“WE ARE NOT AT HOME IN OUR DWELLING BUT WHERE WE ARE UNDERSTOOD”

“Thank You for choosing South Perth Counselling & Psychological Services. We Value being a part of your Mental Fitness Journey.”

At SOUTH PERTH COUNSELLING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES we provide Counselling, Psychotherapy, Psychological Treatment, Psychological Assessments, Psychological Reports and Medico Legal Reports to those experiencing a personal crisis, relationship challenges, grief or loss, legal issues, work related difficulties or have been the victim of a crime within the Perth area and Nationally across Australia. We offer Boutique Psychological Services with a Highly Regarded Reputation among local GPs, Legal Agencies and Insurers. Our Vision is to assist and support individuals, couples and adolescents facing interpersonal challenges, improve their circumstances, quality of life and mental health fitness, move through the life cycles more effectively and help them to explore and achieve their short and long term goals. Medicare supports eligible clients who gain a Mental Health Care Plan referral from their GP for up to 10 Sessions Annually and Private Health Fund Rebates also apply to all appointments with our Psychologists. Our Mature and Highly Trained Psychologists also specialise in providing Medico-legal Psychological Assessments, Reports and Treatment Plans to Legal or Insurance Agencies, those who have been a Victim of Crime or those on Partner Visas whom have experienced Domestic Violence. Additionally we provide Psychological Assessments to Adults and Teens presenting with Neurodiverse Conditions (Autism Spectrum, Aspergers &/or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders) or those wanting to apply for Disability Pensions or NDIS Funding for their mental health &/or physical conditions.

We provide Onsite Face to Face Sessions at a variety of Perth Metropolitan Clinics and Remote Services via Video Linkup or Telephone – each designed to suit your individual need. For Video or Telephone Sessions, please ensure you have downloaded the free WhatsApp Program on your laptop, tablet or smart phone prior to your appointment.

Medicare REBATES apply to all sessions with our Psychologists if you have a Formal Referral under a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Patients generally receive a Rebate of between $99 and $233 back from Medicare which enters their bank account the following day. The rebate amount received depends on your current Medicare Threshold. Please speak directly to Medicare Services Australia to ascertain your exact rebate for your sessions but generally low income earners are eligible for the higher rebate. Private Health Rebates may also apply if you have coverage for ‘Registered Psychologists’ under your Private Health Fund. For those attending as Private Patients, please contact your Private Health Fund Provider to check whether your specific policy covers you for Registered Psychologists and the Rebate amount they will pay per session.

For Cancellations, Non Attendances or Rescheduling appointments at our clinic, please note we have Strict Policies in place (unless emergency or illness) so please ensure you provide at least 48 Business Hours Notice to any changes, to avoid a cancellation fee.

PLEASE NOTE: Fees are to be PAID IN FULL on the day of your appointment (unless you have provided formal approval from your employer or insurer to cover the cost of your sessions). See below for Schedule of Fees Table. Whilst we can provide reduced fees in some rare cases (ie: Should your financial situation change significantly over the course of therapy), these circumstances are assessed during the session appointment at the discretion of our Psychologists, may only be a temporary measure until your financial situation improves or a new therapist is found to suit your financial circumstances. Please be aware reduced fees are often limited if we have reached ‘full capacity’. PLEASE BE AWARE – WE DO NOT OFFER BULK BILLING SERVICES. If you are seeking a Considerable Fee Reduction for Psychological Services, PLEASE DO NOT BOOK an appointment at our clinic and contact your local ‘NOT FOR PROFIT’ or ‘PUBLIC HEALTH’ Agency for Psychological Services at Reduced or Bulk Billing Rates. Please note there is generally a wait list for these services.

For ALL NEW CLIENTS, please ensure you book your appointment at least 3 days ahead as we have stringent screening processes (Online Intake Forms) in place to ensure that patients have been appropriately referred by their GP or are deemed suited to the services offered at our clinic. In rare situations, we have the right to refuse your case and appointment and refer you to ‘an alternative agency’ or ‘back to your GP’ as a means to provide ‘the best possible care to client needs and their presenting conditions’.

