Allie Mackay Psychology Services uses evidence based treatment for general anxiety, chronic pain, and childhood anxiety. Mindfulness training and practice is incorporated into all treatment protocols.

We hear a lot of talk about Anxiety and Depression on social media and from health professionals - but what does it mean if my doctor tells me that I need treatment for it?

For most of us, it's a daunting idea to go and talk to a Psychologist and there's still some stigma around the idea of mental health.

What to expect: At your first appointment your Psychologist will ask you to complete some brief questionnaires to determine whether you meet criteria for a specific type of Anxiety and talk to you about when you first noticed symptoms, what you have tried to do about it and what has worked and what hasn't. You will be asked about your goal for treatment - what your Anxiety stops you doing and what you want to be doing differently when your treatment is complete.

Peace of mind: Your Psychologist has completed a 6 year course of study and 2 years of supervised practice, passed a National Examination, is registered in Australia with Medicare, and annually renews registration with AHPRA, the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Board. They have agreed to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics that ensures the protection of your rights to privacy and confidentiality and that you will be treated with Evidence Based treatments (this means that the treatment chosen works for many people with your symptoms and this has been rigorously studied and proven over time and is significantly superior to getting no treatment). Your individual preferences form a part of your personalised treatment planning so feel free to tell your Psychologist about all aspects of yourself - diversity is embraced!

Choice: At the end of the first session you should have some idea of the condition that you are being treated for, what the treatment plan will be - approximately how long it will take, and whether or not you think you would like to continue to work with that Psychologist. There is no obligation for you to continue with that Psychologist if you don't feel that it is a good fit. Sometimes it takes meeting a couple of people and it's always going to be ok to tell the Psychologist that you would like to try treatment with someone else. We won't be offended, and your wellbeing is paramount.

Accountability: Your Psychologist will stay in touch with your referring doctor from commencement through to conclusion of your treatment. This high standard of care within a team approach is an advantage for you allowing you treatment choice and charting of progress.