Psychology
Psychologists help people to manage many common issues, such as stress, anger, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, depression, learning difficulties, family communication, behaviour problems, and developmental disorders.
Clinical Psychologists also have specialist training in the diagnosis and treatment of complex mental health problems such as major depressive disorder, severe anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and personality disorders.
New Ability Health provides diagnostic assessment and treatment for a wide range of mental health, developmental and learning difficulties including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Disability, Learning Difficulties, and Mental Health disorders
Please see our Psychology Assessments section for more details on our diagnostic assessments, or read below to find out about our treatment services.
At New Ability Health our psychologists are all fully qualified clinical psychologists with many years of experience. All of our Clinical Psychologists are Members of the Psychology Board of Australia, and the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Taking charge of your mental health can be a big step. At New Ability Health we can help you work out where to start, and support you through your journey.
Our Psychologists
Dr Stephen Hirneth
Clinical Psychologist
PhD, MPsyc (Clin), BA(Psyc)(Hons) MAPS FCCLP
Dr Stephen's books are currently closed to all new clients.
Dr Steve is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working with adults, children and teenagers, treating a wide range of issues, from common life stressors through to severe mental illness. Stephen has worked across a range of mental health settings, including hospitals, community health centres and private practices.
Stephen has extensive experience working with children and adolescents, having worked for over 10 years for local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, treating young people with severe and complex mental health disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety disorders, attachment disorders and pervasive developmental disorders.
Stephen has also worked extensively with adults, working for many years in private psychology practices in the area. Stephen has a particular interest in anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar disorders. Stephen is trained in a range of psychological therapy techniques, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).
Stephen is a Psychology Board of Australia accredited supervisor for all forms of supervision in psychology. Stephen is well-recognised in the Newcastle area, providing supervision to other psychologists, lecturing and teaching postgraduate students, and providing clinical leadership to staff across a range of services.
Stephen has also held several leadership and senior management roles in local psychology services, and can provide coaching / mentoring for other professionals aiming to develop their efficiency and effectiveness.
Stephen has a keen research interest, particularly in the area of bipolar disorder, and has published a number of research studies in this field, funded by national research grant schemes. Stephen is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Clinical Psychologists and was an invited reviewer for the recent APS publication “Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions in the Treatment of Mental Disorders”.
Dr. Madeleine deVille
Clinical Psychologist
DClinPsyc, B(Psyc)(Hons),
Dr. Madeleine deVille is a compassionate and highly experienced clinical psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals through life’s challenges. With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (2008) and nearly two decades of experience across public and private mental health settings, research, and clinical supervision, she brings a wealth of expertise to her work with both children and adults. Maddie provides therapy in individual, family, and group settings, tailoring her approach to each client’s unique needs.
Maddie has a special interest in anxiety, depression, and complex trauma, offering evidence-based therapy grounded in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She has worked extensively with a range of mental health concerns, including mood disorders, psychosis, OCD, and childhood developmental disorders. As a board-approved supervisor, she is also passionate about mentoring and training the next generation of psychologists.
Dr. deVille is available for appointments on Tuesdays. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys raising her two children, doting on her beloved cats, spending quality time with family and friends—and indulging in the occasional bit of trashy TV!
To book an appointment, call 02 4926 9813 or email reception@newabilityhealth.com.au.
Grace Davies
Clinical Psychologist
MPsyc (Clin), BA(PsycSci)(Hons)
Grace is a clinical psychologist with experience in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of mental health disorders across the lifespan. Grace works with adults, youth, children and families. She takes a person-centred approach to her work, using evidence-based techniques to treat a range of mental health concerns. Grace delivers individualised treatment guided by cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) and schema therapy.
Grace has experience working in private practice, an inpatient hospital and a community mental health centre. She works with clients presenting with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, work stress, personality disorders, addictions and post-traumatic stress disorder. Grace delivers neuro-affirming care in the assessment and treatment of neurodivergent conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Grace has a passion for research and evidence-based practice, with a background working in psycho-oncology research. Grace’s master’s research project was centred on the help-seeking intentions of young people living in families impacted by mental illness. Grace has now published up to 16 research papers in leading psychology and medical journals.
