Paddington Clinical Psychology Services
I believe that a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship is fundamental to healing and coping with mental health issues. My clinic offers a professional, confidential, and warm space for clients, whilst encouraging you to be a part of the collaborative process.
Individual Therapy Paddington
Talk Therapy
Individual therapy, also called talk therapy, focuses on treating you, the individual, in one on one sessions with your psychologist. It is a collaborative process where we work together to identify areas of concern, develop strategies to address them, and foster personal growth. Individual psychotherapy provides you with a safe, contained and unique space where you can form a connection with your psychologist and discuss your difficulties.
The relationship formed during individual therapy is highly beneficial for your Clinical Treatment. My approach is centred on making you feel valued and heard, providing an environment where we can work together to create positive change.
Telehealth appointment options
Book HERE for a free 15 minute consultation *
How Does Talk Therapy Help?
Talk Therapy helps individuals understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. With the guidance of your psychologist you can develop coping mechanisms and build resilience.
This type of therapy is tailored to meet your unique needs and to help you with a variety of issues, including, but not limited to:
- Stress management
- Improved coping skills
- Work – Life Balance
- Parenting Strategies
- Relationship issues
- Self-esteem | confidence building
- Life transitions – Personal growth
- Loss and trauma
Assessments For Criminal And Legal Matters Paddington
Dealing With Aspects Of The Law and Psychology
As a qualified and experienced Clinical Psychologist in Brisbane, I consult with both adolescents and adults offering the following services:
- Individual therapy for offenders
- Pre-sentencing reports
- Mitigating circumstances reports
- Fitness and Responsibility reports
Assessments for criminal and legal matters are all conducted face-to-face unless previously arranged. Please contact me should you wish to discuss a forensic assessment/evaluation.
Assessments and Psychotherapy In Paddington
With a history of working extensively in the clinical psychology space, I have provided both assessments and psychotherapy for offenders, and individuals accused or convicted of a crime, determining risk as well as providing pre-sentencing reports. My masters dissertation focused on juveniles convicted of assault and the mitigating circumstances leading up to their behaviour. I previously worked as a contractor for the Department of Justice in South Africa in assisting with criminal capacity reports. I hold a Masters Degree in Forensic Mental Health from the University of New South Wales.
How do Forensic Assessments apply in Psychology?
Forensic assessments apply psychological principles within the legal system, offering insights into behavior and mental states relevant to legal cases. The assessment principles are also applicable to work in diverse areas, including criminal, civil, and family law, assisting courts in making informed decisions through assessments and expert testimony.
Key Roles of Clinical Psychology and the Law:
- Understanding Behavior: Evaluating psychological factors that influence actions and decisions.
- Assessing Competency: Determining an individual’s capacity to stand trial or make legal decisions.
- Supporting Family Law Cases: Conducting assessments for custody disputes or family conflicts.
- Risk Assessment: Analyzing the likelihood of reoffending or violent behavior.
An assessment is essential for fair outcomes, providing scientifically grounded evaluations that help resolve complex psychological issues.
What Techniques Are Used During a Forensic Assessment?
Forensic assessments utilise scientifically validated methods to address legal questions. These assessments aim to provide objective, evidence-based insights that can be used in court proceedings.
Common Techniques Applied:
- Clinical Interviews: Structured conversations to gather detailed personal, medical, and psychological histories.
- Psychological Testing: Standardized tests measuring cognitive abilities, personality traits, and mental health conditions.
- Behavioural Observations: Monitoring behaviour in controlled settings to assess responses and interactions.
- Collateral Information: Collecting data from family members, colleagues, or educators to corroborate findings.
- Review of Records: Analysing medical, educational, or legal documents for additional context.
These methods ensure comprehensive, legally sound assessments that align with the Australian legal framework.
Baleta Psychology’s Clinic is located in Paddington.
Book Your Consultation
Additional Services
Clinical Supervision
I provide supervision to psychologists in all my special interest areas, including forensic assessments. Supervision is a space where you can learn from others, explore your competencies, gain valuable experience and exposure as well as receive guidance in a non-judgemental and empathic space. I have experience supervising early to middle career psychologists as well as those completing placements/internships. During my time in South Africa I supervised Interns, Community Service Psychologists and Psychiatric Registrars.
Effective August 2024, I have been appointed as a Board Approved Supervisor for provisional psychologists and the Principal Supervisor for the clinical registrar programme.
Telehealth appointments are an option > More Information Here <
Rates I currently offer: Supervision for $235 incl. GST.
Couples Therapy
Perhaps you are looking for pre-marital counselling or having some difficulties in your relationship. Couples therapy’s focus is on the relationship and the space between each person. The purpose of couples therapy is not to lay blame to each individual, but rather to improve communication skills, enhance understanding of each individual’s perspective, develop coping skills and improve the overall quality of your relationship.
I provide a therapeutic space where you can explore your difficulties in your relationship and find a way forward. Couples therapy can be a daunting space and it can feel very confronting to discuss your difficulties in front of each other and the psychologist.
** Telehealth appointments are an option > More Information Here <
Couples therapy rates: $320 per 51 – 60 minute session
Clinical Psychology Treatments In Paddington
REBATES | BULK BILLING | TYPES OF PAYMENT
Referrals To Dr Pauline Baleta
How To Access My Psychologist Services
I accept private patients, Mental Health Care plans, NDIS, Workcover as well as referrals from the courts and attorneys. Referrals are also accepted for individuals aged 14 and upwards. You are more than welcome to book an appointment with me without a referral.
If you would like to claim rebates from Medicare you will first need to see your GP in order to get a referral for a mental health care plan.
If you have been referred for a Forensic Assessment such as a pre-sentencing report, I will require a letter from your Attorney and any accompanying documents from the courts, including court orders etc.
