We use evidence-based cognitive assessments for clients of all ages to provide a provisional or formal diagnosis with a range of concerns, such as:

• memory loss
• specific learning disorders (e.g. dyslexia)
• intellectual disability
• changes in focus/concentration
• coordination or spatial errors
• cognitive changes as a result of stroke, infection, or head injury

It is important to note the following limitations to the assessment services we provide. We recommend you see your local doctor or other suitable health professional for more appropriate referral options to avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining appropriate assistance for your needs:

• We do not offer ADHD or ASD assessments or diagnosis. We recommend that you consult with your GP to arrange a referral to a psychiatrist or paediatrician for ADHD or ASD assessment.
• We do not administer ADOS assessments (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule).
• We do not complete capacity assessment for medico/legal, worker’s compensation, family court, or other legal matters.
• We do not complete NDIS applications or specific assessment for NDIS funding. Reports provided by the clinic can be used as supporting documentation only.
• We do not provide services to students undertaking studies in psychology or counselling at UniSC.

When you visit the clinic, we will:

• determine the most appropriate tests/measures to answer your referral question
• conduct a robust assessment
• give insight into your condition
• highlight your strengths and weaknesses
• discuss next steps after your assessment

During your sessions with us:

• You will get to talk about what you are experiencing.
• We will conduct the assessment over different days (most typically 4 – 10 hours in total).
• Once your assessment is complete, we will provide a written report and explore possible rehabilitation options.

My Coping Plan

The My Coping Plan app can remind you to use your healthy coping strategies whenever you feel upset.

Coping with grief after suicide

The Coping with grief after suicide brochure (PDF 357KB) provides some practical tips on bereavement when someone dies by suicide.

thedesk

thedesk is a free program to help university students maintain their wellbeing.

The UniSC Clinical Psychology Team conducts world-leading research to improve health and wellbeing. From time to time, there will be opportunities for the community and clinic clients to participate in research that evaluates emerging treatments for psychological problems. Read more about current research.

Because the Clinic is a training clinic that provides short-term interventions, treatment cannot be provided for problems that require intensive or long-term support (e.g. severe suicidality, psychosis, severe personality disorders, violent or criminal behaviour). Talk to your GP about other treatment options if you have these problems.

To avoid conflicts of interest or dual relationships, the Clinic is unable to provide treatment to UniSC staff, immediate family members of UniSC staff or students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)(Honours) programs.

Psychologists with provisional registration are not experts for the purposes of legal proceedings. Therefore, the Clinic does not prepare reports for medico-legal matters, and Provisional Psychologists cannot appear in court to offer an expert opinion.

Services are usually provided in in-person consultations at the Clinic. However, telehealth services are also available in some circumstances. Your Provisional Psychologist will discuss the options with you.

The standard treatment session is 50 minutes.

Treatment is tailored to the needs of each consumer. Your psychologist will discuss the estimated treatment duration when developing the treatment plan with you.

To ensure the Clinic continues to provide services that meet consumers' needs, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire after each session about your healthcare experience. You may be asked to complete other questionnaires from time to time to monitor treatment effectiveness. We also welcome your feedback at any time.

The Clinic does not have childcare facilities and does not allow children to remain unaccompanied in the waiting room. Please do not bring children to the Clinic unless requested by your psychologist to participate in treatment.

The privacy of personal information you share with us in the assessment and treatment of your problems is of utmost importance to us. You can read our Privacy Policy here.

Psychological services are offered between March and mid-December. Appointments are accepted between February and mid-September.

We try to provide services as soon as possible. However, the need for services sometimes exceeds our capacity to deliver services. We do have a waitlist service where we gain contact with you when an opportunity arises.

If you cannot attend a scheduled appointment, please telephone to cancel as soon as possible. Leave a message on the voicemail if the phone is unattended.

Referral from a registered Health Practitioner is required for booking a Cognitive Assessment.

Referral from a Health Practitioner is not required for therapy appointments, however please complete the Clinic request for service form.

You can request services at the UniSC Psychology Clinic by completing the Request for Service form (PDF 799KB) and emailing it to the Clinic. Email: psychologyclinic@usc.edu.au

If you are unable to complete the form, you can telephone reception on 07 5459 4514.