Grace works from Monday - Friday at New Ability Health. If you would like to book an appointment with Grace, call 02 4926 9813 or email reception@newabilityhealth.com.au.
Jarrod Hayes
Clinical Psychologist
MClinPsyc BPsych (Hons)
Jarrod's Books are currently closed to all new clients.
Jarrod is a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about providing client-centred evidence-based psychological therapy.
Jarrod has 3 years’ experience working at an inpatient and outpatient private mental health hospital. In this setting Jarrod has worked with clients across the lifespan experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, addiction, bipolar disorders, personality disorders and other mental health concerns. Jarrod also facilitates Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy outpatient groups. Jarrod has previous experience in a private practice setting engaging children and
adolescents in psychological therapy and assessments.
Jarrod utilises a wide range of psychological interventions including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Motivational Interviewing. Jarrod has a growing interest in the treatment trauma, attachment difficulties and working with veterans.
When not at work Jarrod enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing cricket, making music, and cuddling his fur babies.
Jasmine Abbott
Registered Psychologist
BPsyc
Assoc MAPS
Jasmine is a registered psychologist with over 9 years of mental health experience, working as a mental health support worker and now a psychologist. She is passionate about assisting people of all ages to recognise their strengths and cope better with life’s challenges.
Jasmine can assess and diagnose intellectual disabilities, specific learning disorders (e.g. dyslexia) ADHD, Autism, plus more. Jasmine can help with a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, complex trauma, and neurodevelopmental conditions including ADHD and Autism.
Jasmine takes an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing on a range of evidence-based techniques to suit the individual, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). She has an interest in somatic therapies including eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
When not at work Jasmine enjoys travelling, being in nature, patting dogs, making music, and spending time with friends and family. Jasmine is of New Zealand Māori heritage and is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Jasmine works from Monday - Wednesday at New Ability Health, and on every second Thursday. If you would like to book an appointment with Jasmine, call 02 4926 9813 or email reception@newabilityhealth.com.au.
Dr Renate Thienel
Provisional Psychologist
PhD, MPsyc (Prof), BA (Psyc)(Hons), Provisionally Registered Psychologist
Dr Renate is a provisionally registered psychologist with experience working with clients across the lifespan with presentations including obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, adjustment disorder, and anxiety amongst others. Renate is using various approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy, and Acceptance Commitment modalities and is currently finalising her training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Renate completed her PhD in Science in Germany and is holding an academic position at The University of Newcastle. She has more than 15 years’ experience in mental health research, particularly focusing on psychotic disorders, which involved working in different settings, including hospitals. In this regard, Renate is publishing within the field of neuroscience, neuroimaging, and mental health, particularly schizophrenia. As a scientist practitioner, Renate’s conceptualisation draws upon multiple sources of information. She enjoys counselling that acknowledges individual - and importantly - cultural diversity.
Renate works on Thursdays at New Ability Health. If you would like to book an appointment with Renate, call 02 4926 9813 or email reception@newabilityhealth.com.au.
DANIEL CLENTON
Provisional Psychologist
Daniel is a provisionally registered psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals across the lifespan. His approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centered, drawing on evidence-based practices to help clients tap into their inherent strengths.
By fostering insight, developing practical coping strategies, and reducing distress, Daniel empowers clients to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. His key areas of clinical interest include depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationships. Currently, he is furthering his expertise by completing a Master of Professional Psychology at the University of Newcastle.
Daniel brings a diverse professional background to his practice. Most recently, he worked in Employment Services, where he supported young adults in overcoming personal and systemic barriers to securing and maintaining employment. Prior to that, he worked with school students, providing guidance and support to enhance their learning and mental well-being. One of his core passions is helping young adults and their families navigate life’s transitional stages with resilience and clarity.
