Information for GPs and Referring Specialists
Dorian Richards Consultant Psychologist
Professional and caring psychological support for your patients
Dorian Richards
Trusted by a network of GPs
Accessing Professional Mental Health support and treatment is an increasingly important and critical issue in our society. Having a trusted, professional, and caring Psychologist in your referral network enables GP’s to offer effective and timely solutions to their patients Mental Health support needs.
I work closely with a network of trusted GPs both on the Northern Beaches and outside of the local area. I welcome new referrals and I’m always open to building new relationships with both GPs and their patients.
Areas of specialty
What I help people with
Anxiety
depression
STRESS
RELATIONSHIPS
Grief & Loss
Life Changes
Self-esteem
Health Issues and wellness
Men’s Issues
Workplace Issues
Search for Meaning
Pet Grief & Loss
“My counselling approach uses effective psychological tools and strategies tailored specifically to the support needs of each client, with a clear focus on the client-therapist relationship, which research has indicated to be the most important factor in successful therapy.
I collaborate with each client to develop a warm, genuine, empathetic and professional therapeutic alliance. This ensures that counselling is a safe and nurturing place to communicate, explore issues, and make meaningful life changes.”
Dorian’s Practice
Location
Lifestyle Building
Suite 236/ 117 Old Pittwater Road Brookvale NSW 2100
- Close to public transport
- Next to Warringah Mall
- 45 free visitor parking spaces
- Great Café on ground floor
- Chill-out & Reading Pods
- Disability accessible parking and access
- Pet-friendly building
Dorian’s Practice
The counselling space
The practice room has been designed as a calm and welcoming sanctuary away from the stresses of daily life. With comfortable couches and plenty of natural lighting, the space is a warm environment where your patients can feel relaxed and welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of clients do see and what issues do you provide treatment for?
I provide individual counselling and psychological treatment for male and female adults (17+ years). I provide Psychological support and treatment for all generalist areas of counselling. I also have a special interest area of practice for Men’s Issues and Men’s Mental Health.
What Counselling Frameworks do you use with clients?
I use evidence-based techniques shown to improve psychological well-being and empower my clients to cope more effectively with their lives. I select the psychological techniques that research and experience has shown to be most effective for each client and their unique issues.
These psychological techniques may include ACT – Acceptance & Commitment Therapy; MCBT – Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; CBT – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; IPT – Interpersonal Therapy; REBT – Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy; Narrative Therapy; Solution Focused/Brief Therapy; Humanistic/ Rogerian Therapy; Self-Psychology; Family Systems Therapy.
Do you have an area of special interest?
Yes – I have a special interest area in Men’s Issues and Men’s Mental Health. I have additional training and experience in supporting men presenting with a wide range of psychological, relationship, and life issues.
Do you see Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Clients (CALD) clients?
Yes – I have broad experience with CALD & NESB clients and welcome people of all walks of life to my practice.
Do you treat Addictions?
Generally no – I am not an addiction treatment specialist. However, if referred clients’ addictions are generally well managed and stable (or not the primary presenting issue) then referrals for co-morbidities and other issues where addiction, substance abuse, and substance misuse which are co-occurring with the primary presenting problem are suitable.
How long does it take for the client to get an appointment with you?
Time to get a first counselling appointment will depend on the client’s flexibility with their available days and times, etc. Most clients are able to make an appointment within 2-4 weeks however clients in distress, crisis, or at risk are prioritised first for appointment availability. If GPs have a client with urgent support needs, please contact me directly at the time of the referral, and I will prioritise them for their first appointment.
When is your practice open/ hours days available?
My practice is open Monday to Friday between 10am-6pm daily.
Do you offer on-the-spot Medicare rebates for patients?
Yes – the practice offers Medicare Easyclaim/ HICAPS/ EFTPOS facilities onsite.
Do you have disabled parking and access?
Yes – the practice is located in Brookvale in the Lifestyle Working building which has dedicated disability parking underneath. My counselling room has disability and wheelchair accessibility from both the carpark and street levels. The building also has multiple dedicated disability toilet facilities with MLK lock/ key access, with keys also available from Precise Property Building Managers on the Ground Floor.
How do Clients make an appointment with you?
Client Appointments can be made in multiple ways:
• By calling or texting me on 0400 884 920
• Emailing me at [email protected]
Do you Bulk Bill?
No – I provide a provide a premium professional counselling experience with only a limited number of client appointments each day. Bulk-billing is not able to be offered with the current practice service model.
What are your qualifications, professional experience, and memberships?
• Psych (Hons) M. Psych (Couns)
• AHPRA Registered Psychologist PSY0001379699
• Member Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
• Assoc. Member College of Counselling Psychologists
I have over 20 years’ experience providing mental health support to adults including within Hospitals, Community Mental Health Centres, GP/ Medical Clinics, National & State Govt Departments, NGO’s (e.g. Lifeline & Relationships Australia) Universities, and in Private Practice. I am also a current PESCI Panel Assessor through ACRRM – Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.
What’s your Medicare Provider Number?
5042532T
How can I contact you directly?
GP contact requests are treated with priority. Please feel free to phone, text, or email me directly to provide relevant information regarding patient referrals, or to discuss any concerns regarding a client’s mental health needs or circumstances.
Generally, email is the best method of contacting me as I catch up on my emails between counselling sessions. If a phone discussion is preferred, please indicate your general availability for a return call if leaving a voice message and I will in most cases be able to return GP phone calls on the same day.
0400 884 920
[email protected]
FURTHER INFORMATION
Dorian is committed to providing professional counselling support for his clients. Learn more about Dorian’s session pricing structure and government rebates.