PLEASE NOTE: We DO NOT TOLERATE clients who engage in hostile, aggressive or abusive behaviour directed toward any staff member at our clinic and this will result in an ‘immediate termination of services’ and a formalised handover process to a better suited therapist or program.

For further information See our FAQs and FACT SHEETS Pages.

Our Team

Tess Tholstrup Senior Psychologist

B.Ed., B.Psych., Dip Psych., Cert Workplace Training, M.Couns.,ECU/MU, MAPS

PROVIDER No 2936405K (Inglewood Clinic)

 

Tess Tholstrup (Senior Psychologist)

With over 25 years of experience in Counselling, Mental Health education, Leadership, Professional Coaching and Workshop Facilitation, Tess is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional psychological care to adults from all walks of life. She welcomes clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, faiths, and life stages, offering a safe and supportive space to those experiencing an interpersonal crisis to navigate through life’s challenges.

Known for her warm, collaborative approach, Tess’s methodology incorporates a ‘walking alongside you’ style – not just as a therapist, but as a trusted guide. She listens deeply, helping you uncover personalised goals, strategies, and solutions that empower you to live with greater ease and purpose. The tools and techniques she shares are grounded in research and tailored to your unique personality and circumstances—because there is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental well-being.

Tess is regarded as a highly trained professional and importantly, has applied her knowledge to develop and implement strategies that facilitate change and alleviate suffering. Tess offers empathetic listening and collaborates with clients to create goals and strategies to reduce distress and promote solutions that ultimately enhance their lives. She provides techniques and guidance tailored to individual needs, including alternative ways of thinking, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness techniques, narrative therapy, and reminiscent therapy.

Tess’s qualifications in education, psychology, and counselling, combined with her extensive practical experience, enable her to offer evidence-based support tailored to individual needs. Her collaborative and compassionate approach empowers clients to overcome challenges and achieve personal growth.

Her psychotherapeutic approach is relaxed, confident, highly skilled and competent. Tess has extensive experience working with individuals facing difficulties such as depression, anxiety, workplace stress, relationship issues, trauma, health challenges, health anxiety, grief and loss, sexual abuse, and eating disorders. Tess offers reliable support, providing a calming and motivated environment to foster change.

Her expertise is further enriched by her own lived experience, enabling her to develop practical, personalised strategies that genuinely resonate with clients. She specialises in helping individuals move through discomfort and suffering, transforming difficulties into opportunities for growth and meaning.

Her academic background, combined with extensive hands-on experience, has allowed her to offer evidence-based support tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Tess is eligible for Medicare and Private Health Rebates and provides the following therapeutic interventions:
• Solution-focused therapy
• Cognitive Behaviour therapy
• Modifying negative or self-critical thinking
• Mindfulness techniques
• Narrative therapy
• Reminiscence therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR)

Specialty Areas include:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief/Loss
• Trauma
• Work Stress
• Relationship Issues
• Eating Disorders
• Neurodiverse Support & Formal Assessments (Autism and ADHD)
• Psychological Assessments & Medico Legal Reports

Additionally, Tess is experienced in organisational psychology, specialising in interventions for individuals, groups, and leadership teams. Her work includes designing and executing programs to achieve significant impact at both individual and organisational levels. Tess has collaborated with national and international organisations across various sectors, implementing interventions to develop leaders and drive sustainable behaviour change.

Her expertise extends to executive coaching, team alignment, cultural assessment and plan development. Tess has logged over 1500 coaching hours, debriefed numerous profiles, facilitated workshops, and mentored other consultants. Current projects focus on culture alignment through leadership development, coaching sessions for executives, team capacity building, and comprehensive culture assessments.

Tess’s Interests include renovating, gardening, nature, travel, sustainability and spending time with her much loved pets, family and friends.

Tess’s style is relaxed, confident, and attuned to your needs. For added comfort, her therapy dog, Shorty, may join sessions to provide additional warmth and reassurance.

Tess is eligible for Medicare & Private Health Fund Rebates.

