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Alyson Hicks

Clinical Psychologist

Online psychological therapy for adults

Medicare rebates available

Call Alyson
How Therapy Works
Call Alyson
How Therapy Works

Therapy is a space to slow down, make sense, and explore ways to enrich your life.

A thoughtful, collaborative approach

You might be reading this because something in your life feels unmanageable or difficult to change. Perhaps you are troubled by familiar patterns in relationships, struggling with difficult emotions, or living with persistent anxiety or stress. 

My practice exists to offer a calm, respectful space where you can slow down, speak openly, and be heard. Together, we make sense of what's happening in your life. We may explore what you need to feel safer, more grounded, and more connected to the people and things that matter to you.

Therapy here is collaborative and gentle. It focuses on helping you understand yourself better, develop practical skills, and create small but meaningful shifts that last.

Hi, I’m Alyson

In my clinical psychology practice, I work with adults facing a wide range of life challenges. I have a particular interest in supporting people who experience long-standing difficulties in relationships, self-defeating beliefs or behaviours, and difficult emotions, often rooted in the past. My aim is to help people understand how their past influences the present, and to build skills to create the life they want to live.

Your emotional safety is very important to me. I provide a confidential, private space where you can talk openly, and be met with acceptance and empathy without feeling judged. I aim to really listen – to be fully present with you. I take time to understand what life is like for you. We work together to achieve what you want from therapy, drawing on your existing strengths and learning new skills and ways of thinking.

In therapy, I use a range of evidence‑based approaches. At the same time, therapy is flexible and uniquely tailored to you. Your life experiences, personality, needs, hopes, and challenges shape how we work. I regularly check in with you to ensure we are on the right track, working on what is important to you.

A bit about me

I am a registered clinical psychologist with experience working with adults across a broad range of psychological concerns. My work is grounded in evidence-based practice and guided by a commitment to ethical, professional care.

I have worked as a clinical psychologist for the past 15 years and feel privileged to support people in many different stages of life and from diverse backgrounds. Over this time, I have worked in group private practice and in services supporting young people and their families. 

Before becoming a psychologist, I spent over a decade working with children, young people, and families in government and community settings. Those years gave me an appreciation for the strengths people draw on in the face of challenges, as well as the many pressures that can affect families.

I also spent a year teaching psychology at an international school in Ethiopia, where I loved learning from people of different cultural backgrounds and perspectives.

These experiences continue to shape how I work today — with empathy, open-mindedness, and genuine respect for each person’s unique story.

Qualifications

  • Master of Psychology (Clinical)
  • Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Professional Registrations and Membership

  • Registration and Endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PSY0001609063)
  • Registration to provide psychology services with Medicare (4356929Y)
  • Member of the Australian Psychological Society

Services

I provide online psychological therapy for adults, tailored to individual needs and guided by evidence-based practice.

I offer help with:

  • Anxiety & panic
  • Social anxiety
  • Worry
  • Depression
  • Low mood or motivation
  • Trauma
  • Complex PTSD
  • Grief and loss
  • Stress and burnout
  • Life transitions and adjustment
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Self-esteem and self-criticism
  • Perfectionism
  • Emotional regulation
  • Coping with chronic illness
  • Work-related stress
  • Parenting challenges
  • Sleep problems
  • Faith-related issues
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Therapeutic
Approaches

I draw from a range of clinical approaches, including the following:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A structured, goal-oriented approach that helps you identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour, aimed at improving your emotional wellbeing and problem-solving skills.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

A form of CBT focused on increasing your psychological flexibility and wellbeing. This approach teaches you to remain present, become more accepting of difficult thoughts and emotions, and commit to actions which are guided by your values.

Schema Therapy

An integrative approach that helps identify and change deeply rooted patterns (or 'schemas') which negatively affect how you think, feel and relate to yourself and others. It combines cognitive, experiential and interpersonal techniques designed to heal those patterns and support healthier ways of coping and connecting.

Phased Relationship-Based Approach for Complex Trauma

Longer-term therapy for complex trauma resulting from recurring or chronic adverse experiences in childhood. A safe, trusting relationship between you and your therapist provides the foundation for recovery. The phases of therapy are establishing safety and emotional stability; coming to terms with the past; and growing healthy connections with yourself and others.

Family Systems Theory

An approach which views individuals in the context of their relationships and family. We identify how patterns within your family of origin influence you and your intimate and family relationships now. An understanding of these patterns enables the development of healthier communication and connections with others.

Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. It is uniquely tailored to you. It may draw from one or more of the clinical approaches mentioned here, or others that best fit your needs.

As I get to know you, I will recommend approaches I believe would be helpful, and we will discuss them together before deciding on the best path forward. Throughout our work, I will regularly check in with you to ensure the pace feels right and that therapy remains helpful.

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FAQs

How long are sessions?

The first session usually runs for 50 - 60 minutes. Subsequent sessions run for 50 minutes.

What is the cost of therapy?

The cost of a standard 50-minute session is $215.

Fees vary for short or longer sessions and for people receiving services covered by a third party (e.g. NDIS).

There are substantial Medicare rebates for psychology sessions for people referred by their doctor under Medicare's Better Access Initiative.

How do Medicare rebates work?

To find out if you are eligible for Medicare rebates, you need to see your GP or psychiatrist. If you are eligible, they will provide you with a referral letter to see a psychologist under Medicare's Better Access Initiative. Your GP will also provide you with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) along with the referral letter.

A valid referral under Better Access allows you to claim up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. The current Medicare rebate for a clinical psychologist is $145.25 per session. This leaves you with a gap fee of $69.75 per session.

To process your Medicare rebate, I will need a copy of your referral letter (and MHCP, if referred by a GP) before your first session. Once full payment has been received for each session, I will process the Medicare rebate for you.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see me. You are welcome to book a session privately at any time. However, if you wish to receive Medicare rebates, you will need a referral letter from your GP or psychiatrist asking me to see you under Medicare's Better Access Initiative. 

Can I claim sessions under my private health insurance?

If your private health insurance includes psychology in your extras cover, you may be eligible for rebates. It is best to check directly with your insurer about your eligibility and the rebate amount. Your insurer may also require that you access the 10 sessions under Medicare first, before claiming subsequent sessions under your insurance.

What is online therapy like?

Online therapy is conducted via secure videoconferencing. It is similar to in-person sessions in structure and effectiveness. You will need a private, comfortable space and a reliable internet connection. Many people find online sessions more accessible and easier to fit into their lives.

Is online therapy effective?

Yes - there is a substantial body of research over the past 10 years that has found online therapy to be as effective as in-person therapy. This is the case for individual therapy for people with common mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD).

There are occasions when online therapy is not clinically appropriate. I will discuss with you if I feel this might be the case for you.

What is a clinical psychologist?

Clinical psychologists have additional postgraduate training in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions and psychological problems. They usually complete at least six years of university study followed by a period of supervised practice. They must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and hold a formal clinical endorsement from the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

Clinical psychologists work with people experiencing problems such as anxiety, depression, trauma and other complex or long-term mental health conditions. They use assessments (interviews, questionnaires and psychological tests) to understand a person's difficulties, develop treatment plans and provide evidence-based psychological therapies, whilst monitoring progress over time.

Clinical psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medications. Prescribing of medications is done by psychiatrists and general practitioners.

Is what I share confidential?
Confidentiality is a core part of psychological practice. What you share in sessions remains private, with limited exceptions as required by law or professional guidelines. These limits will be explained clearly before therapy begins.
How do I book an appointment?

You are welcome to either phone me and leave a voice message, or fill out the contact form below.

I will then phone you so we can discuss what you are looking for, answer any questions you may have, and check that my service is suitable for you.

What if I’m unsure whether therapy is right for me?

It is common for people to feel unsure about starting therapy. You are welcome to have a phone conversation with me first and get a sense of what working with me might be like, without any obligation to book an appointment. Or you might choose to begin with one or two sessions only, to see whether online therapy is a good fit for you.

 

Taking the Next Step

If you are considering therapy, you do not need to have everything worked out before reaching out. Whether you are ready to book or simply exploring your options, you are welcome to get in touch.

Alyson Hicks

Clinical Psychologist
Online psychological therapy for adults

  • Postal:
    PO Box 209
    Nelly Bay, QLD, Australia, 4819
  • Mobile:
    0497 856 193
    Mobile Number
  • Office Hours:
    Tuesday: 9am - 5pm
    Wednesday: 9am - 5pm
    Thursday: 9am - 12:30pm
  • ABN:
    77 442 862 271
    Australian Business Number

Contact Form

If you are considering therapy, you're welcome to get in touch by phone or using the form below. I will call you to ask what you would like help with, answer any of your questions, and discuss whether my service may be a food fit for you. 

Please let us know your name.
Please let us know your email address.
Please let us know your phone number.
Please write a subject for your message.
Please let us know your message.
All enquiries are treated with care and confidentiality.