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 with many years of experience. They are available for in-person appointments at our clinic in Newcastle or via telehealth.

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.

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”. 

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.

Registered Psychologist

BPsyc, Assoc MAPS

Jasmine is a registered psychologist with over nine years of experience in the mental health field, including roles as a mental health support worker and psychologist. She has a deep passion for empowering people of all ages to connect with their innate strengths and discover new ways of being with their difficulties. Jasmine also has experience and enjoys working with people from the LGBTQIA+ community.

Jasmine has a special interest in supporting people of all ages with Autism, ADHD, Intellectual disabilities, specific learning disorders (such as dyslexia), and trauma history. She is trained and experienced in assessing and diagnosing a range of neurodevelopmental and learning conditions, such as ADHD assessment and intervention, and supporting clients with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and complex trauma.

Her therapeutic approach is eclectic and person-centred, drawing on a range of evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She also has an interest in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and likes to incorporates mindfulness and body-based approaches into her work.

Outside of work, Jasmine is passionate about learning from our Indigenous elders and reconnecting to our wild ancestry by spending time in nature bushwalking, swimming, and star-gazing. She also enjoys singing and making music.

Favourite quote:
"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." – Carl Jung

Jasmine works from Tuesday - Thursday at New Ability Health. If you would like to book an appointment with Jasmine, call 02 4926 9813 or email reception@newabilityhealth.com.au.

Provisional Psychologist

BPsych (Hons), Assoc MAPS. 

Ellise is a provisional psychologist who brings a warm, thoughtful, and collaborative approach to her work. She is passionate about creating a safe space for clients to feel heard and understood, and empowering them to make meaningful changes. Ellise tailors her therapeutic approach to suit each of her clients’ individual needs.

Ellise has experience in both the public and private sector, and works with children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience working with a range of presentations including anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD, chronic pain, and other mental health conditions. She is skilled in conducting psychometric assessments for children and adults.

Ellise holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) and is in her final 6 months of completing a Master of Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University. She holds provisional registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is a member of the Australian Psychology Association (APS).

Outside of work, Ellise enjoys spending time with her friends and family, listening to true crime podcasts and snuggling up with her ragdoll cat. 

Ellise is available for appointments at New Ability Health every Tuesday. To book an appointment call 

02 4926 9813 or email reception@newabilityhealth.com.au.

Fees

Fees for therapy, assessments, supervision, and coaching vary. Payment can be made via cash, direct deposit, credit, or debit card. For pricing please contact our reception team on 02 4926 9813 or reception@newabilityhealth.com.au.
 

Medicare Rebates
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan (referral from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician), you may be eligible for Medicare rebates. You can claim up to 10 sessions per calendar year (6 initially, plus 4 after GP review). A gap fee applies. Rebates are processed on the day. Please note, rebates not available for provisional psychology.

Private Health Insurance
Our psychologists are registered with most major health funds. Please check your eligibility directly with your provider. HICAPS is not available; claims must be submitted independently.

WorkCover & Insurance
We are registered with WorkCover Australia. If approved, assessment, treatment, and reports are covered by insurers with a GP referral.

NDIS
We are a registered NDIS provider. Please complete our NDIS Participant Intake Form and email referrals to: reception@newabilityhealth.com.au.

Pre-Appointment Forms
Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete consent and mental health questionnaires. These forms also confirm whether we may communicate with your GP or other professionals.

First Appointment
Your initial session will involve discussing your concerns, reviewing your mental health, and developing a personalised treatment plan with initial goals.

GP Reports
With your consent, we will send a summary of your assessment and treatment plan to your referring doctor after your first session.

Diagnostic Assessments
If attending for a diagnostic assessment, we will discuss the number of sessions required and associated costs beforehand.

Other Reports
We do not provide independent medico-legal or forensic psychological assessments. However, we can offer treatment-related letters (e.g., for schools or Centrelink) for existing clients. These requests are billed at the psychologist’s standard hourly rate.