A new University of Tasmania Psychology Clinic in Launceston will improve access to psychology services in Northern Tasmania.
The clinic, located at the University's Newnham Campus, will offer appointments from this month, helping to respond to the demand for psychological services being experienced across the state.
The clinic was officially opened today with industry representatives joining Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black, School of Psychological Sciences' staff and students for the event.
"As a university, we are committed to helping our community meet challenges like the continuing high demand for psychological services across Tasmania," Professor Black said.
"We have expanded access to psychology education so we can train more clinical and professional psychologists, which means we can also expand the community's access to much needed services through this new clinic."
The University expanded its post graduate course offerings in psychology into the North of the state this year, enabling people to study a Masters program in Launceston for the first time.
This allowed the University to open a Northern-based clinic where clients can access psychological services with Masters students, who are under the supervision of an experienced and registered psychologist.
"The new Clinic will provide a vital service to Northern Tasmania and help to continue to grow the mental health workforce in local communities," Professor Black said.
The University's Psychology Clinic provides general and clinical psychology services for mental health issues including anxiety, stress and depression. Cognitive assessments are also available.
The Launceston clinic is an expansion of the Hobart-based Clinic, which provides face-to-face appointments while offering state-wide services via telehealth.
"The University's Psychology Clinics are vital in supporting Tasmania's mental health care workforce," Professor Lisa Foa, Head of the School of Psychological Sciences, said. "Anyone who wants to be a practising psychologist has to train via a University Masters program and training in the University Clinics is essential to completing the program.
"Our Clinic books are currently open, and we are taking referrals. People can either be referred by a health practitioner, or patients may self-refer for therapy services."
Health and education professionals are also able to refer people to the University Psychology Clinic for cognitive assessments.
