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.
Psychology Assessments
For many children (and adults too), an understanding of their individual difficulties and learning needs is essential to help them succeed and gain access to supports and funding they will need throughout their life.
If you have a child who is about to start school, or who is at school and struggling or not reaching their potential, or if you yourself are having difficulties with mental health, attention, learning, memory an assessment with a psychologist can help. Our psychologists can identify your own or your child’s support needs, individual strengths and talents, develop strategies and interventions, help communicate these needs to your school or workplace, help arrange special provisions for assessments, and help you engage with funding supports and other early intervention providers such as Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Support Coordinators, and Physiotherapists.
New Ability Health provides comprehensive psychological assessments to identify a range of learning, behaviour and emotional difficulties including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Depression, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
New Ability Health has experienced psychologists conducting autism, learning, ADHD, IQ / intellectual disability, behaviour, and mental health assessments servicing the Newcastle, Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast areas. We are NDIS, Medicare and health-fund registered and can also provide ongoing support and therapy. Our focus is on providing holistic and multidisciplinary care to clients of all ages and abilities.
For more information about our specific psychology assessments please see below.
If you are worried about your own or your child's learning or wellbeing, call our office in Hamilton on 0490 054 193 and we would be happy to discuss your needs.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment
New Ability Health provides comprehensive assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder that are internationally recognised by all funding and education bodies, including NDIS and department of education. These assessments include the Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule, Revised (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R). Our formal tests are combined with an assessment of adaptive function, and information from other sources such as feedback from teachers or other health professionals.
Our reports outline which diagnoses apply, and the level of support (Level 1, 2 or 3) that they require, and can be used for NDIS funding applications. We are NDIS, Medicare and health-fund registered and can also provide ongoing support and therapy.
We can also help communicate these needs to your school or workplace, and help you engage with funding supports and other early intervention providers such as Paediatricians, Psychiatrists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Dietitians or Physiotherapists. Depending on you or your child’s needs, other assessments may also be recommended, including learning or IQ assessments.
Autism Assessments are available for Children, Teenagers and also Adults
New Ability Health has experienced psychologists conducting Autism assessments servicing the Newcastle, Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast areas.
ADHD and Behavioural Disorders Assessment
New Ability Health provides comprehensive psychology assessments for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and behavioural disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Our assessments involve in-depth clinical mental health assessment interviews, functional assessment, and also standardised behavioural assessment questionnaires with the individual, parents, and teachers, and may involve school observations. Depending on the needs identified, other assessments may be recommended, including intelligence testing, academic ability testing, or more in-depth cognitive assessment. Our reports outline which diagnoses apply, and suggestions on how best to help you or child.
We can provide ongoing therapy and support to help address difficulties with attention and self-regulation. We can also help communicate these needs to your school, uni or workplace, help arrange special provisions for assessments, and help you engage with funding supports and other early intervention providers such as Paediatricians, Psychiatrists, Occupational Therapists or Speech Pathologists.
ADHD Assessments are available for Children, Teenagers and also Adults
New Ability Health has experienced psychologists conducting ADHD assessments servicing the Newcastle, Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast areas.
Intelligence (IQ), Learning and Memory Assessment
New Ability Health provides comprehensive psychology assessments for intelligence (IQ) testing, academic testing, intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties and memory difficulties. We can also provide psychology IQ and achievement assessments for gifted students to help extend and reach their potential. Our IQ assessments involve ‘gold-standard’ internationally recognised assessments, such as the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V), or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV). Academic and learning assessments include the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Third Edition (WIAT-III), and may also involve other specialised cognitive assessments if required. IQ / learning assessments are combined with clinical assessment interviews, functional assessment, and may also involve standardised behavioural assessment questionnaires with the individual, parents, and teachers. Our reports outline which diagnoses apply, and suggestions on how best to help you or your child.
We can provide ongoing support, help communicate these needs to your school, uni or employer, and help you engage with funding supports and other early intervention providers such as Occupational Therapists or Speech Pathologists.
Intelligence, IQ, Learning and Memory Assessments are available for Children, Teenagers and also Adults
New Ability Health has experienced psychologists conducting Intelligence, IQ, Learning and Memory Assessments servicing the Newcastle, Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast areas.
Mental Health Assessment
New Ability Health provides comprehensive psychology mental health assessments for a range of emotional and mental health disorders such as Depression, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Our assessments involve in-depth clinical mental health assessment interviews, symptom rating scales, standardised behavioural assessment questionnaires with the individual, parents, and teachers Our reports outline which diagnoses apply, and suggestions on how best to help you or your child.
We can provide ongoing psychological therapy and support to help treat mental health disorders and emotional difficulties. We can also help communicate these needs to your school, family or workplace, help arrange special provisions for school or uni assessments, and help you engage with funding supports and other early intervention providers such as Paediatricians, Psychiatrists, or Occupational Therapists.
Mental Health Assessments are available for Children, Teenagers and also Adults
New Ability Health has experienced psychologists conducting Mental Health assessments servicing the Newcastle, Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast areas.
Our Psychologists
Dr Stephen Hirneth
PhD, MPsyc (Clin), BA(Psyc)(Hons) MAPS FCCLP
Dr Steve is a clinical psychologist with over 15 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”.
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 50 minute Clinical Psychology consultation fee is $220. Other services such as diagnostic and learning assessments, supervision or coaching will have different fees. For your convenience we can accept cash, credit card or 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.
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, and then if required, a further 10 once you’re GP has again reviewed your progress (maximum 20 sessions per calendar year).
Private Health Insurance
Our staff are registered with most major health funds. Many private health funds offer rebates for psychological services. Please check with your private health insurance provider to see if you are eligible to claim for psychological services.
National Disability Insurance Scheme
We are also a registered NDIS provider. Please send all referrals through to reception.newabilityhealth@gmail.com.
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.
Our Cancellation Policy
We require 24 hours notice if you are unable to attend your appointment. We will send reminders by text and telephone call to assist you to remember your appointment. If you do not attend a scheduled appointment or if you give less than 24 hours notice that you are unable to attend your appointment you will be charged a $50 cancellation fee to cover our operating costs and loss of revenue due to the session being reserved for you. This cancellation fee applies to all clients.
If you wish to re-book following a missed appointment (not attended or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice) we will require the cancellation fee to be paid prior to the appointment being re-booked.
Additional information for Clients
What to expect when I see a psychologist
Pre-appointment assessment and consent forms
Please come 20 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.