Amela Pehlic Psychologist

B.Sc.Psych., BA.Psych., Grad Dip Psych, ECU/MU, MAPS.

PROVIDER No 6610583L (Dianella Clinic)

 

Amela Pehlic (Psychologist)

With over 10 years of experience in Counselling, Psychological Treatment and Mental Health education, Amela is a dedicated professional providing compassionate psychological care to adolescents and adults. She welcomes clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, faiths, and life stages, offering a safe and supportive space to those experiencing an interpersonal crisis and to navigate through life’s challenges.

Known for her warm, collaborative approach, Amela’s methodology incorporates a ‘no-one should face challenges alone’ therapeutic style. She cares deeply for her clients, by providing a non-judgemental, compassionate and empathetic safe space for all individuals aiming to help them to gain strategies, and solutions that empower them to face their challenges with gentle precision. Amela believes that being open and willing to engage in therapy is the first step in the right direction towards healing. She is a valuable member of the team and is a highly regarded trained professional specialising in working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, OCD-like symptoms, OCD and OCPD.

Her psychotherapeutic approach is relaxed, confident, highly skilled and competent. Amela has experience working with individuals facing difficulties such as depression, anxiety, OCD, workplace stress, relationship issues, trauma, health challenges, health anxiety, grief and loss, sexual abuse, and eating disorders. Her expertise and highly trained background, combined with extensive hands-on experience, has allowed her to offer evidence-based support tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Amela’s previous experience has included working with children, adolescents and adults through the disability, workplace rehabilitation, fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) and the corporate, government and private psychology sectors.

Amela has a special interest in working with adolescents and adults presenting with neurodiversity (OCD, ADHD, ASD), anxiety disorders and providing trauma-informed care.

Amela is eligible for Medicare and Private Health Rebates and provides the following therapeutic interventions:
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
• Attachment-based Interventions
• Interpersonal Therapy
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Couples Therapy
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) & skills training
• Motivational Interviewing
• Mindfulness-based Therapies
• Solution-focused therapy

Specialty Areas include:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• OCD
• Grief/Loss
• Trauma
• Work Stress
• Relationship Issues
• Eating Disorders
• Neurodiverse Support & Formal Assessments (Autism and ADHD)
• Psychological Assessments & Medico Legal Reports

Amela’s Interests include travel and spending time with her much loved pets, family and friends.

Amela is eligible for Medicare & Private Health Fund Rebates and predominantly provides Telehealth (Video or Telephone) Appointments via her Home based Office.

Dr Anne Becker Senior Psychologist

B.Ed., B.Psych, Beh Sc, Lang, M.Couns, PHd. Phil., Curtin, Notre Dame & Swinburne Universities, MAPS

PROVIDER No. 6279183K (Victoria Park Clinic)

 

Dr Anne Becker (Senior Psychologist)

Anne has an extensive background working in Education and Psychology, is fluent in the Japanese Language and has a considerable passion for Japanese Culture. Anne’s previous working roles include Distance Education (SIDE) and Psychological Services (Assessments, Support and Treatment) for remote students, Employee Assistance Provider (EAP), working with youth based within the Prison System and as a School Psychologist at a variety of local Perth based Private and Public Schools.

Anne has broad range of counselling and psychological skills as a result of working extensively with adults, teenagers and children in her past roles within a therapeutic, mentorship and supportive environment. Her gentle, calm, confident and compassionate demeanour assists clients to work through the psychotherapuetic process safely and at their own pace, empowering themselves yet leaving each session with some tools to assist and improve their situation. Anne has extensive nationwide Qualifications, Diploma’s and Accreditations from a wide variety of Universities which have included Distance Education, Advocacy, Mentoring young girls and her students to build self-worth and confidence in order to lead successful lives within the community which included common issues such as enhancing peer and family relationships, body image, leadership and making positive choices. Whilst Anne assists with a broad range of psychological and life challenges she has a special gift in working with adults and children who have experienced trauma and grief.

Anne provides Medico Legal Assessments and Reports for our Clinic remotely via Telehealth (Video) Sessions and is eligible for Medicare & Private Health Rebates.

