropsychologists working within a variety of Northern Health programs across sites. Programs in which psychology services can be accessed include: Community Therapy Services (including rehabilitation and complex pain services), Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS), Commonwealth Home Support Services (CHSP), Hospital Admission Risk Programs (HARP), KAW (Dementia) Behaviour Support Service, subacute inpatient (Geriatric Evaluation Management and Rehabilitation) and outpatient clinics (Psycho-oncology, Renal psychology and Gastro Psychology). Services are available during normal weekday business hours.
Inclusion criteria:
- Existing Northern Health patients
- Referral received internally from the treating team or community support service
Exclusion criteria:
Patients with acute psychiatric conditions meeting public mental health eligibility criteria (e.g., moderate to high risk of harm to self or others) will require referral to Mental Health Services.
How to Refer:
Patients can speak to one of their treating medical or health professionals at Northern Health to ask for a referral to psychology.
Alternative service options:
- See your GP – speaking with your GP can be a good place to start in getting more support
- Call Lifeline – you can talk to someone immediately by phoning 13 11 14
- Emergency services – if you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of hurting yourself or someone else, please call 000.
Director/Head of Unit:
Dr Brooke Froud-Cummins
Director, Allied Health – Psychology
Enquiries:
If you would like any further information about the Psychology Department, please contact: AlliedHealthenquiries@nh.org.au
- Locations offering this service
- Broadmeadows Hospital
- Bundoora Centre
- Craigieburn Centre
- Northern Hospital Epping
