Psychology
About the Clinic
James Cook University Psychology Clinic was established in 1995 with the objective of providing practical supervision to students undertaking postgraduate psychology training. Decades later, the JCU Psychology Clinic continues to provide a range of services to the community of North Queensland and supports the clinical research endeavours of staff and postgraduate students.
About Us
The JCU Psychology Clinic is a training clinic for provisionally registered psychologists (through AHPRA) who have completed four years of undergraduate study and are undertaking their postgraduate training in clinical or professional psychology. Members of the community are invited to access therapy and assessment services with provisional psychologists who are under the supervision of highly experienced clinical or general psychologists. Psychologists providing supervision of provisional psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and may be members (or eligible to be members) of the Australian Psychological Society’s College of Clinical Psychologists.
Services Offered
Our provisional psychologists provide a range of therapy and assessment services to infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, including:
- Individual therapy interventions for mood, anxiety and emotion regulation difficulties, health concerns, parenting support, and interpersonal relationships.
- Assessments for developmental disorders, learning difficulties, cognitive impairment, behavioural difficulties, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.
- Groups Programs (18+ years) – DBT and CBT based programs to help understand and manage difficult emotions.
In addition to therapy and assessments provided by provisional psychologists, the JCU Psychology Clinic accepts a small number of Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTP) for clients to work with one of the registered psychologists on staff.
Exclusion Criteria
As this is a training facility, we are unable to accept clients who are likely to need more intensive support. It is important to note that we do not accept referrals for the following issues:
- Medico/legal, worker’s compensation, family court, or other legal matters
- Walk-in, crisis, or emergency services
- Criminal-related behaviours or concerns
- High risk of suicidality or self-harm / high risk of violence to self or others
- Current psychotic behaviours
How to Refer
Please note, referrals to see provisional psychologists for assessment or therapy services at the JCU Psychology Clinic are currently closed for 2024. It is anticipated that referrals will reopen again in 2025.
The JCU Psychology Clinic accepts referrals from health and educational professionals, as well as from parents/guardians. Referral forms can be completed online here. Otherwise, referral letters can be faxed to: (07) 4779 2739 or emailed to: [email protected]. Once your referral is received, the Clinic Lead will review the referral for suitability. You will be contacted if your referral is not suitable for the JCU Psychology Clinic. If your referral is accepted, you will be placed on the waiting list. Please contact the JCU Psychology Clinic for updates around your waiting time.
Fee Structure
Medicare and Private Health Insurance rebates are not accessible for services provided by provisional psychologists through the JCU Psychology Clinic. Therapy fees for provisional psychologists are $40 per session, or $20 per session for concession card holders. Costs for assessment by a provisional psychologist range from $250-$700, testing and written report inclusive. You will be provided a quote at the time of booking your intake.
For MHTP referrals to a registered psychologist, you will receive a Medicare rebate ($88.25 for registered psychologist; $129.55 for clinical Psychologist $129.55). Concession card holders will otherwise be bulk billed under a MHTP. Please contact the JCU Psychology Clinic for more information about costs of group therapy programs.
Requests For Information
All requests of information relating to psychology services need to be provided in writing to the JCU Psychology Clinic Lead via [email protected]. Requests must include the client’s name, date of birth, address, proof of identity and what information is being requested. Signed consent is required for external agencies. Please allow 30 days to process any requests for information as per current policies.
JCU Psychology Clinic Staff
Daria Matkowska
Clinical Psychologist
Daria is a clinical psychologist with passion for assisting people in connecting with their strengths and reaching their full potential. Her areas of interest and experience include complex trauma recovery, personality vulnerabilities, chronic health conditions, adjustment challenges, mood disorders, grief and loss, impacts of working with traumatised clients (vicarious trauma), and LGBTQIA+ related challenges.
In her work, Daria applies evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs. She utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with elements of systemic approach, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relaxation and mindfulness methods. Daria regularly participates in professional development events to expand her expertise.
Daria has worked across a range of settings including university, community, non for profit, government and private organisations and delivered individual as well as group interventions, including therapy, psychoeducation, and skills training.
Daria speaks English and Polish, and welcomes clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Dr Emily Adam
Registered Psychologist (Clinical Registrar)
Dr Emily Adam is a registered psychologist (clinical registrar) who has a deep passion for helping clients navigate challenging life experiences and achieve greater psychological wellbeing. Working from a strengths-based approach, Emily works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and major life changes. Emily can offer a range of evidence-based approaches to clients, including cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and schema therapy. Taking a collaborative and client-centred approach, Emily works with clients to tailor their treatment to address their specific goals and needs. Emily is also skilled in conducting a range of psychological assessments with adults and children, including assessments for neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and ASD, and neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia. Emily is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and regularly engages in ongoing professional development to ensure her clients receive up-to-date and appropriate care.