Lisa Admin Lisa is a highly skilled Admin Assistant to the team resulting from an extensive employment history within the Mental Health Industry. She works from her home residence remotely, providing email, telephone, online assistance, support and referrals to patients, families, GPs, legal teams, employers and insurers seeking information regarding the Psychological Services we provide at our clinic, screening processes in place and how to book appointments online. She also provides resources to patients, updates our website regularly and edits the team’s Medico-Legal Psychological Reports so that these are prepared in time for strict court dates, lawyers, insurers and compensation agencies as required.

Kiara Senior Practice Manager BSc (Nursing), BSc (Bio Medical Science) – Murdoch University Kiara has an extensive background working in Local Perth Based Public and Private Emergency Medical Services, Psychology Administration and Theatre Nursing at a Private Perth Hospital. Kiara has a passion for providing high quality patient care within the Medical Sector.

Our Psychologists at South Perth Counselling & Psychological Services predominantly see clients and patients attending for the following services:

• General Counselling following an Interpersonal Challenge, Crisis, Relationship Issue or the Loss of a Loved one

• Patients referred by their GPs, Psychiatrist or other Allied Medical Professional under Mental Health Care Plans to gain psychological treatment or assessment for a temporary, prolonged or chronic Mental Health Condition

• Patients referred by their GPs or Privately who require a Psychological Assessment & Report for a Criminal Injury Compensation Claim. Ie: Those who have been the Victim of a Violent Crime. We can also provide assistance with completing the CIC Application Forms or applying on behalf of those patients for who may be linguistically or intellectually challenged

• Self-Referred clients who wish to claim a Rebate from their Private Health Fund or those seeking Anonymity

• Employees facing physical &/or psychological distress following a Workplace Incident (Bullying, Discrimination etc) or a MV Accident

• Autism Spectrum, Aspergers & ADD/ADHD Formal Assessments for Adults & Teens (NDIS applications/Psychiatrist)

• Disability Support Pension (DSP) Applications

• The General Public for Life Coaching

• Business Owners or Managers seeking Professional/Life Coaching to improve their interpersonal skills and effectively achieve their professional goals (sessions are fully tax deductible)

• High profile clients who are seeking Confidential Psychological Support, Counselling or Life Coaching

• Health Practitioners seeking Professional Supervision, Counselling, Psychotherapy or Life Coaching

• Health Practitioners who have received a public complaint and as a result are required by the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA) or their Employer to undergo Professional Supervision in order to address any non-compliance issues and improve their skills under their specific professional guidelines

MEDICO-LEGAL ASSESSMENTS
• Those who have experienced a Motor Vehicle Accident and claiming Psychological Services via their Insurer and may require a Psychological Report & Treatment Plan for a pending legal case

• Those who are/have been the victim of Domestic Violence within their intimate relationship and wish to make a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim or those under a Spousal Partner Visa who require a Psychological Assessment & Report to gain an exemption to remain in Australia as a Permanent Resident

• Those who have been the Victim of a Violent Crime and require a Psychological Assessment & Report for a Criminal Injury Compensation (CIC) Claim. We can also provide assistance with completing the CIC Application Forms for those who may be linguistically or intellectually challenged in addition to applying on behalf of the patient

• Those who have been charged with a Crime and require a Psychological Report or MHCP Referral for Treatment under an S14 Application for Legal Purposes in order to potentially eliminate or reduce their charges, community or prison sentence under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020

• Fitness for Work Assessments. At times, Employers may request their employee attend our clinic for a ‘Fitness for Work Mental Health Assessment if it is determined that they may be unable to undertake or perform their essential duties for their working role.

• General Medico-Legal Assessments

Consistent feedback from the Medical, Legal, Private/Public Community Services and Clients utilising our service over the last 20 years has revealed that staff at SOUTH PERTH COUNSELLING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES have consistently upheld a highly respected, valued, positive, competent, ethical, diligent and professional reputation within the community not only procedurally but therapeutically which likely results from staff being handpicked by management as holding ‘exceptional self awareness, therapeutic, counselling & psychological skills’ in conjunction to staff regularly updating these skills by utilising the latest evidence based practice techniques and attending regular professional supervision. Clients report a significant improvement in their general well being, ability to handle stress better, find solutions to their interpersonal crisis, moving easier through life phases and the development of more effective coping skills and resilience with support from our team of therapists.

