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A new psychology practice in Brisbane's northern suburbs is helping to meet increased demand for mental health services.
Ramsay Psychology Clayfield is the seventh Queensland clinic opened by Australia's largest private hospitals operator in the past two years.
Michelle Lynch, CEO of Ramsay Health Care's Psychology and Pharmacy Group, said pressures such as the rising cost of living had led to significant demand for more accessible, quality mental health services.
"The need in our community is quite clear – Ramsay's Queensland clinics have had more than 125 percent growth in the number of sessions delivered by more than 30 psychologists in the past year," Ms Lynch said.
"According to the Australian Association of Psychologists, one of the biggest pressures fuelling mental health issues is the rising cost of living – and we are certainly hearing this from our clients.
"Other issues include extreme weather events, which we have seen across Queensland in recent months, and the ongoing effects of the pandemic."
The Clayfield clinic will provide personalised care for adults, teenagers, children, couples, and families across a wide range of mental health conditions and symptoms.
People can access the service without a referral, or with a Mental Health Care Plan from their general practitioner.
The Ramsay Psychology clinics see clients who are covered by private health insurance and those who are self-funded.
"We're committed to keeping wait times as short as possible and are pleased that our average wait time for a psychologist appointment is just two weeks," Ms Lynch said.
"We understand that mental health looks different for everyone.
"That's why our psychologists are experienced in a wide range of evidence-based therapies, and we have a triage service to carefully match patients with the best psychologist for their needs.
"We also offer telehealth sessions for patients who can't get to a clinic."
Clayfield is the 20th psychology practice opened by Ramsay Health Care nationwide.
Ms Lynch said the group's psychology practices were designed to complement its hospital-based inpatient mental health services.
"Many people who need to see a clinician don't need to be hospitalised," Ms Lynch said.
"Several sessions in a community environment can lead to a significant improvement in life experience."
Read more: New clinic offers mental health care in community
Read more: New services meet rising mental health needs
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