Clinical Psychology & Counselling
Access professional clinical psychology and counselling services at Invictus Health. Our experienced team provides personalised psychological support to help individuals navigate mental health challenges, emotional wellbeing and life’s difficulties.
Clinical psychology appointments are now available with Dr Caitlyn Drinkwater, Clinical Psychologist, and we are accepting new bookings. Whether you’re seeking support for your mental health, looking to develop practical coping strategies or considering counselling, our team can help you explore the services available and take the next step.
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General counselling
Work through life’s challenges with a counsellor who understands your needs and challenges, and find methods to help you navigate and work through them.
LGBTQIA+ counselling
Our LGBTQIA+ counselling services provide a safe space to discuss challenges, discover yourself and grow.
Anxiety and stress counselling
Take the first step towards an easier life.
Relationship counselling
Make your relationship stronger through couples counselling and practical guidance.
Depression counselling
Our compassionate team can help guide you through tough times.
Unsure Whether You Need Clinical Psychology or Counselling?
Not sure which service is right for you? Our team can help you understand the difference between clinical psychology and counselling and explore the support available at Invictus Health.
Complete our enquiry form or give us a call to discuss your needs and take the next step.
What is the difference between clinical psychology and counselling?
Both clinical psychology and counselling support mental health and emotional wellbeing, but they can differ in their approach, professional training and the types of support provided.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychologists are registered psychologists with advanced training in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions. They use evidence-based psychological therapies to support people experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional difficulties and more complex mental health concerns.
Clinical psychology may involve psychological assessment, treatment planning and ongoing therapy tailored to an individual’s needs.
Counselling
Counselling provides a supportive environment to explore emotional difficulties, personal challenges and life experiences. Counsellors can help individuals navigate stress, relationships, grief, life transitions and other concerns affecting their wellbeing.
Counselling often focuses on developing practical coping strategies, building emotional awareness and supporting individuals through current or ongoing challenges.
Which service is right for me?
The most appropriate service depends on your individual needs and the type of support you’re seeking. If you’re unsure whether clinical psychology or counselling is right for you, contact Invictus Health to discuss the available appointment options.
Meet our caring and experienced practitioners
$80 to $120 per session
We offer low-cost counselling because we believe support should be accessible to all.
If cost is a barrier, please talk to us. We have these conversations all the time, and it’s OK to ask. We can go through funding and payment options with you, including payment plans. Contact us or call 03 9478 1810.
Medicare Rebate
Medicare do not currently provide rebates for counsellors under the Mental Health Care Plan.
No GP Referrals needed
No referral from a GP is required. However if you do have one, it may assist your counsellor in supporting you.
60 to 90min sessions
Individual counselling sessions are available for 60 or 90 minutes.
Meet Maxi and Ashley, your counselling partners
You are not just choosing a service – you are choosing a person to sit with you in some of your most vulnerable moments. This is why we put as much care into who is in the room, as what happens in the room.
EMDR therapy for trauma
Trauma therapy
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a structured therapy for people living with the effects of trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- You bring a painful memory to mind for short periods while you follow side-to-side eye movements, taps or sounds.
- You do not have to describe every detail of what happened.
- Therapy follows set steps. We start with preparation and coping skills, so you feel safe before any memory work begins.
- Many people notice the memory feels less intense and less upsetting over time.
What the research says: the Australian PTSD Guidelines from Phoenix Australia strongly recommend EMDR, along with other trauma-focused therapies, for adults with PTSD.
EMDR is not the right fit for everyone. In your first session we talk about your goals and your safety, and together we choose the approach that suits you.
Ask for EMDR when you book, and we will match you with Hannes or Maxi. Read about trauma and PTSD treatment options.
Process
What happens during your counselling journey
Counselling is straightforward. You come in with what troubles you, and we work through it together with methods that actually stick. The path is clear from the beginning.
First contact
You call or fill out our form. Tell us what’s happening and what you need. We listen without judgment and answer your questions about how we work.
Assessment session
We meet and talk through your situation in detail. This helps us understand your challenges and decide on the best approach for you moving forward.
Regular sessions
You attend regular sessions where we develop strategies and skills tailored to your needs. Between sessions, you practice what you’ve learned in your daily life.
Moving forward
As you gain confidence and tools, sessions may reduce in frequency. You’ll always have access to support when you need it, whether that’s months or years later.
Our fees
Session options
Individual Counselling
Couples Counselling
Clinical Psychology
Fee per session
$80-$120
$136.50-$195
$290
Medicare rebate eligibility
GP referral required
Private health coverage
Check your policy
Check your policy
Check your policy
FAQ
Clear answers to help you understand what counselling looks like here.
Why choose Invictus Health for clinical psychology and counselling?
Invictus Health provides professional clinical psychology and counselling services in a supportive, welcoming environment. Our experienced team offers personalised, evidence-based psychological support to help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions and other mental health concerns.
Our clinical psychologists and counsellors draw on therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and trauma-informed practices, where appropriate to the clinician and individual needs.
We focus on understanding your circumstances, developing practical coping strategies and supporting your emotional wellbeing through tailored treatment and ongoing care.
Clinical psychology and counselling appointments are available through Invictus Health, with options for in-person and online support depending on the service and clinician.
Our clinical psychology service is currently accepting new appointments. Contact our team to learn more about the available services and booking process.
How long does counselling take?
There’s no fixed timeline. Some people find what they need in a few months, others work longer. We move at your pace and adjust as you progress.
How often should I see a clinical psychologist or counsellor?
The frequency of your clinical psychology or counselling appointments will depend on your individual needs, treatment goals and the type of support you require.
Following your initial appointment, your clinical psychologist or counsellor will discuss a recommended appointment schedule based on your circumstances. Some people benefit from regular sessions, while others may require less frequent appointments as they progress.
