CONNECT,
BUILD CONFIDENCE,
LIVE WITH meaning.
Welcome
Dr Sarah Russo is a clinical psychologist who creates space for you to take a moment to pause, reflect and gain clarity, to enhance your wellbeing, overcome difficulties and grow.
Sarah has a warm, compassionate, relaxed, and thoughtful approach in supporting people to connect, enhance confidence and live with meaning. She believes that the key to a successful therapeutic experience is the relationship itself. She creates an environment where others can feel safe, understood, respected, and cared for.
Sarah understands that no two people are the same and works collaboratively with her clients to support them to live more meaningful and connected lives. Sarah will take the time to learn about what’s most important to her clients, inspire and empower them to navigate life’s joys, challenges, and opportunities; whilst also respecting they are the experts of their own life.
“WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR IS NOT OUT THERE, IT IS in me.”
- HELEN KELLER
“WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR IS NOT OUT THERE, IT IS in me.”
- HELEN KELLER
Hello, I’m Sarah!
I am a clinical psychologist with over 16 years experience, providing psychological care to children, adolescents, adults and families.
I’ve worked across a variety of settings including public child and adolescent mental health, in schools, forensic and sports settings, as well as private practice. In my time practising, I have held roles supporting individuals and families with improving their wellbeing and also in the diagnostic assessment and treatment of mental health disorders.
In treatment, my approach is drawn from a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness based techniques, Positive Psychology principles, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Schema Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). I am registered with Medicare to provide services under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative.
When not in the office, I can be found running around after two cheeky kids and am the proud owner of two lovely labradoodles. When I’m not working you can find me in a large body of water or in nature. I enjoy keeping active through running, swimming and netball and am partial to a good coffee and almond croissant.
My Values
HONESTY, COMPASSION, CONNECTION, CURIOSITY AND HUMOUR.
Where I can assist
I work with adolescents, families, adults and athletes and see individuals across the full spectrum of mental health from illness to wellness.
I work with varying mental health difficulties but also support others with overall wellbeing through building reflective capacity, enhancing self-awareness and assisting with strategies to support personal growth.
Where I can assist
I work with adolescents, families, adults and athletes and see individuals across the full spectrum of mental health from illness to wellness.
I work with varying mental health difficulties but also support others with overall wellbeing through building reflective capacity, enhancing self-awareness and assisting with strategies to support personal growth.
General Wellbeing & Performance
Stress Management
Interpersonal & Relationship Difficulties
Self-Confidence/Perfectionism
Parenting
Peri-Natal & Post-Natal Health
Body Image/Disordered Eating
Anxiety & Mood Disorders
School Issues & Social Difficulties
Behavioural Difficulties/Anger
Grief & Loss
Attachment Difficulties & Trauma
Addictions (Drug, Alcohol, Gambling)
Transitions & Adjustment Challenges
Rehabilitation/Injury
When we meet
It is normal to experience a range of emotions when seeing a psychologist for the first time, or recommencing treatment with a new psychologist. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
At the first appointment, you will be met with respect, warmth and understanding. I will take the time to get to know you, explore and understand your concerns before collaboratively developing an individualised plan for treatment.
The therapeutic process is different for everyone, so the number of sessions you may need will depend on your individual circumstances including yours needs, goals for treatment, resources, supports and motivation. We will collaboratively review your progress throughout the treatment, and I will assist in finding the best approach to meeting your goals.
When we meet
It is normal to experience a range of emotions when seeing a psychologist for the first time, or recommencing treatment with a new psychologist. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
At the first appointment, you will be met with respect, warmth and understanding. I will take the time to get to know you, explore and understand your concerns before collaboratively developing an individualised plan for treatment.
The therapeutic process is different for everyone, so the number of sessions you may need will depend on your individual circumstances including yours needs, goals for treatment, resources, supports and motivation. We will collaboratively review your progress throughout the treatment, and I will assist in finding the best approach to meeting your goals.
Referrals
Individuals are very welcome to call and arrange an appointment without a referral.
Referrals are also welcomed from GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, school counsellors/welfare coordinators, other health professionals, and sporting organisations.
Please note whilst I do see some clients through EAP, I don’t see third parties such as Workcover, NDIS, TAC or Victims of Crime. I also don’t see clients solely for the purposes of assessments and don’t do court reports.
Fees & Rebates
A standard session runs for 50 minutes. For information regarding fees please make contact with the clinic.
Medicare
Prior to your first appointment, you may like to see your GP to assess if you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This entitles you to a rebate of $137.05 per session, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
To process your rebate, a copy of your referral letter and MHCP from your GP is required. You can request that your GP send this directly, you can email it, or you are welcome to bring it with you on the day of your first appointment.
Private Health
A partial rebate may also be available through your private health insurance. It is best to contact your health insurance provider directly to discuss whether your policy includes psychological services extras cover.
Please note that rebates through your private health insurance are not available on consultations where a Medicare rebate is being claimed.
Fees & Rebates
A standard session with Sarah will run for 50 minutes. For information regarding fees please make contact with the clinic.
Medicare
Prior to your first appointment, you may like to see your GP to assess if you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This entitles you to a rebate of $137.05 per session, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
To process your rebate, a copy of your referral letter and MHCP from your GP is required. You can request that your GP send this directly, you can email it, or you are welcome to bring it with you on the day of your first appointment.
Private Health
A partial rebate may also be available through your private health insurance. It is best to contact your health insurance provider directly to discuss whether your policy includes psychological services extras cover.
Please note that rebates through your private health insurance are not available on consultations where a Medicare rebate is being claimed.
Telehealth
Appointments can take place online via video consultation. Medicare and private health funds have committed to funding online therapy services.
If you would prefer your appointment to be conducted via telehealth, please advise of this when making an appointment and a link will be sent in your appointment reminder that will allow you to access the appointment online using a computer, iPad or phone. Appointments comply with privacy laws and will not be recorded. Coviu is the platform that is used for telehealth consultations due to its high level of security and stability.
Research demonstrates that therapeutic interventions delivered online can be just as effective in reducing psychological symptoms and distress, and improving functioning, as interventions delivered face to face.
Visit Sarah
The Revitalise Centre
7-9 Bardolph Street
Glen Iris, VIC
Get in Touch
To make an appointment or for general enquires:
call: 0411 840 586
fax: (03) 9005 2793
email: hello@sarahrussopsychology.com.au
Please be aware that Dr Sarah Russo does not provide an emergency or crisis service. In the event of a mental health emergency please refer to these resources.