Our practitioners at SOUTH PERTH COUNSELLING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES are all experienced, highly trained, qualified professionals. All counselling sessions are held in the strictest confidence and our centre is committed to providing a high quality of care within a professional, compassionate & respectful environment. Whilst we accept GP Referrals, we also accept Private Cases where a Health Practitioner has been the subject of a Formal Complaints Process by their Regulatory State or National Board and facing significant interpersonal challenges perhaps to their ‘confidence’, professional reputation or this is impacting their family, mental health and livelihood as a result.

PSYCHOLOGIST FEES July 1st 2025 (Medicare & Private Rebates apply)

PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

PLEASE NOTE: Report Fees can be paid once your Injuries Claim is Settled in ‘some cases’ upon request. For those patients applying for a Criminal Injuries Compensation (CIC) Claim, please tick the ‘Interim Payment ($2250)’ box which will be paid directly to us for the majority of the Psychological Report Cost. Please discuss with your Psychologist during your Initial Assessment Session. Psychological Report Fees Range from $530-$2500 depending on the type of report required and time taken to complete these whilst adhering to Industry and Legal Requirements.

We accept formal or informal referrals for those clients seeking Psychological Assessments (Autism Spectrum, Aspergers, ADD/ADHD, Neurodiverse Conditions & Disability Support Pension (DSP) Applications as well as Borderline Personality Disorder Formal Assessments for Adults), Medico-Legal Assessments or Rehabilitational Treatment Plans as covered or required by the following agencies:

• Medicare following a GP Referral under a Mental Health Care Plan
• Private Health Funds
• Worker’s Compensation
• Work Cover or Risk Cover
• The Australian Insurance Commission (ICWA)
• The Criminal, Family or Civil Court of W.A
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Applications for Victims of Crime or a Crime causing the Death of a Loved One
• Spousal Visa applications where Domestic Violence has been perpetuated by the Sponsor partner
• Dealing with an AHPRA Notification (Formal Complaint). Advice, Support, Professional Coaching and Responding to your Notification
• NDIS – Adult Cases
• Family Court Cases

IMPORTANT NOTE: We DO NOT Provide Psychological Treatment, Professional Supervision or Reports for the following clients:

• The Department for Veteran Affairs
• Chronically Suicidal – Attempts/Ideation (unless seeing a Psychiatrist or Formalised Treatment Program relating to their condition)
• Acute Psychiatric Conditions ie: Schizophrenia, Dissociative Disorder or Complex Trauma Cases
• Psychological Supervision for those requiring AHPRA Board Appointed Registration (4+2 Program)
• Parents seeking Educational or Comprehensive Clinical Psychological Assessments for their children*Please refer to Psychological and Educational Consultancy Services (PECS), The Brain Box, or The Cygnet Clinic for these Formal Child Educational Assessments and please be aware that there are often considerable costs surrounding these types of assessments. If you are seeking a Psychological Learning & Educational Assessment for your child who displays ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysphraxia, Gifted traits or any other Learning/Cognitive Challenge affecting them – Please contact Local Psychologist Terry Andrews at Black Swan Psychology Willetton on 0416 863 658. Alternatively, if financial restraints prohibit your ability to pay for Assessment/Report costs, please contact your local public child health service to be placed on their waitlist.

We are not an emergency, after hours, suicide or crisis service. Please contact your local hospital emergency department or mental health unit if you are feeling physically or psychologically unsafe.

We also have a range of Employee Assistant Provider (EAP) Programs to suit small to medium businesses.

At SOUTH PERTH COUNSELLING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, we pride ourselves on being a Carbon Neutral Business and subsequently following Sustainable Business Practices. Help us give Mother Nature relief. We celebrate actions that also contribute to the Healing of our Amazing Planet Earth.