Substance abuse counselling

How to get started

Find the right Psychologist

Most of our psychologists work in the Melbourne CBD Clinic, and the rest in different locations across Melbourne. You can find out all about our psychologists – when, where and what issues they work with – on our online booking page or you can call our reception on 1300 161 639.

Personal Matching

We recommend that your first step is an online Personal Matching appointment. Research shows that the key to successful outcomes is the relationship between client and psychologist. At Psychology Melbourne, we don't leave that to chance. We offer a personal matching session with one of our trained Matching Psychologists who will expertly choose the right psychologist for you and your issues.

Fees & rebates

GP Referral

All our psychologists are registered with Medicare, allowing clients with a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their GP to receive a substantial rebate.

Note that you do not require a referral from a GP unless you intend to claim a Medicare rebate.

Find out more about MHCP Medicare rebate.

Information for referring GPs

Opening hours

Reception is open:
Mon–Thu 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am - 6 pm
Saturday 9 am - 3 pm
closed public holidays

After hours appointments may also be available.

Find out more about our counselling hours and appointments.

Phone & video counselling

If you are can't get to the clinic, you can use our secure phone and video counselling services. This allows you to get expert, effective psychological help from your home, but also from work or your hotel room when you’re interstate or overseas.

FAQs

See answers to frequently asked questions about our clinics, treatment, EAP, fees and rebates.

medicare rebate

"Anxiety is the attempt to control what cannot be controlled."

—Anonymous

Treating substance abuse

The abuse of potentially addictive substances can cause problems in all areas of life. Family and friends may be affected by the abuser's changing personality and his or her inability to accept that they have a problem. It can create massive financial and health problems. Acquiring the substance is often put ahead of essential expenses such as food, healthcare, rent or utility bills. Chronic abuse can also cause problems at work. personal productivity generally drops, the abuser may take excessive sick leave and their behaviour may become erratic. There are potentially grave legal implications.

Signs of substance abuse

People who have substance dependence may change their behaviour in many different ways, including:

Types of addiction

There are two types of dependence or addiction, and they have differing symptoms and treatment options. The first type of dependence — physical addiction — occurs when the person’s body is unable to function properly without constant dosage. The second type — psychological addiction — occurs when the person craves the substance in order to gain satisfaction or experience a particular emotion. People can have either or both of these types of addictions.

When to seek professional assistance

It can be difficult to tell when you or someone close to you has a problem or addiction. People differ in their opinions of how much use is too much. What should be focused on is the effect of abuse on the user and his or her family, friends and colleagues and whether it is interfering with normal functioning.

How Psychology Melbourne can help

If you believe that you or someone close to you has a substance problem and you would like some professional assistance, one of our experts can help.

Our substance abuse counselling team

Dr Anna Mooney melbourne psychologist

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Dr Anna Mooney
Melbourne CBD

aisha seedat-timol melbourne psychologist

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Aisha Seedat-Timol
Melbourne CBD

ann-marie dimichiel hearn melbourne psychologist

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Ann-Marie DiMichiel Hearn
Melbourne CBD

darryl hodgson melbourne psychologist

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Darryl Hodgson
online only

Ross Leembruggen

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Dr Ross Leembruggen
online only

Elly Alija Psychologist

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Elly Alija
online only

"Let's Talk About Drinking" short course

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OUR LOCATIONS

MELBOURNE CBD
(main practice)
2/50 Queen Street
VICTORIA
accessible
Phone 1300 161 639 for all locations
Reception Hours:
Mon - Thurs 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 6 pm,  Sat 9 am - 2:30 pm
SYDNEY
NEW SOUTH WALES
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