At Invictus Health, we understand that everyone’s needs are different. Your clinician will work with you to review your progress and adjust the frequency of sessions where appropriate.
What should I expect in my first session?
Your first session is about slowing down, getting to know you and understanding what you want from counselling. You are welcome to bring a specific problem, a long story or just a feeling that something needs to change.
In that first hour, your counsellor will typically:
- Ask about what has been happening lately, as well as any important history you want them to know
- Explore your goals – from “I just want to cope with work” to “I want to stop repeating this pattern in relationships”
- Check in regularly about pace, language and comfort so you feel safe and respected, not rushed
- Offer initial reflections and simple tools you can start using between sessions
From there, you and your counsellor decide together how often to meet and what “progress” looks like for you.
Can I switch counsellors if needed?
Yes. If the fit isn’t right, we’ll find someone who works better for you. Your comfort matters.
Is everything I say confidential?
Completely. What you share stays between us, with rare exceptions only when someone’s safety is at risk.
Do I need to prepare anything?
No preparation needed. Just come ready to talk about what’s on your mind. We’ll guide the conversation.
What can a clinical psychologist help with?
Clinical psychologists provide assessment and evidence-based psychological treatment for a range of mental health and emotional wellbeing concerns. This may include anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, emotional regulation difficulties and other psychological challenges.
At Invictus Health, clinical psychology services focus on understanding your individual needs and developing personalised treatment strategies to support your mental health and wellbeing.
Do I need a GP referral to see a clinical psychologist at Invictus Health?
Yes. A GP referral is required to access clinical psychology services at Invictus Health.
Before booking your appointment, you will need to speak with your GP to obtain a referral. Your GP can also discuss your eligibility for a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which may allow you to access Medicare rebates for eligible clinical psychology appointments.
If you have questions about the referral process, appointment fees or Medicare rebates, please contact the Invictus Health team for assistance.
Who can benefit from clinical psychology and counselling at Invictus Health?
Invictus Health provides clinical psychology and counselling services to individuals seeking professional support for their mental health, emotional wellbeing and personal challenges.
People may seek support for a range of concerns, including:
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Anxiety, stress, feeling overwhelmed or experiencing burnout
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Depression, low mood or difficulties with motivation
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Grief, loss and significant life changes
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Relationship difficulties, family conflict and interpersonal challenges
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Trauma, emotional distress and difficult life experiences
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Identity, cultural belonging and neurodivergent experiences
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Experiences of discrimination, workplace stress or other personal challenges
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Developing coping strategies, emotional regulation and greater self-understanding
Our clinical psychologists and counsellors provide personalised support based on your individual circumstances, needs and treatment goals.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Whether you’re experiencing a specific mental health concern or simply feel that something isn’t quite right, our team can help you explore the support available.
What's the difference between online and in-person?
Both work well. Online suits people with busy schedules or who live far away. In-person offers a different kind of connection. Choose what feels right.
What is the cancellation policy for clinical psychology and counselling appointments?
We understand that circumstances can change and you may occasionally need to reschedule or cancel an appointment.
At Invictus Health, we ask that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you are unable to attend your scheduled clinical psychology or counselling appointment. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another client.
Cancellation fees and payment requirements may vary depending on your appointment type. Please contact our team if you have questions about the cancellation policy or need assistance changing your booking.
What if counselling isn't working?
We’ll talk about it openly. Sometimes it takes a few sessions to find the right approach. We adjust or explore other options together.
How do I know if I'm ready?
If you’re asking the question, you probably are. Readiness isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about being willing to try.
What happens after counselling ends?
You keep the tools and strategies you’ve learned. We’re here if you need a tune-up down the road, whether that’s months or years away.
Do you offer Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselling?
Invictus Health offers Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselling delivered exclusively by our counsellors – not by anonymous, generic call centres. This means your staff speak with practitioners who are grounded in community, culture and real-world complexity, and who can provide both immediate support and meaningful follow‑up.
What makes Invictus EAP different:
- Counsellors who are migrants and/or from culturally diverse backgrounds, bringing first-hand understanding of settlement, racism, intergenerational pressures and “in‑between worlds”
- Counsellors who are LGBTQIA+ or deeply embedded in queer communities, providing genuinely affirming, safe support beyond “tick‑box” inclusion
- Counsellors with lived experience of mental health challenges, who know recovery is not linear and avoid minimising, pathologising or blaming language
- Neurodivergent-informed and neuroaffirming practice, with sensitivity to sensory load, executive function, masking and burnout
- All counsellors are trauma informed, attentive to safety, pacing, consent and choice in every conversation
For employers, this translates into an EAP that staff actually use, trust and recommend to colleagues – especially those who are often underserved by traditional services (migrants, queer staff, neurodivergent staff, frontline workers, community‑facing teams).
Do you offer EMDR therapy?
Yes. Dr Hannes Venter (Clinical Psychologist) and Maxi Xie (Counsellor) both offer EMDR, a structured therapy for trauma and PTSD. Australian PTSD guidelines strongly recommend EMDR, along with other trauma-focused therapies, for adults with PTSD. Ask for EMDR when you book, and we will match you with the right practitioner.
Is Invictus Health accepting new clinical psychology appointments?
Yes. Invictus Health is currently accepting appointments for clinical psychology services.
Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, emotional wellbeing or other mental health concerns, our team can help you understand the available appointment options and guide you through the booking process.
Contact Invictus Health to enquire about clinical psychology appointments and take the next step towards accessing professional psychological support.
Take the First Step Towards Better Mental Health
Whether you’re seeking clinical psychology or counselling services, the team at Invictus Health is here to support you.
We’re now accepting clinical psychology appointments, alongside our existing counselling services. Book an appointment online or contact our team to discuss the support available and find the right next step for you.