"It takes a tremendous amount of strength to reach out and ask for help " Anonymous
Baleta Psychology Fees
Fee Structure
Dr Baleta’s Fees as of 1st July 2024
Individual Therapy (51 – 60 Minutes)
Face-to-face: $280*
Telehealth/Phone: $280*
- * Eff 1st July ’25 – $290
Clinical Supervision (51 – 60 Minutes)
$235 incl GST
- Telehealth/Phone: $235
Couples Therapy (51 – 60 Minutes)
- $320
- Telehealth/Phone: $320
BULK BILLING
Please contact Dr Baleta for her availability to offer bulk billing
MEDICARE REBATES
If you have a mental health care plan from your GP you will be eligible for the rebates. Kindly email this through prior to your 1st appointment.
Treatment Payments
Type Of Payments Accepted
BANK TRANSFER is available
(please email proof of payment prior to your appointment)
DEBIT / CREDIT CARDS *
* Surcharge fees will apply
CASH
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychologists
Psychologists are trained mental health care professionals who have undertaken specialised training in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental, behavioural and emotional disorders/difficulties. They differ slightly from counsellors and social workers in their training and therapeutic technique. Psychology uses a scientist-practitioner model which integrates theory and clinical practice to understand, prevent, and relieve psychological distress or dysfunction.
Psychologists have to obtain a university degree and have either an Honours or Masters degree as a minimum requirement for qualifying as a psychologist. After obtaining their degree they usually undergo a period of supervised training in a setting where they gain valuable experience and training. They also regularly attend professional development courses and further enhance their training and learning in the field of psychology. Dr Baleta has studied further and obtained a PhD in Psychology and has completed numerous professional development courses.
The first session is usually a good session to ascertain if the psychologist is a good fit for you. It is important that you feel comfortable with your psychologist and this can differ from person to person. Different psychologists have different approaches and therapeutic paradigms. It’s best to find one that is suited to you. Dr Baleta highly values your feedback – please feel free to discuss any concerns or questions that you may have with her.
Each session with your psychologist is approximately 51 – 60 minutes. There may be exceptions to this, however that will be organised specifically with your psychologist depending on your needs.
If you would like to see a psychologist using the Medicare Better Access rebates scheme, you will need to first obtain a referral from your GP, also known as a Mental Health Care Plan. Most GPs will require a double-session to complete this for you, so it is a good idea to check the requirements of the medical practice and plan ahead for your appointment time. Your GP will have a list of psychologists in the area they can recommend and refer you to, or a local psychology clinic that you can call and arrange an appointment with directly. Alternatively, you may independently source a psychologist that you would like to see, either by recommendation or research, and you can request that your referral be directed to them instead.
To make an appointment, you are able to book online here >>> “Book a Consultation”. Simply select the service that you require.
You are also welcome to email Dr Baleta: to book an appointment or to find out further information first.
We offer daytime or telehealth appointments and are open each weekday.
The first session is an assessment session, meaning that your psychologist will spend the appointment working towards understanding what is currently going on for you, what has happened over time to lead to the current issues, and whether there are other factors involved in the development of your symptoms/ difficulties. Your psychologist might ask you a lot of questions in order to understand the above.
Medicare
If you have a referral from a GP or a psychiatrist for a Mental Health Treatment Plan you will be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of $141.85 (for a clinical psychologist) and $ 96.65 (for a general psychologist) for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Once you have seen the psychologist for 6 sessions, you will be required to have a mental health review with your referrer to receive the further 4 sessions.
Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance that includes psychological counselling as an extras cover, you may be eligible for a partial rebate. It is recommended that you contact your individual insurance provider for further information about your individual coverage.
Should you wish to claim from your Private Health Insurance you will be provided with an invoice from Dr Baleta once you have paid. This can then be submitted to your insurance provider.
If you have a referral from your GP or psychiatrist, please bring this along to your session as it will be needed for the Medicare rebate. It can also be helpful to email this through to Dr Baleta prior to your appointment.
You may also want to bring along any information relevant to your goals for therapy – it can help the process of assessment and therapy if you are already aware of your goals or if you already have an idea of how your difficulties may have developed. Otherwise just bring YOU!
You are welcome to attend therapy sessions without a referral; anyone can attend psychology sessions without a referral from a GP or a specialist. However, without a referral you will need to pay the full fee as you will not receive any Medicare rebate.
Psychologists are informed by evidence-based practice. This covers a wide range of treatment approaches that can be tailored to your specific goals, presenting issues, and treatment preferences. Some common treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy. However most psychologists are trained in a wide range of modalities which they can then tailor to create an individualised treatment plan.
In general, the underlying premise of many of these approaches is an exploration of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviour, and how these interact with each other. Your psychologist may also use specific approaches tailored to your individual circumstance, addressing issues such as trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, and life transitions.
You can now access your sessions with a psychologist via phone and videoconferencing, which has recently been made permanent under the Medicare Better Access Scheme. It is a good idea to check with your psychologist to see what options they have available for you, and to ensure they are able to work with your preferences.
As a general guideline for using telehealth, it is important to ensure you have a good internet connection, space to talk privately, and a time where you are not likely to experience any distractions related to work or family.
Yes! However there are limits on confidentiality.
All personal information gathered by Dr Baleta, as the psychologist during the provision of the psychological service, will remain confidential and secure except where:
- It is subpoenaed by a court of law/authorised by law, or
- Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or
- Your prior approval has been obtained to:
- provide a written report to another professional or agency. eg. a GP or a lawyer; or
- discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent or employer
As part of the Mental Health Care Plan, a short report is usually required to be sent to your GP just detailing aspects of your treatment such as your attendance, any improvements noted and requests for further treatment.