The Clinical Psychology Service, run by the Illawarra Division of General Practice in collaboration with Lifeline South Coast provides assessment and short-term psychological interventions for clients referred by Illawarra GPs. The Clinical Psychology Service offers affordable, high quality psychological therapy to adults in 3 locations across the Illawarra; Kiama, Wollongong and Woonona. The Clinical Psychology Service is funded by the Australian Government's ‘Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care' (BOiMHC) initiative and income generated through MBS. All services funded by Medicare are bulk billed.

Services

The service provides Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psycho-education and other short term psychological interventions for 6 sessions per patient in both individual and group contexts.

The service currently employs 8 Clinical Psychologists many of whom also work in headspace Illawarra, a health service specific for young people aged 12 - 25. headspace Illawarra has the added benefit of offering young people a care coordinator who will monitor their progress and provide evidence based interventions while they are waiting for treatment.

Perinatal Group

In the year or so after childbirth the chances of developing a depressive illness are significantly increased. Post- natal depression (PND) affects 10-20% of women.

The transition to motherhood involves adapting to huge physical, emotional and social changes. While some cultures have structures in place that are supportibe of new parents, in our society many mothers are given little preparation for, or support in their new roles.

Many women believing that motherhood should always be blissful feel too ashamed to tell anyone that they are not coping. It's vital we talk about the struggles associated with parenting babies and small children and it's important you are not alone and help is available.

The start date for the Perinatal Group is the 11th of October and the group will run for 8 weeks. The full details of the prorgam can be found on the below flyer.

Perinatal Group Brochure- July 2010

Referral Criteria

Referrals are accepted from GPs who complete a Mental Health Care Plan (Item Number 2710). Referrals are accepted for a wide range of disorders that are likely to respond to short term, focussed therapy.  This usually implies difficulties that are mild in nature and that have recently developed.  The most common diagnoses treated at the service include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, sleep disorders and adjustment disorders.  Difficulties related to chronic pain, bereavement and relationship issues are also frequently referred.  Complex and chronic cases (eg. Psychotic Disorders and Personality Disorders) are inappropriate for this service due to the brevity of sessions available. however such cases may be suitable for referral to the IDGP Mental Health Nurse Service.

Forms

•  Referral to IDGP Clinial Psychology Service 67.00 Kb

If you are in distress and need immediate assistance please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14