Our team of licensed Psychologists service the Atherton Tablelands with offices in Atherton, Mareeba and Ravenshoe. Our psychologists and administration staff at ACT Psychology are locals and are committed to serving you with genuine respect and compassion at the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality to enhance your happiness and well-being. LEX PETERS
Lex comes from a rural background and spent the first 15 years after school working in farming, construction and Qld Rail. He has now worked since 1989 as a psychologist in a variety of settings including Corrections, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Lifeline and Aged Care before moving into Private Practice in Atherton since 2005. Lex holds a B Psych (Hons); MAPS and provides all general psychology services including Anxiety, Depression Stress Management, Relationship Counselling, Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His special interests include Men’s Health, Positive Psychology and Health Related Psychology. LOUISE LERGESNER
Louise has lived most of her life in North Queensland and spent many years as a nurse before branching out into a career in psychology. Clinical Psych; MAPS and provides all general psychology services including Adult, Youth & Child Mental Health including Autism Spectrum Disorders & ADHD, Family Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy & Mindfulness. Her special Interests include Eating Disorders, Developmental Disorders in children and Anxiety and Depression Management. PATRICIA JOHNSON
Trish has lived in North Queensland for over 35 years and has an equal amount of years in experience in general psychology and counselling. Trish holds a BA Hon (Psych); MAPS and provides all general psychology including Relationship and Marital Issues, Trauma Recovery, Mood Regulation for Anxiety and Depression. Her special interests include Marriage Counselling, PTSD, and Mood Management. LESLEY MAGIAN
Lesley has lived most of her life in FNQ and is a Registered Psychologist and a Registered Nurse. She has worked in Hospitals, Community Settings and the Aged Care Sector in both clinical and Management roles. Lesley has a B Psych (Hons) and has been working in private practice since 2006. Her approach is eclectic and draws from a range of outcome focused and evidence based therapies. Lesley's special interests include health related psychology, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, grief, stress and all types of relationship counselling. Her passion is working with clients to attain individual positive mental health. GREGORY TURNER
Greg was born and brought up in North Queensland and initially worked in the resource sector for 11 years in Weipa, Mt Isa, Victoria and PNG before studying and becoming a registered psychologist in 1999. Greg holds a B Applied Science (Psychology), a Grad Dip Applied Science (Psychology), and a Certificate in Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery from the Harvard Medical School and has been a Member of the Australian Psychological Society since 1999. He provides general psychology services for all psychological concerns with particular experience and interest in Adjustment issues, Anxiety, Depression, Pain Management and Trauma and Stress reactions. Greg adopts a practical solution focussed approach to counselling and utilises a range of therapy approaches in line with the uniqueness of the person, their personal and social context and their issues of concern. PAULINE HIRSCHHORN
Pauline was born and brought up in the Netherlands. She studied psychology at the University of Leiden and graduated in 1990. She worked in various health sectors in the Netherlands before emigrating to Australia in 2013. Pauline has moved from Cairns to the Tablelands in 2022. Pauline's special interests include adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss. She works with both adults and the elderly and EMDR is one of her preferred ways of working. Sessions can also be delivered in Dutch. KERRI HOBSON
Kerri is a registered General Psychologist, Board Approved Supervisor and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Kerri has been working within the field of psychology for over 20 years, in community organisations and for service providers across the Tablelands, Cairns and in our more remote communities. She has extensive experience working with adolescent and adult clients who have been impacted by issues such as sexual assault and abuse, traumatic experiences, chronic health conditions, grief and loss, mood disorders, and other mental health difficulties. Kerri works from a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, tailoring evidence-based therapy to her clients' needs. She is interested in diversity, trauma, health psychology and wellbeing. Kerrir provides supervision for provisionally registered psychologists and other service providers. SIMONE KARAN
Simone has lived in North Queensland for the last 20 years and is a keen swimmer and sports enthusiast. When living in Brisbane, Melbourne and Townsville Simone worked in the health sector as a microbiologist, then after moving to the Atherton Tablelands she worked in education support and studied psychology. Simone holds a B Psych (Hons); AMAPS and provides general psychology services for adults with Grief and Loss, Adjustment issues, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Stress Reactions. Simone applies a compassionate, client-centred approach and utilises a range of evidence-based therapies to suit the individual and their presentation eg., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy & Mindfulness. FEES AND REBATES
At ACT Psychology, you are welcome to consult with one of our psychologists without referral at any time. However, please note that with a relevant GP referral in place you are eligible to receive the maximum available Medicare rebate. MEDICARE
The MHCP will enable you to receive a significant rebate off your fee. To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, you will need to be issued with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) by your treating practitioner. Your GP will assess your eligibility prior to your initial consultation with a treating psychologist. If eligible, your GP will prepare a MHCP referral. A MHCP permits individuals to access rebates for a maximum of ten sessions of both individual and group therapy sessions, per calendar year. Please Note: It is not necessary to obtain a referral from your treating practitioner to access psychological services. PRIVATE HEALTH FUND
Each Private Health Care Fund differs in terms of accessible rebates for psychological treatment. Please contact your provider to discuss what entitlements, if any, are available to you. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides support to their staff in the form of a number of free sessions per year with a psychologist. We are able to provide this service for most businesses and Government Departments in our area. To determine if you are eligible for this service please contact the Human Resources Department with your employer and follow their procedure to make an appointment with us.
