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Clinical Psychology

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Mental health is an essential part of our overall health and well-being.

Promoting our Mental Health helps us to do the things that are important to us and get the most out of life.

Mental Health

The World Health Organisation defines Mental Health as “…a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”

What is Mental Health? 

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

Clinical psychologists are psychologists who have expertise in mental health. They have postgraduate-level training in understanding human behaviour, thinking and emotion, and how these things impact our lives.

Clinical psychologists are also trained to understand and apply the scientific research about psychological assessment and treatment. Due to their training, clinical psychologists have an endorsed area of practice recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia.


How can a Clinical Psychologist help?

Clinical Psychologists work with you to help you to better understand your experience. They can assess, diagnose and treat psychological disorders. Clinical Psychologists help you to manage the emotional, behavioural and cognitive (thinking) issues impacting on your life. 

Some of the reasons people might see a Clinical Psychologist include:


  • Feeling anxious or worried.
  • Feeling depressed or sad.
  • Difficulty adjusting to major life changes, stress or trauma.
  • Problems around body image and eating behaviours.
  • Poor concentration and attention or hyperactivity.
  • Insomnia and other sleep problems.
  • Conditions that start in childhood such as autism, intellectual disability, ADHD, or learning difficulties.
  • Behaviour problems in children and adolescence.


Make an Appointment

Meet BWC's Mental Health Team

Kate Hearn

Dr Kylie McKenzie

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologist

Dr Kylie and Kate are both experienced clinical psychologists, with a commitment to working with you to improve your mental health.


Next Steps?

The first step in seeking professional help for your mental health is to talk with your GP.

A referral from your local GP is not required to book an appointment with Kate or Dr Kylie.

However, if your GP thinks you would benefit from speaking with a psychologist, they may write a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Patients who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan are eligible for Medicare rebates under the Better Access to Mental Health Scheme.

If you have private health insurance, you may be able to receive rebates for Clinical Psychology services. Talk to your private health insurance provider about what they will cover.


Urgent Support

Ballarat Women's Clinic is unable to provide an urgent mental health service.

At any time, if you need immediate help for a mental health issue, you can call:
Lifeline 13 1 1 14

In Ballarat, you can phone the Grampians Area Mental Health Service Access and Triage Team on 1300 247 647 (24 hours).

IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 000.

At any time, if you need immediate help for domestic, family and sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)

1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. You can also send a text to 0458 737 732.