Psychological treatment for offending behaviour addresses the underlying factors driving harmful actions — and the evidence shows it works. Whether court-ordered or self-referred, evidence-based psychological treatment reduces reoffending and supports rehabilitation.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne provide evidence-based psychological assessment and treatment for offending behaviour across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Forensic and offending behaviour psychology applies psychological knowledge to understanding and reducing harmful behaviour that brings people into contact with the justice system. Treatment addresses the psychological risk factors and underlying drivers of offending — including trauma, substance use, emotional dysregulation, cognitive distortions, and attachment difficulties (Andrews & Bonta, 2010).
Presentations we assess and treat include:
Offending behaviour is rarely the product of a single cause. Common contributing factors include:
Evidence-based psychological treatment addressing criminogenic risk factors reduces reoffending by 10–30% depending on the presentation (Andrews & Bonta, 2010).
Evidence-based offending behaviour treatment is guided by the Risk–Need–Responsivity (RNR) model, which identifies: Risk (matching treatment intensity to level of risk), Need (targeting criminogenic needs that directly drive offending), and Responsivity (adapting treatment to the individual’s characteristics, strengths, and learning style) (Andrews & Bonta, 2010).
Effective treatment:
CBT-based offending behaviour programmes produce the largest reductions in recidivism of any psychological approach (Landenberger & Lipsey, 2005).
Our psychologists use approaches with the strongest evidence for rehabilitation:
Targets the cognitive distortions, problem-solving deficits, and skill gaps associated with offending. CBT-based programmes produce the largest reductions in recidivism of any psychological intervention (Landenberger & Lipsey, 2005). Includes modules on victim empathy, consequence thinking, and prosocial attitudes.
Addresses the unresolved childhood and adult trauma that underlies much persistent offending — including PTSD, complex trauma, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Trauma treatment is often essential for sustainable rehabilitation (Ardino, 2012).
Where substance use is a contributing factor to offending — as it is in the majority of violent and acquisitive offending — addressing substance use through Motivational Interviewing, CBT for addiction, and relapse prevention is an integral part of offending behaviour treatment.
Standardised actuarial and structured professional judgement risk assessments for violence, sexual offending, and general recidivism risk. Reports suitable for court, parole, and sentence management purposes. We are experienced in producing reports that are legally defensible and clinically rigorous.
We provide court reports, sentencing submissions, and parole assessment letters where required.
Your first appointment is a comprehensive assessment — exploring your offending history, the underlying factors, and your goals for treatment.
Treatment is voluntary where not court-ordered, and the approach is collaborative. Many people who have offended want to change — effective treatment supports that process.
We provide court admissible letters confirming attendance and progress where legally required.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Is what I share with my psychologist confidential?
Yes — with important limits. Sessions are confidential except for standard duty of care obligations and any specific court-ordered reporting requirements discussed at the outset. Your psychologist will clarify confidentiality limits in detail at the first session.
Do I have to have offended to access this service?
No. People who are concerned about their own potential to act harmfully — for example, intrusive thoughts about violence or harmful behaviour — can also access support proactively.
Can I access Medicare for offending behaviour treatment?
Yes, where underlying mental health conditions (depression, PTSD, substance use disorder, personality disorder) are the primary focus of treatment. A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP is required.
Change is possible — and it starts with the right support.
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Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2010). The psychology of criminal conduct (5th ed.). LexisNexis/Matthew Bender.
Ardino, V. (2012). Offending behaviour: The role of trauma and PTSD. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 3, 18968. https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v3i0.18968
Landenberger, N. A., & Lipsey, M. W. (2005). The positive effects of cognitive-behavioral programs for offenders: A meta-analysis of factors associated with effective treatment. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 1(4), 451–476. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-005-3541-7
