About us

The Psychology Department (General Health) provides  clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology services to inpatients at Austin Health.

Clinical psychology

Our clinical psychologists specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological issues.

We can help patients with medical conditions to:

• Understand and adjust to their illness or injury
• Cope with emotions including depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss
• Cope with trauma of diagnosis, disability, and rehabilitation
• Better manage somatic complaints such as pain, fatigue, issues with sleep
• Assist with behaviour changes including engaging in healthy lifestyle habits

Clinical neuropsychology

Our clinical neuropsychologists specialise in an understanding of the relationship between brain function and behaviour. We assess, direct management, and provide intervention for changes in thinking and behaviour that may arise from any form of known or suspected brain dysfunction including:

• Head injury
• Epilepsy
• Neurological disease
• Stroke
• Substance use (drug and alcohol) disorders
• Neurodivergence

We help patients and our care teams:

• Understand underlying thinking abilities and the related impact on function
• Manage complex behaviours and development of comprehensive behaviour plans
• Diagnose brain dysfunction
• Guide and assess relevant medical/surgical treatment options
• Provide treatment strategies and discharge planning for patients with changes in their thinking and/or behaviour.

Referrals

For patients

You can only access this service when you are staying in hospital or referred by Austin Health staff. 

For health professionals

The clinical psychology service can only be accessed during a hospital admission or when referred by Austin Health clinical staff.

A number of clinical neuropsychology outpatient clinics are available in General Health. Referrals are only accepted from health professionals and are subject to a strict triage process re: suitability for the service.

Contact us

Psychology

Phone: 03 9496 2795

Fax: 03 9496 2219

Manager

Dr Joanne Wrench
Director of Psychology & Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist

Location

Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
Grevillea Centre
300 Waterdale Road
Ivanhoe 3079

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