QUT will open an outreach Psychology and Counselling Clinic at its Caboolture campus two days a week this month (March), offering subsidised support for people suffering learning and developmental difficulties.
Master of Psychology (Education and Developmental) course coordinator Joe Coyne said the new clinic would address a gap in support services faced by people living in the northern corridor of Brisbane and offer a training platform for QUT post-graduate students.
“The northern corridor of Brisbane is a high need area when it comes to accessing psychology and counselling services,” Mr Coyne said.
A study by the Australian Psychological Society has found stress levels in Australia have risen over the past five years, with 35 per cent of Australians reporting a significant level of distress and anxiety symptoms.
“The clinic will provide support to children, adults and families with a range of concerns including learning difficulties, parenting, developmental issues such as concerns with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and ADHD, and social and emotional difficulties,” he said.
“The clinic is not suitable for severe and complex mental health issues, or for the treatment of drug and alcohol problems.”
Mr Coyne said the clinic would extend the services currently provided at the QUT Health Clinics based at Kelvin Grove campus.
“Supervised post-graduate psychology students who are in their fifth year of study will conduct sessions,” Mr Coyne said.
“It’s a great way for QUT to provide quality patient care to the community, while also offering clinical education to the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
The Caboolture Psychology and Counselling Clinic is funded by QUT Caboolture and the QUT Health Clinics and is provided free or at a discounted charge. Referrals are not required
To find out more, visit http://www.healthclinics.qut.edu.au/services-offered/psychology-and-counselling.jsp or phone 3138 0999.
Media contacts:
Sandra Hutchinson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 9449 (Tue/Wed) or media@qut.edu.au
Rose Trapnell, QUT media team leader, 07 3138 2361 or 0407 585 901