In addition to his psychology work, Daniel will also be offering support and psychosocial recovery coaching, assisting clients in building independence, developing life skills, and working towards their personal goals in a meaningful way.
Daniel is available for appointments at New Ability Health every Monday and Tuesday. To book a session, call 02 4926 9813 or email reception@newabilityhealth.com.au.
Psychology services available
Psychology Services are available for the following issues
Mental health
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Drug and Alcohol Misuse
- Eating Disorders
- Self-Harm Behaviour
Emotions and life stress
- Worry and over-thinking
- Work related stress
- General stress management and relaxation
- Managing Anger
- Loss, Grief and Bereavement
- Adjusting to life changes
- Improving self esteem and confidence
- Shyness and social anxiety
- Improving Assertiveness
- Sleep Problems
School and social issues
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Learning problems and IQ assessments
- ADHD and behavioural difficulties
- Bullying and school related stress
- School readiness and separation anxiety
Professional development
- Psychology supervision
- Leadership and organisational coaching
Our Psychologists are skilled and experienced in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of serious mental health disorders and other psychological problems for children, adolescents and adults.
Depending on the specific needs of the individual client we can provide short term solution-focused interventions through to long term intensive psychotherapy.
Fees and Rebates - Psychology
Fees
A standard clinical psychology consultation is $245. The cost of a standard consultation with one of our registered psychologists is $200. Our fee for a standard consultation with a provisional psychologist is $100. Diagnostic and learning assessments, supervision or coaching will have different fees. For your convenience we can accept cash, direct deposits, credit card and debit card payments.
Medicare Rebates
If referred by your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician under “Better Access to Mental Health Care” (also known as a Mental Health Treatment Plan) you will be entitled to a medicare rebate which covers a portion of the appointment fee, although you will still be required to pay a ‘gap’ fee.
Your rebate can be deposited directly back into your bank account immediately following payment of your appointment fee.
As of July 2024, clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan may be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate of $141.85 for clinical psychology appointments, and $96.65 for registered psychology appointments. There are no Medicare rebates for provisional psychology.
If claiming under medicare you are eligible for 6 sessions to start with and then a further 4 once your GP has reviewed your progress (maximum 10 sessions per calendar year).
Private Health Insurance
Our staff are registered with most major health funds. Please check with your private health insurance provider to see if you are eligible to claim for psychological services. We do not have HICAPS available in-house at New Ability Health. Private health claims must be made separately by each client.
Workcover and Insurance
Our psychologists are registered with Workcover Australia. If you are referred by a GP and this is approved by Workcover Australia, then the assessment, treatment and related report fees are covered by Insurance companies.
National Disability Insurance Scheme
We are also a registered NDIS provider. Click below to download our NDIS Participant Intake Form, and please send all referrals through to reception@newabilityhealth.com.au once completed.
Additional information for Clients
What to expect when I see a psychologist
Pre-appointment assessment and consent forms
Please come 10 minutes earlier for your first appointment. We will ask you to fill in some forms about your current mental health, to get your consent about treatment, and to check your permission for us to talk with your doctor or other professionals.
First appointment
In your first appointment we will get to know you, discuss the issues you would like help with, review your current mental health, and come up with a treatment plan and some first steps for working on your goals.
Report to your referring doctor
If you have been referred by a doctor, we will write to your doctor after your first appointment (with your permission), to inform them of the assessment results and treatment plan.
Diagnostic Reports
If you are coming for a diagnostic assessment and report, our staff will discuss with you beforehand, about the number of appointments required, and the costs involved.
Requests for other reports
We can only provide treatment related reports. We are not able to provide independent medico-legal assessment in regards to psychological injury or criminal matters. Because our service is focused on treatment, we cannot be independent and impartial witnesses for the court if we have developed a treatment relationship with you. We also do not collect the extensive information required required for these requests.
We may be able to provide support letters, for example; special consideration letters for school, or letters for Centrelink. We are happy to provide these to existing clients. Please note these requests require additional time to complete and therefore will be charged for at the psychologists’ hourly rate.