Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition — but with integrated treatment including psychological therapy, many people with schizophrenia achieve meaningful recovery and quality of life.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne provide evidence-based psychological support for people with schizophrenia 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.
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterised by positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, disorganised speech or behaviour), negative symptoms (reduced motivation, social withdrawal, flattened affect), and cognitive symptoms (impaired memory, attention, and executive function) (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Psychological support for schizophrenia addresses:
People with schizophrenia commonly experience:
Recovery in schizophrenia is possible and more common than is often assumed. Longitudinal studies show that 25–35% of people with schizophrenia achieve full social recovery and up to 50% achieve significant clinical improvement (Häfner & an der Heiden, 2003).
Antipsychotic medication reduces positive symptoms in most people — but does not fully address the distress from persistent symptoms, negative symptoms, social recovery, or the psychological impact of the diagnosis (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014). Psychological therapy is a recommended addition to medication in all major guidelines.
Psychological therapy:
CBT for psychosis is recommended in international guidelines as a core component of schizophrenia treatment (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014).
Our psychologists use approaches recommended in schizophrenia treatment guidelines:
The most evidence-based psychological treatment for schizophrenia (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014). CBTp reduces symptom distress, improves insight, and builds coping strategies for positive symptoms. Also addresses the cognitive distortions associated with paranoia and unusual beliefs.
Systematically increases engagement in valued activities to address the withdrawal, reduced motivation, and social isolation characteristic of negative symptoms. Effective for improving quality of life and day-to-day functioning (Grant et al., 2012).
Providing accurate, evidence-based information about schizophrenia to family members — and building communication and problem-solving skills — significantly reduces relapse rates and improves family functioning (Pharoah et al., 2010).
Systematic identification of individual early warning signs and high-risk situations, and development of a written relapse prevention plan. Significantly reduces relapse and hospitalisation rates (Birchwood et al., 2000).
We work alongside psychiatrists, case managers, and mental health teams. Psychological therapy complements, and does not replace, medical management.
Your first appointment explores your experience of schizophrenia, your current support, and your goals. We work at a pace that suits you and in full collaboration with your mental health team.
We communicate with your treating psychiatrist or case manager with your consent to ensure coordinated care.
Telehealth is available — particularly useful for people with limited mobility or social anxiety.
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.
Can psychology actually help with schizophrenia?
Yes. CBTp is recommended in all major schizophrenia treatment guidelines and produces significant improvements in symptom distress, functioning, and quality of life. Psychological therapy is a core part of best-practice schizophrenia treatment.
Can I see a psychologist alongside my psychiatrist?
Absolutely. Psychological therapy is designed to complement medication management. We communicate with your treating psychiatrist with your consent.
Can I access Medicare rebates?
Yes. A GP referral for a Mental Health Care Plan is required. Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are within the scope of Medicare-rebated psychological therapy.
Recovery is possible. Psychological therapy can help you build a meaningful life alongside your condition.
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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
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
Grant, P. M., Huh, G. A., Perivoliotis, D., Stolar, N. M., & Beck, A. T. (2012). Randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive therapy for low-functioning patients with schizophrenia. Archives of General Psychiatry, 69(2), 121–127. https://doi.org/10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.129
Häfner, H., & an der Heiden, W. (2003). Course and outcome of schizophrenia. In S. R. Hirsch & D. R. Weinberger (Eds.), Schizophrenia (2nd ed., pp. 101–141). Blackwell Science.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2014). Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: Prevention and management (NICE Clinical Guideline CG178). NICE.
Pharoah, F., Mari, J., Rathbone, J., & Wong, W. (2010). Family intervention for schizophrenia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12, CD000088. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000088.pub3
