ABOUT CHARISSA
DPsych (Clin), BBehSc (Psych Hons), GradDip (Psych), BASocSc (Psych), MAPS, MACPA
Clinical Psychologist in Brisbane with full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Registered provider for Medicare and Private Health rebates. Also provides psychological services to referrals from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), BUPA Health Services Provider Network (Australian Defence Force), and WorkCover.
Training and Experience
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology), First Class Honours
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts and Social Science (Psychology)
Charissa has practiced across various clinical settings including hospitals, forensic facilities, and in the community. She is experienced in working with adults, children and youth, and their families, in managing a range of emotional and psychological concerns such as:
- General life stress
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety
- Anger issues
- Trauma
- Psychosis
- Behavioural challenges
- Addiction
- Personality disorders
- Relationship difficulties
- Gender issues
Therapeutic Approach
Charissa works from a collaborative, compassionate, and thoughtful approach to support clients in making meaningful change, with the aim of improving their quality of life.
Charissa is dedicated to creating a safe and trusting therapeutic environment, and believes in working collaboratively with each client to develop an individualised treatment plan to cater to the client’s needs. She offers a range of cognitive and psychological assessment services, and works from an integrative therapeutic approach including interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Psychodynamic and other insight-oriented therapies, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Professional Memberships
Full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA)
Endorsed as a Clinical Psychologist with the PBA
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)
Research Endeavours
Wong, C. W., Schweitzer, R. D., & Khawaja, N. G. (2018). Individual, Pre-Migration, and Post-Settlement Factors in Predicting Academic Success of Adolescents from Refugee Backgrounds: A 12-Month Follow-Up. Journal of International Migration and Integration, 1-23.
Wong, C. W., & Schweitzer, R. D. (2017). Individual, premigration and postsettlement factors, and academic achievement in adolescents from refugee backgrounds: A systematic review and model. Transcultural Psychiatry, 54(5-6), 756-782.
Wong, C., Schweitzer, R., & Khawaja, N. (2016). Individual, Pre-Migration and Post-Settlement Factors, and Academic Potential, in Adolescents from Refugee Backgrounds: A Cross Sectional Study. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Wong, C., & Hansen, J. (2013). Assessing Children’s Reading Comprehension: Not all Measures are Alike. Unpublished Manuscript.
Charissa presented her Doctoral dissertation at the 50th Australian Psychological Society Annual Golden Jubilee Conference in 2015.
STARTING THERAPY
Charissa understands that it can be daunting to seek therapy for the first time or to re-commence therapy with a new Psychologist. She will take time to explore clients’ concerns and wishes, and assist them in moving forward with greater confidence and contentment in life.
Referrals and Fees
Charissa accepts referrals through Medicare, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), BUPA Health Services Provider Network (Australian Defence Force), Private Health, and WorkCover.
Medicare
Individuals looking to receive psychological support may seek a referral from their GP or Psychiatrist, which will provide them with up to 10 Medicare funded psychology sessions per year under the Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Clients may however choose to self-refer without being on the MHCP and pay full sessional fees.
Clients being seen by a Clinical Psychologist under the MHCP are entitled to a Medicare rebate of $128.40 per session. Charissa's fee for a standard appointment is $210 for a 50 minute session, and the client's out-of-pocket expense would be $81.60. Concessions may be made for clients experiencing financial difficulties or are engaging in long term psychotherapy.
Telehealth
Telehealth psychology sessions are available for clients in specific rural and remote areas. The Federal Government has recently extended Telehealth psychology provisions to the wider population affected by COVID-19. Telehealth may be provided either via video-conference or telephone consultation.
Private Health Cover
Clients with Private Health Insurance may be entitled to receive rebates when seeking psychological treatment. It would be helpful to check with your Private Health provider on options available to you.
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) and Australian Defence Force (ADF)
Charissa is registered to provide clinical psychological services for patients referred through DVA and ADF. Clients referred through these pathways may be eligible for their sessions to be covered with no out-of-pocket expense.
WorkCover
Charissa provides psychological services for individuals referred through WorkCover. Please enquire directly with Charissa regarding the cost for these services.
CONTACT
Contact Charissa with any questions that you may have about starting therapy, or to make an appointment.
The Yeronga Clinic
10 Orsova Rd, Yeronga QLD 4104
By Car: Less than 20 minutes from Brisbane CBD
By Public Transport: The Yeronga Clinic can be accessed by the Brisbane City Council Bus Service 105. The bus stop is less than 10 metres from the clinic.
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Phone: (07) 3892 1979
Fax: (07) 3892 5679
