Psychology Service

 
Tweddle is excited to announce that on the first of July 2008 we opened a stand alone Psychology Service at our Footscray site. We now provide a range of outpatient and inpatient psychology services to support families.

Outpatient Services:

Individual

Parents or families with a child under the age of four can attend Tweddle for psychological treatment.

The service provides interventions for:

• Mood management during pregnancy and early parenthood
• Debriefing about the childbirth experience
• Adjusting to the parenting role
• Establishing and maintaining a relationship with your child
• Self esteem and assertiveness
• Managing anxiety
• Overcoming depression
• Grief and loss
• Family conflict

Clients can refer themselves or be referred by a professional.

Rebates may be available through Medicare or through private health insurance agencies.

For referrals or information about the Psychology Services at Tweddle please contact us on

Phone (03) 9689 1577

Or

tweddle@tweddle.org.au.

Group

Tweddle also offers the "Getting Ahead of Postnatal Depression Group Program" which was developed by The Infant Clinic, a service arm of the Parent-Infant Research Institute, Austin Health.  This 12 week group therapy program is designed to increase coping strategies and improve maternal mood.   It has been scientifically evaluated and published.  The findings show that this program significantly improves depressive symptoms.

On completion of the program one participant said:

"Having just completed the postnatal group 12 week program, I can honestly say it's definitely been one of the best things I've done.  This has been my third episode of postnatal depression and definitely the worst ever.  I was at my lowest point ever when I was fortunate enough to hear about this program... I know that the skills I have learnt in the Tweddle program I can use for the rest of my life.  Not to mention the great group of women I have met who are experiencing the same things, have been a huge support.... I strongly recommend that you continue offering this program, because I know how valuable it has been for me, and my husband as well.  Not to mention how much better off my children are because their mum is better.  I am so grateful for this program, I will be highly recommending it."

The next group is commencing in March 2010.
53 Adelaide Street, Footscray, 1 ½ hours per week

An assessment is required before beginning the group and costs $50.

Medicare rebates are available for the program with a referral from your GP or psychiatrist.

Childcare is available

Inpatient Services:

All mothers attending the Footscray site Day Stay and Residential Services are screened for mental health issues and those identified at risk are offered a single session consultation with a psychologist. These consultations consist of a diagnostic assessment, brief therapeutic interventions and facilitation of referrals to outpatient mental health services if required.

Fathers are also screened and offered consultations if mental health issues are identified at admission.

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