New clinic boosts psych services

Ipswich and West Moreton Psychology Clinic psychologists Danielle Faulks, Dr Rana Woodward and Dr Catherine McQuoid-Mason.

Rob Williams

PSYCHOLOGISTS are moving into Ipswich to meet the growing demand for their services.

The non-profit Ipswich and West Moreton Psychology Clinic, which moved into larger offices at the University of Queensland's Ipswich campus three weeks ago, has grown to a workforce of 15 psychologists – including nine specialists – compared with nine a year ago.

Senior clinical psychologist Dr Rana Woodward said Ipswich was a low socio-economic area, so more likely to have higher rates of emotional and behavioural problems than other regions.

“The city has a much greater need for services at low prices, which the clinic offers,” she said.

“One problem in the past has been recruiting psychologists in this area.

“It's now easier to recruit psychologists to our clinic because it is such a dynamic and motivated group of psychologists to work with, so it's well worth the travel for them to come out here for work.

“There's a lot of need in the local area and ours is an excellent service.

“We've had good results and we've got a good relationship with the GPs.

“It's a teaching clinic as well as a therapy clinic.”

With the increase in psychologists, the clinic has dispensed with the previous six to eight-week waiting list.

Psychologist Danielle Faulks is a newcomer to the clinic, although she completed her training in Ipswich.

She and her workmates each have a caseload of about 25 clients.

“Primarily our job is about understanding people's emotions and how to deal with them, as well as minimising stresses,” Ms Faulks said.

“It's very rewarding.”

Ipswich and West Moreton Division of General Practice chief executive Vicki Poxon said the clinic had already helped thousands of people who could not normally afford to see a private psychologist.

“The clinic started with one psychologist in 2004, and we have been employing more psychologists to meet demand ever since,” she said.

Dr Catherine McQuoid-Mason, who moved from the Gold Coast four weeks ago, specialises in child psychology.

She treats problems like anxiety, depression, the effects of bullying and parental separation, and ADHD.

“My youngest client at the moment is five years old,” she said.

Prospective clients need a referral from their GP.