Psychosis is a serious mental health presentation — but it is not untreatable. Psychological therapy plays a critical role in recovery from psychosis, reducing distress, improving functioning, and preventing relapse.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne provide evidence-based psychological support for psychosis and psychotic experiences 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.
Psychosis is a symptom state characterised by a loss of contact with reality — involving hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there), delusions (fixed false beliefs), disorganised thinking, or severely disorganised behaviour (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). It can occur in the context of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, substance use, or as a first episode without prior history.
Psychological support for psychosis addresses:
Psychosis and its aftermath can produce significant psychological difficulties:
Early intervention following first episode psychosis significantly reduces the duration of untreated psychosis and improves long-term outcomes including social, occupational, and clinical recovery (McGorry et al., 2008).
While medication is often a key component of psychosis treatment, psychological therapy addresses dimensions that medication alone does not — including distress about psychotic experiences, negative symptoms, relapse prevention, and social recovery (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014).
Effective psychological treatment for psychosis:
CBT for psychosis (CBTp) is recommended by NICE guidelines and produces significant reductions in psychotic symptom distress and relapse rates (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014).
Our psychologists use approaches with the strongest evidence for psychosis:
The most evidence-based psychological treatment for psychosis (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014). CBTp helps individuals understand their experiences within a normalising framework, develop more flexible responses to distressing beliefs and voices, and build coping strategies that reduce distress and disability.
Helps individuals change their relationship to psychotic experiences — reducing struggle against voices or unusual beliefs and building values-based living alongside them. ACT for psychosis improves quality of life and reduces rehospitalisation (Bach & Hayes, 2002).
Many individuals with psychotic presentations have significant trauma histories — including the trauma of the psychotic episode itself and of coercive treatment. Trauma-informed approaches reduce PTSD symptoms that co-occur with or contribute to psychosis.
Systematic identification of early warning signs, stressors, and protective factors — developing a personalised written relapse prevention plan. Significantly reduces relapse rates and hospitalisation when practised consistently (Birchwood et al., 2000).
We work collaboratively with psychiatrists, case managers, and early psychosis services. Medication support is provided by your treating psychiatrist; psychological therapy is provided by our team.
Your first appointment explores your experiences, your current support, and your goals. We work at a pace that suits you and in collaboration with your broader mental health team.
We are experienced in working alongside medication and specialist services. Psychological therapy is complementary to, not a replacement for, psychiatric care.
Telehealth is available — particularly useful for people managing social anxiety or limited mobility following a psychotic episode.
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 psychological therapy appropriate if I’m currently unwell?
It depends on the level of current distress and functioning. During acute psychosis, stabilisation and medication management typically take priority. As symptoms stabilise, psychological therapy becomes increasingly valuable. Your psychologist will liaise with your treating team.
Do I need a referral?
A GP referral for a Mental Health Care Plan is required to access Medicare rebates. Our psychologists will coordinate with your treating team.
Can psychological therapy reduce my symptoms?
Yes. CBTp reduces the distress and interference of persistent symptoms, reduces relapse rates, and significantly improves quality of life — even where some symptoms persist.
Recovery from psychosis is real. With the right support, people with psychosis build meaningful, satisfying lives.
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American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). APA. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Bach, P., & Hayes, S. C. (2002). The use of acceptance and commitment therapy to prevent the rehospitalization of psychotic patients: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(5), 1129–1139. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.70.5.1129
Birchwood, M., Spencer, E., & McGovern, D. (2000). Schizophrenia: Early warning signs. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 6(2), 93–101. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.6.2.93
McGorry, P. D., Killackey, E., & Yung, A. (2008). Early intervention in psychosis: Concepts, evidence and future directions. World Psychiatry, 7(3), 148–156. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2008.tb00182.x
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2014). Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: Prevention and management (NICE Clinical Guideline CG178). NICE.
